Homeless people and the dogs that walk beside them

Have you ever wondered why so many homeless people seem to always have a dog in tow with them?

I love animals, I am one who does take up for those that can't speak for themselves. I have rescue cats, and I love them, but mostly I've raised dogs my entire life and seem to feel whole by their virtues. So, once you ponder my question above, just because someone is homeless, doesn't mean they are devoid of feeling. I'm guessing just the contrary - they most likely feel "whole" again and "safe" just by having their dog ..... and someone wise once said: "the best psychiatrist in the world is a puppy licking your face." Because I'm so intuned with animals and the respect they deserve to receive in this world, I notice homeless people wherever I go and their dogs in tow, and I always wondered why they would do this, even though most of the time they can't even feed themselves?

With that said, I would love with a passion deep inside to answer this question and document it along the way. Actually go to different parts of the country, as a starter since it's a culture I know, and photograph the people and their pets as they live out their days on the streets, in shelters, camping, etc. And talk to them, not as a judgemental individual making predetermined statements about what they're doing, but as a person that loves animals above all and wants to find out their story on life with their pet. I am actually starting out with the notion that this pet is the most important part of the person's life, and somehow it gives them the dignity to believe they are responsible for a life, and the quality of treatment and humaneness is of the utmost - that's truly what I believe. There's just a lot of questions beyond that that loom in my mind, and if I could be given this opportunity to go on this journey and be funded for it, I know the answers would help many. I hope you see it that way too and will help me acheive it. Thank you for this chance.

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