Last month, on my way to work each day, I would see a homeless man and his dog on the corner of Thunderbird and 7th Street with a sign saying “Social Security is not enough”. After seeing him each day I decided to stop and talk with him to find out his story.
He told me his name is Richard and his dog is Angel. I, being a rescue dog owner of three dogs, was drawn to him by Angel. He told me he has advanced neuropathy in his legs, loss of teeth and memory lapse all due to exposure to mercury vapor while at his place of employment for the past decade.
I brought food for both him and his dog. After talking with him I sensed that he was a good guy and not a scammer. He just fell on hard times and needs someone to give him a helping hand. Both he and Angel looked miserable since it was very cold. They both were dirty and in need of a shower. I found him a hotel room for the night and drove him there. He cried when I got him to the hotel room. I told him all was good, to get a shower, bathe the dog and be ready for the next day.
I picked Richard and Angel up the next morning to visit social services to get shelter. We went downtown to Jackson Street where the homeless center is located. It was shocking to see hundreds of homeless people and pets camped out around the facility. We found our way there and got into the office only to be turned away due to the fact that Angel did not have proof of all her shots. We left there and headed back to central phoenix. We tried a weekly apartment complex. He had money to pay but the manager turned us away saying his dog was not allowed. She was too big. This was not true since we heard a large dog barking in one of the apartments. She just did not like the way he looked, homeless.
I took him to his medical appointments and then back to Sunnyslope where he camps out, back on the street once again. I told him I would continue to help him and Angel get back on their feet.
I contacted my veterinarian, Dr. Cook, at Lookout Mountain Vet Clinic in Moon Valley. I asked if he could donate spay and shots for Angel. He offered to do microchip ID, all shots, and spay for just $100, his cost. I then needed to find a place for Angel to recover from her surgery. I contacted Second Home Pet Resort also in Moon Valley. Jordan, the director, offered a week stay and bath for free. Both places deserve a big thank you for their kindness.
During my weekly visits with Richard at his “work corner” I was amazed and pleased by the outpouring of support from drivers stopping to help. Angel was supplied with bags of food, treats and doggie vests to keep warm. Richard got money, food, gift cards and clothes. It was nice to see that there still is some compassion in our world these days.
Halo Animal Rescue Thrift store had a customer buy a brand new dog vest from PetSmart. Angel loved wearing it. Michelle, at the Halo store, has offered to help furnish a place once Richard is settled. The outpouring continues. Everyone to whom I tell the story offers to help.
I am now working on finding Richard a new home, either an affordable guest house, trailer park home, or apartment so that he can once again feel good about himself and look forward to each day once again. So you see, angels come to us in the most unexpected ways. Angel, his dog and companion for her three years of life, beckoned me to approach them. Her eyes said please help us. She truly is his guardian angel.
I have learned a lot from my befriending Richard and Angel. I found parts of me that were buried deep inside. The joy I feel in helping them is so rewarding. The fact that I can make someone's or an animal's life better makes it all worth doing.
I now am so thankful that I have our home, my partner David of 17 years and my career at the Gift Shop at beatitudes campus to support us. God has blessed my life. He has given me the means to help others. Giving and sharing is what life is all about. So, thank you to a very special dog named Angel. *
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