AS they looked up at their owners with love you could see the bond a group of homeless people have with their pets.
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It was so heartwarming to see the way the dogs looked at their owners with such compassion and understanding.
They provide their owners with unconditional love and don’t care that they don’t have a regular home to live in.
The pets and their owners recently attended a vet clinic day organised by the Shoalhaven Homeless Hub.
Owners were able to get their beloved pets a free health check and the event was a great success.
One homeless man said everyone had the right to own a pet.
He was at the clinic with his long-time companion Shadow.
Shadow provides him with friendship, love and a reason to get up each day to face the world.
“I would never hurt my dog,” he said.
In return the always loyal and faithful Shadow would never let anything harm her owner.
A happy look and a cuddle from Shadow, when things are bad, makes life better.
You could tell by looking at Shadow, and all the other pets, that these animals are cared for and loved.
“I make sure Shadow is always fed - even if I have to go without food,” Shadow’s proud owner said.
The event was supported by Berry Vet Clinic, Animal Welfare League NSW - Shoalhaven Branch and RSPCA Nowra Volunteer Branch.
Groups like Bomaderry Salt Ministries also helps homeless people look after their pets - as does the Animal Welfare League and RSPCA.
RSPCA give homeless animal owners support with its ‘Living Ruff’ program.
The RSPCA strongly believe in the mental, emotional and physical benefits of the relationships between people and pets.
For some homeless people, their pet is often the only positive thing in their lives and the idea of having to give up their pet can cause major distress to someone who is already suffering hardship.
RSPCA offers a range of community outreach services for homeless pets and their people to help them remain together while they get back on their feet, and to be as healthy and happy as they can be.
These include distributing food for pets through our charity partners, providing emergency boarding for pets, and access to veterinary services.
RSPCA also attend regular scheduled events to provide advice on animal health and welfare, distribute flea and worm treatments, and raise awareness of the services that are available.
In addition, the RSPCA lobbies for increased availability of crisis accommodation that includes pets.
For more information, please email livingruff@rspcansw.org.au or phone (02) 9782 4408.