Street Dog Coalition ensures homeless individuals aren’t forced to choose between their pets and their safety

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – While many homeless individuals found refuge in shelters and warming centers, they had to leave their four-legged friends with others.

The Street Dog Coalition of Topeka works throughout the year to ensure the pets of homeless individuals are treated or boarded in times of need. A need that skyrockets in winter, with the coalition taking responsibility for around 40 dogs during this last round of frigid weather.

Before the coalition’s establishment, some owners would turn their dogs into a shelter or take the risk to stay with them.

“You never know, are they coming home?' SDC volunteer and Valeo homeless case manager Kelly Kendall explained. ”Can you get them out? You have no money. The worries, and the anxieties, go up. They don’t have to do that anymore.”

In many circumstances, those animals are an emotional support system and the only thing they have left.

The coalition knows that and wants to ensure they don’t have to choose.

“They care about these guys more than they care about themselves the majority of the time,” Kendall said.

So, the group places the pups into foster homes throughout the community or various vet clinics able to care for ones with extra needs.

Teaming up with the coalition was an easy “Yes” for Stone House Animal Hospital.

“I’m standing here right now clothed, have a coat, you know a car to get into, but who’s to say that couldn’t change tomorrow morning, and then I would hope someone would help me out,” practice manager Tish Cowen said.

The coalition’s efforts have even helped the city’s mental health organizations break through with individuals less keen to seek help.

“They would not engage in any services whatsoever and because of Street Dog, they’re now talking,” Kendall said. “They’re now asking what can I do to better myself because you cared for my animal and I notice you care for me also.”

As a non-profit organization, SDC is always in need of monetary donations, volunteers, and veterinarians willing to offer care.

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