Homelessness is an issue that affects people all around the globe. In Los Angeles County alone, there are around 58,000 of them, and 20% of those individuals have a pet. That’s 11,600 pets.
We’ve talked before about how having pets can help the homeless feel safer and cope better with the situations that they’re in. In many of these cases, these pet parents are more likely to ensure that their pets are fed enough as opposed to themselves, and this selfless act is equal parts touching and saddening.
The cost of veterinary care means that little to none of these pets have ever received medical attention or been checked up by a vet. So one fine day, a group of veterinarians and technicians stepped forward to volunteer and set up a pop-up clinic in downtown Los Angeles at the Frank Rice Access Center. These vets offered their services to homeless pups entirely free of charge.
One man by the name of Edward Irvine who came to the clinic brought his three pups Apollo, Cherry, and Precious in tow. He told ABC 7 that these pups help to keep him calm and give him support through hard times. The responsibility also gives him motivation, and he could not imagine living without these pups in his life.
Some posit that they would not have survived out on the streets for as long as they have without their pets. It is clear that these pups play a big role in their Mommies and Daddies lives, just as they do for those who have homes. Do like and share!