Homeless People and Their Pets
April 2, 2010 by Kathy McManus
In San Francisco, a man rescued a cat he thought was neglected and in need. He later returned her to her homeless owner. But did he do the right thing?
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Tom Neville, a management assistant for a hotel chain, saw the desperate-looking cat tied up under a freeway overpass, with no owner in sight and dogs nearby. Neville took the pug-nosed Himalayan to his office and fed her. As he later told the Chronicle, the cat’s hair was matted, and she had fleas and sores. After a few weeks under Neville’s care, the animal was thriving.
Meanwhile, a homeless man named Daniel Harlan told police that his cat, Samantha, had been stolen. He’d left her tied to a leash while going to buy food, he said. The Chronicle ran a picture of the missing feline, and when Neville saw it, he was torn. “He believed he’d given the cat a new lease on life,” the Chronicle reported. “He didn’t want to see the animal go back to the homeless life.”
“I wanted to do the right thing,” said Neville. He returned Samantha to her owner. Harlan wept at their reunion.
Many Chronicle readers were adamant that returning the cat was the wrong thing to do. “The cat is sentenced to a life of matted fur, open sores, and being tied in the rain,” wrote one. “The right thing for the homeless guy to do,” wrote another, “would have been to relinquish ownership to someone more ready, willing, and able to take care of the critter. Instead, he took the selfish route.” Another reader suggested taking up a collection “to buy the cat” back and return her to her rescuer. But one of the few readers to defend the homeless man wrote, “Cats don’t necessarily think of a place of residence as home. They’re at home with family, and that’s what (her owner) Daniel is to her: family.”
Tell us what you think: Was returning the cat to her owner the right thing to do? Is it irresponsible for homeless people to have pets?
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54 Comments
What do you think? Leave a comment
May 2, 2010 by Kelli
It was definitely wro ng of man to return cat to homeless man that cant take care of her! man should b jailed!
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May 26, 2010 by Dawn
NO the man should not be jailed. However I feel any animal just like children do deserve a safe and secure home. My question to the homeless man is this "why would you want something you love to live the same suffering life as you"
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June 7, 2010 by Jaz
Iknow I love animals I think the same thing I hear were ur comming from.
June 30, 2010 by rebeca rogers
amen
July 9, 2010 by Lin Morin
My question to you is, Who are you to decide is a person should live and die without someone or something to Love???? It is cruel tha we live in a world where we can pass judgement on the life of another with such ease.... I say to all of you who think you are so much better off,.. Put your money where your mouth is and hit the streets and Do Something!!!!
December 22, 2011 by suha
good question,and if he can't care for him self how he can care for his pet.
August 21, 2010 by animail lover
this is a bittersweet story. perhaps the cat is all the man had and the man was who the cat knew. I dont think it was wrong to return the cat back to the owner however if it were me I would be in contact with the homeless man and cat to see what i could do to help bioth of them,perhaps if both were helped neither would suffer i blame society for these kind of matters its our fault and this is America but we have the most homeless ppl in the wold what's wrong with this picture? there is NO brotherly love left thats what. god bless all three of them and i hope they are all blessed in some way soon
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May 8, 2010 by Solar
Please don't delete this post again. This issue is very personal to me.
Hi there. My name is Solar. I am a homeless traveler. I hitch-hike, hop freight trains, and sometimes just walk all across this great country of ours. It's the last great American adventure. I chose this lifestyle because I wanted to adventure, explore, and be more cultured. I am a talented sales person, and I imagine one day soon, I will find the perfect place to settle and build a life.
My 2 year old dog, Emma (border collie/australian shepherd mix), is happier than most dogs in houses I have seen. I put a leash on her when the law requires it, but outside of the city, she is free to roam; a freedom she never takes beyond my eyesight.
I am the alpha of her "pack", and she comes to my whistle without question. She knows it is my job to protect her from danger. In this pack, we scavange. She is rewarded for her finds. In this pack, we share, and she has learned from example to share as well.
