When a pet is a lifeline

When a pet is a lifeline


When you see a homeless person with a pet, do you feel conflicted? After all, pet ownership is a big responsibility in addition to being one of life’s pleasures.

You might step back and Preflect for a moment. How might you feel if you’d lost everything but the one buddy that remains loyal and nonjudgmental?

For the homeless, a beloved pet may be their only link to the rest of the world — or even to life itself. Pets can be protectors and offer warmth, companionship and solace. They might also provide a means by which their homeless owners reach out to others for friendship and help.

In some communities, veterinarians donate their time and medications to serve the pets of homeless citizens. The public can also help by donating pet food, toys and other supplies.

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