Meet Clyde. Clyde is a 16-year-old Collie cross. I met Clyde in Knightsbridge today. Knightsbridge is the home of Harrods, the world's most famous luxury department store and the streets are filled well-heeled shoppers as expensive cars whizz by every minute.
It was in the hustle and bustle of the busy pavement near Harrods, where Clyde and his owner were sitting on the street together; his owner a homeless man begging for money, Clyde snuggled up in his lap. I started talking to Clyde's owner, and as Clyde looked a bit under the weather, I asked about his health. It turns out Clyde is ill. He has a serious kidney condition, triggered by his age. He only just got treated for it at the RSPCA hospital, and with no home to go to, both him and his owner were out on the streets, fending for themselves.
Clyde was snuggly wrapped up in a blanket, clearly suffering, his eyes full of sadness, his owner trying to make him as comfortable as possible on a busy street. There is a lot of cynicism surrounding homeless men with dogs. Many say that they use the animals for profit, trying to get sympathy and elicit more money from the passers by, while disregarding the well-being of the animal. I would not be as quick to pass such judgment, as there are many people who abuse and profiteer from an unethical treatment of animals from the comfort of their own home, while in the life of people who have fallen on hard times, sleeping rough and trying to find shelter every night, their dog is often their only friend.
Moved by their plight, I extended an offer of money, and the owner declined. He started crying and this is when I fully appreciated how much the dog meant to him, and it was not about the money. They have been together for years, for better and for worse and with Clyde's health deteriorating, his owner could lose his closest friend. A friend who would never judge, always be there and offer this unconditional comfort and love that one so appreciates in having a dog.
Clyde was well enough to have a couple of treats, but did not want to be touched as it clearly caused him some discomfort. I must say that I left them with a heavy heart.
Dogs Trust, the formidable UK dog charity, runs a scheme for homeless people with dogs, helping them to find a place to stay, especially during Christmas and the winter months, which is not easy, as most hostels will not accept people with dogs. Please think of Clyde and his owner, and give generously.