My dog has a sense of purpose. All dogs, and especially herding dogs, need a sense of purpose, or they become depressed or destructive. Many times I see dogs tied up or fenced in someones yard, and sometimes locked inside of small city apartments while their owners commute to and from work. Is this a better life for a dog? My dog hunts, protects her pack, and finds useful things for her masters. My dog eats before I do, though as far as she knows, we are depending on eachother for survival.
I found Emma on the side of the interstate. She had a collar and tag. She was already named. I called the owners, and they hung up on me. No doubt they left her there.
I have had to deal with this question regularly on my travels. One man tried to steal her from me. I witnessed it happen, but from my distance, I couldn't get there before he was gone with her. I put the word out to my "colleagues" that Emma was stolen. Later that same day, I was fetched back to a pet store, where a few homeless men were arguing with the man who had Emma. Her eyes lit up when she saw me. He insisted he was in the right, because we were homeless and couldn't care for her. I get compliments on how well cared for she is all the time!!! He had bought her a collar while at the pet store, and I pointed out to him that the one she had on was genuine leather. It cost me $59. The one he bought her cost $12. After several insults from the man, I had to take Emma back by force, and when it became physical, Emma nearly bit him. She had chosen her side.
Vets work with me. I have taken her in every 12 weeks (though to a different vet each time). Getting her fixed, and all of her shots cost me $50, which I gladly forked over. At any given point, I have up to 25 lbs of dog food in my pack. More than half of my bags weight is for her food. This is typical of travelers with pets.
I have met the man in question in this article while in San Francisco. The cat was well taken care of, minus some poor grooming, and she would have missed her owner dearly.
Here are a few more questions to ask ourselves...
If a dog runs away from their owners because it isn't happy, does it get returned simply because it looks well cared for?
Does buying a dog make it yours? Do you own it?
Countless harmless dogs are taken off of the street, simply because they are strays. A shocking percentage of them die in pounds. Nobody seems to care about their well-being then. Isn't this our problem?
If a homeless pet is then adopted by a homeless man, why does everyone then care about its well-being? Because the man who fed and loved it happened to be a little filthy? Isn't it better off than abandoned on the side of the road?
Simply put, animals and humans have been homeless together since before civilization. It is a bond that far outdates law. It should be beyond the reach of law. Neglected and homeless are NOT the same thing.
Thanks for reading :)
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May 25, 2010 by kelly
Solar, I think you are extraordinary in finding vet care and meeting all the needs of Emma. I think the issue lies in the fact that some homeless people cannot even take care of themselves, let alone have an animal dependent on them. Home is a state of being, not necessarily a dwelling. Many animals are very loyal to their owners and do not realize that they could "have it better" living in a mansion in L.A. What about all the people who have homes and pets, but never bother to look at them or, worse, abuse them? You have to be a special and devoted person to take in and provide for a pet. It sounds like you are a better pet owner than many people I've met in my 18 year career as a veterinary technician.
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May 26, 2010 by Dawn
If you are homeless and taking care of your dog how did you get the internet to place this post?
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May 27, 2010 by Paul
Librarys have them for free.
May 27, 2010 by Paul
I think I would have let the homeless man pick up the cat from the office whenever he needed the cat (maybe to cuddle with at night or lay in the sun durring the day). Then if the homeless man needed to go get groceries, let him leave the cat at the office for a while. Animals love fresh outdoor air (right Solar ??) Maybe the homeless man needs the cat to stay overnite at the office and he can get him tomorrow. Animals are proven to build up morale in workplaces. Maybe the office owner can take the cat to the vet every so often. I know, "You can't have homeless people hanging around your officepicking up their pets." Maybe society needs to be more comfortable with having the homeless hanging around. AND THEIR PETS !!! I was homeless for a year when I got sick and lost my life to doctor's bills. My homeless brothers wouldn't let me use the word "Homeless." Why ??? Because home is where the heart is. Especially for an animal (right Solar ??). I did dog walking for rich people and they paid me. My better-off friends loved letting me borrow their pets. My name is Paul and I wish someone would refer to "The homeless man" by his name. Does he have a name ?? !! He's a person too with rights to own a pet !!! Let's help him do that. The cat is all the man has. Blessing to all. - Paul
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May 27, 2010 by Paul
Ooops, I see in the article that the homeless man's name is Danial Harlan. Sorry everyone.-Paul
June 10, 2010 by anna
I agree with this person. I have seen homeless people give there food to the pet. They have nothing and give all there love to the dog or cat that travels with them. I think human societies should offer free medical and meds. The animal is safe as long as it is provided with food and shelter. And shelter can be a cozy spot undersome's coat.
