This will be a little different, but, I feel it's necessary.

[Senior4merEverything]

I have an acquaintance whom I met through an anxiety group I used to belong to. This person has an impressive mind, and she is imaginative and bright.

She's unhoused and has been for quite a bit of her life, her circumstances are by no means, new to her. I feel conflicted about how I think about her. I want to feel sorry for her, but she tells me she's happy with her life, so I never say that she might want to find a way to change her circumstances. After all, I wouldn't appreciate someone telling me anything like that.

My issue with her lifestyle: she has a dog with her. The dog lives its life, in the car. This bothers me because my acquaintance feels that the dog is happy living this way.

Recently I met both of them, and I can tell you the dog is less than happy with the deal!

I can't help but feel sorry for the pooch, it truly needs to be outside more than it gets to be now.

I know from experiences with my own rescued pets, that normalcy can come in many forms, but, I doubt that living in a car, being left for hours, alone, while the owner takes care of whatever business needs to be taken care of, cannot be a good thing for its mental health.

Any professionals or others, who have feelings on this?

I added this post because I'm stressed to see the dog in this state. I have a traumatized pet of my own, so I'm not in a position to allow the dog to spend any time inside my home.

Oh, I left out that this acquaintance? She showed up without mentioning it beforehand. Strange things keep happening in this, the oddest and most stressful year of my life.

I'm Perplexed and concerned.

[chloe40 Administrator]

Hello Senior4merEverything

This is very distressing for you and I totally understand your concerns.

In the UK we have animal Charities we can contact in cases such as this but I see you are in the US; would you have such a thing there? if only for a chat.

Chloe

[Senior4merEverything in reply to chloe40]

I'm checking on that now. Thank you, for the response and the information.

[Amiwrong]

gosh, this is tough. I understand that perhaps having a companion probably really helps this person, but if it’s impacting an animal in a negative way it’s not ok, no matter what your circumstances. There’s a homeless gentleman near where I live with a cute little pup and the dog is well taken care of. The dog gets walks, but also has a stroller. Next to the box asking for change there’s a sign asking for dog food. The dog looks happy and healthy and this gentleman loves it to death. This is a situation where you wish neither were on the streets, but in exchange for what the dog brings to this man’s life, he is cared for.

If hope you can get some helpful advice from professionals.