A pet can be a best friend and a comfort for people experiencing homelessness. Hope 4 Hounds helps keep them healthy.
For homeless individuals in San Antonio, a dog can be a best friend, a protector, a comfort and a responsibility.Sitting on the sidewalk off Chestnut Street in downtown San Antonio, Sandra Harp is holding her chihuahua’s head in her hands and ruffling his ears. Half of his little brown body is in a dog carrier, the other half is poking out, sniffing the air and growling at strangers. When he barks at a passerby, Harp snorts. Her dog thinks he’s a big, tough guy.
With the aid of several partners in homeless services, Hope 4 Hounds hosts free vet clinics downtown every three months. Services include everything from rabies shots to heartworm medication to bandaging an injured paw. So when Harp saw the bigger dog’s bite had left a hole in Bandit’s belly, she had to make a tough decision. Should she call the sick and injured line at Animal Care Services, which would mean giving Bandit up to the city, or keep him — an option that would most likely kill him.“When you own a dog like Bandit, you can’t just think about yourself anymore,” Harp said. “You have an animal who depends on you, loves you, trusts you. You have to do right by them.
“The misconception is that individuals in the homeless community don’t care for themselves or others, but the truth is these dogs they bring are so cared for and loved,” said Jill Powell, 53. “I have seen dogs in much worse condition who live in homes with owners.” Along with Hope 4 Hounds, the city has a spay and neuter clinic near Brackenridge Park that offers low cost or free vet services. Residents can also receive care at San Antonio Wellness Spay and Neuter clinic and SNIPSA, where dogs are rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed.
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