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June 13, 2010 by Lani
When making the commute to and from my place of employment, I often have the opportunity to come into contact with the "people at the corner." I live just west of one of the poorest communities in Houston and it's not unusual when each major intersection is a place of employment for someone.
It's true, some take of these souls take advantage of the people who just want to help. I have seen them walk to their vehicle after a hard days work. Those people are the exception, not the rule.
My point is, several of the "people at the corner" have dogs, (I have yet to see a cat) think their owner is the best thing since sliced bread. The dog is taken care of far better then the owner and certainly not abused. This animal is what keeps him/her going and experiencing what we all want, unconditional love. For those who believe that animal is being neglected, take an inexpensive bag of dog and give it to the next homeless owner you see.
In all likelihood the dog would be euthanized not adopted. In Houston 80% of animals in shelters are put down. I cry when I hear about a rescue involving animals. The last one I heard about was the rescuing of over 1000 animals from ONE owner.
Instead of the criticizing why not help?
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August 21, 2010 by animail lover
Wow awesome man!! i wish ppl cared more for their animals like you. i currently have a cat that roams in and out its not mine . someone threw her out when i found her owners they said they dont want her. I am in hopes that Monday morning she will still be here with me and close to my door . I have her a home where she is free to roam and play. I have a landlord that will put her down if he sees her. kid of heartless isnt it? a rather wealthy man has money to help them out with homes as well. but then i see a homeless man like you with the free spirit and i am happy YOU gave her a new start of life not the ones that have a cozy home . if it were them she wouldnt be loved ,fed, or even alive if it weer there choice they should be jailed or thrown out for the rest of their lives and see how it feels. thank you for loving Emma I do love this little whiskers here too. I think ill take your advice and give her to someone that lets her roam . with a farm housing and a good vet to care for her. I have a small apt and thats all I admire you and someady if i see a man with a dog named Emma on the streets . im going to buy that man his dinner along with Emma . bless you always
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May 10, 2011 by emily
If Solars story is true, then God bless him and people like him. We owe all animals so much more then they ask for. I live on a limited income, however my cats have all I can give them. They are all fixed and always have plenty of food. Think of all the people who can afford the best for their animals but think only of themselves. Don't judge those you don't know.
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May 10, 2011 by travis
:) good story i couldint stop reading and ur right homless and neglet are 2 diff things
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May 12, 2010 by Caitlin
I believe that Tom did the right thing for returning the cat to her owner. Just because Daniel is homeless does not mean he cannot take care of his cat. A cat doesn't need a home, it just needs a caretaker. Someone to look after her and care for her. Pets give people an unconditional love that know one else can and I am sure that everyone who has a pet has experienced this. No one homeless or not would want their pet taken away from them and if it was to happen you would want the animal returned to you.
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May 13, 2010 by Shay
To be honest, nothing else should matter at this point but the well being of a cat, who's life could be bettered by another person. If the owner of he cat loved it so much, then he shouldn't have a problem with it. I'm sure that he'd be sad and lonely, but then he'd realize it was for a life for the cat.
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May 17, 2010 by Andi
I think it was best that the guy returned the cat to the homeless man. Everyone even pets want to be loved and have a family. That is what the kitten had. Alot of animals do not and it is really sad.
The one thing I do believe is that there should be a place that homeless people can take their pets to get fixed and shots given. We have shelters that help the homeless animals why not help the homeless people w/their animals???
