For many of us, our four-legged friends are part of the family. However, for those who find themselves street homeless, they often face the prospect of not only dealing with the trauma of street homelessness but also having their only companion taken away from them as services will not accommodate pets. Not at The Passage!
This winter, our staff have truly demonstrated The Passage values by providing some emergency care and accommodation (and treats!) for three beautiful Basset Hounds: Lorna, Isla and Monsieur Heuvre.
Their owner, a person who had worked all their life only to find themselves suddenly street homeless with nothing but the belongings they carried and their beloved dogs, had recently started accessing our Resource Centre, to get help off the streets. Unfortunately, so soon after joining us, they were rushed into hospital via ambulance while using our day services and were forced to leave their three dogs at our centre.
When it was confirmed that the client would need to be admitted to hospital, alternative arrangements for the dogs were sought, but nothing could be arranged that same day.
And so, in true Passage style, a little kindness and compassion – and some practical hands-on hard work – kicked in over the ensuing few days, with our teams making sure that the dogs were fed and walked and once the centre was closed in the afternoons, that a space was set up for them in a quiet area with blankets, treats and water bowls.
The wonderful Montfort House accommodation team, located in the same building, checked in on our three furry guests through the nights, and the Resource Centre Team came in early to clear up the space, feed and walk the dogs, and then set up for usual service.
The dogs were clearly nervous and unsettled at first, but over time they started to relax and interact happily with the team, understanding that they were safe and in very good hands!
Our staff worked tirelessly over the rest of the week and eventually sourced more suitable accommodation while their owner recovered, and eventually we were able to arrange for Isla, Lorna and Monsieur Heuvre to be moved to foster kennels.
Once their owner is discharged from hospital, we will work with them to begin the road to recovery as they put their life back together, off the streets and back into society. But thanks to our amazing frontline staff, they will not be making that journey alone; not just with us by their side, but with three furry friends and companions too.