Hi, My Name is Rosy and I am pleased to meet you.

Have you been in these parts long? No? Me neither. I tend to move around, especially since I am homeless and in the Gold Coast area, where people who feed us get fined due to being provided for on public property. Thankfully, some friendly people let food vendors set up at permitted food licenced venues can be used, so community halls are hired. any other venue is unlawful.

Let me tell you my story. I am a dog, a chocolate Labrador in fact, and I am homeless. I am an omnivore but prefer meat. Although I don’t have many friends similar to me; however, I know I am loved by the pats and scruffs I get from my large family group.

My owner loves me more than anything. I eat before him. I am constantly attached to him. My owner was proactive in training me and never left me with anyone. He says I am the most important thing he has. I know that without him, I would be in an animal shelter or, as us dogs call it, “the cell”.

However, I have heard my owner talk about how much more interaction he has had with other people (humans) since he got me.  People constantly approach him to talk about me, “his girl”!

I am never neglected or mistreated. My homeless family don’t judge us like the rest.

We are also fortunate to meet Agape Outreach Inc as they sometimes have a vet on board to check me over, unfortunately, Agape Outreach hasn’t been able to find anyone willing to volunteer as a dog washer. Kind people also donate food for me, pity my owner doesn’t like pet food as I  am rather fond of it. Here I have my check-up, vaccination, flea check, deworming or even blood, and a follow-up if needed.

I can tell my owner feels needed, especially when I nudge his hand for a pat, and I know that I make him feel loved as much as he loves me. In winter, he lets me sit on his blanket while he sits on the cement, I know his bones must ache, but that’s the type of owner he is, the real kind.

I love my owner unconditionally, I don’t care if he hasn’t bathed; hasn’t brushed his teeth or his hair as long as he loves me and takes me wherever he goes. It is like a new adventure every day.

So, now you know, I hope to see you around, just call me my name and see if I answer (bark).

See ya.

 Footnote:

A large number of people are homeless. The addition of a pet, generally a dog, to their lives, gives them a sense of purpose. Pets serve as a constant reminder to the homeless of their importance. Having a pet instils a sense of belonging. They provide company, safety, and love, and they play an essential role in reducing suicides. They are a source of courage, strength, and affection for individuals trying to survive, as well as a lifeline for their owners.

According to studies, even the poorest people care for their dogs. When given food, the homeless refuse to consume it or insist on sharing it with their dogs.

It’s a common fallacy that homeless people can’t care for their pets. People suffering from homelessness love their pets and always find methods to provide for them.

One of the programs that Agape Outreach inc offer is a pet-friendly establishment. Many volunteers, including veterinarians, donate their services for no charge.

Pets assist individuals who have nothing materially to love, such as the homeless. Like all dog owners, this demographic receives unconditional, unwavering, and prejudice-free loyalty and adoration from their pets. According to studies, keeping a pet lowers the suicide rate and improves the mental health of the homeless. In this way, the dog and the owner have a symbiotic relationship. There is less anxiety because pets and humans spend all of their time together, which provides security for both. The homeless also feel safer since a dog will bark if its owner engages in hostile behaviour.

Having a pet can benefit homeless people’s mental health, as they often feel invisible to the rest of society. If they have a pet with them, people are significantly more likely to socialise and notice the homeless. Individuals who would never initiate or respond to a conversation with a human owner are not terrified of the dog, creating a unique way to meet someone else.

 Do you have some spare time? We would love to have you as one of our Volunteers