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May 18, 2010 by judy
I think homeless people should be able to have pets,I have seen alot of dog's with homeless people and they look very healthy and they seem to love there owner's.It is no different than someone with a home and job that end's up finding there pet another home because they don't want them anymore!
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May 27, 2010 by Paul
Ok, let's say I'm Tom Neville (office guy). It will cost $ for food, litter, litterbox, leash, toys, shots, check-ups, maybe a cat bed or water dispencer, and so-on. Why not go pick up the homeless guy and drive him to the vet's with his cat. Fit the bill for the vet, then take the homeless guy back under the bridge where he lives. It's called sponsering a homeless man AND his cat !! Blessings everyone-Paul
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June 1, 2010 by Pete
In England it is common and acceptable for homeless to have dogs. In fact, they are often better cared for than people who work 12 hours a day and neglect their animals. So back off. Pets are about love. Shouldn't the homeless and mentally ill have the opportunity to share life with another. In fact, suicide rates decrease for dog owners and it reduces measurable levels of stress in pet owners. All of you who have never been homeless will never know the feeling of being completely helpless and alone. You are terribly classist and have no compassion for those who are down on thier luck or lost in a sea of despair. These animals are pack animals and bond to their loving care givers whether you are rich, poor, ugly, or socially awkward. Some people should never have pets but don't just discount someone and treat them as less than human if you don't know the full story. YOU should be jailed or perhaps you are already in a prison of your own false convictions. Learn something about others before you judge.
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June 2, 2010 by sherry deleon
I have been homeless myself. Iv'e seen my share of "us" with pets. My perseral feeling is if you love animals, please, please don't force them to that lifestyle. It's hard enough for the people to feed themselves. Food and money for food each day is NOT consistant, I understand the need to be loved by a pet, but having them with you on the streets isn't love!
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June 11, 2010 by Sbayphilly
When we first lost our home 5 years ago we gave up our pets, horses, dogs and cat to rescues and shelters, some were put to sleep. I let social workers dictate my actions, my 4 kids were seperated and endured emotional abuse. We got back together after 18 months and have lived at a motel for 3 1/2 years along with our two pitbulls. We saved them from certain death 3 years ago, they are well cared for,trained, socialized and spayed. I give them all their routine shots, worm them, trim nails and provide any vet care that is routine or only basic (I am a nurse and have worked as a vet tech.) We will be having to leave the motel this weekend as I no longer have a job and have not been able to get one in the 5 weeks I have been unemployed. We are looking for a safe place to camp, so we can all stay together. Shelter beds are scarce and there is no place we can go with the dogs. My van was reposessed 13 days ago to make things worse but we want to stay together. I am facing social workers and public opinion that all says I am wrong, but the dogs Dee and Ginger are a part of us and the only source of hope and constant love we have had for 3 years. Without them we would all be lost and devasted.
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June 25, 2010 by Lynn Abid
I see a homeless man that stays around the gas station where I live, he has a dog with one eye sewn shut. The first time I saw him, I drove home and put dog food in a zip lock and brought cool water (it was warm that day) along with a plastic bowl. Now about every 3 days I do the same. Occasionaly if I can I toss in a few $ bills, I don't know if it is the right thing to do, but I sleep much better at night knowning that I have helped this dog, just a bit.
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June 26, 2010 by Angel
I think it is wonderful a homeless person and dog found each other.
It certainly can keep a person living with hope to have a dog or cat that loves them and makes sure they are fed and cared for. I think it is an awesome idea and great therapy for this kind of a match to happen and I agree that the dog may get better care than some well established owners.
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June 27, 2010 by CAR
I am NOT a homeless person, am poor but rich in other ways. I go out at night to feed the homeless cats ( although some may have homes) Also feed the pigions and birds. I can not afford this but do it anyways. I have a roof and pets, what's the difference if someone is homeless and takes good care of their pet. As long as that pet is NOT suffering. My point is i have a roof but can NOT afford my pets, spend money and credit cards to take care of them. I could be one foot away from homelessness.. well. In a perfect world the dog or cat could all have nice homes, but this is NOT a perfect world..
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