A Man And His Dog

A young volunteer helping to put pet food into portable bags.

Like most major cities, Louisville has its share of homeless people. Many remain on the streets, even through some incredibly extreme weather, because homeless shelters don't accept pets. Since the pets are members of the family, those who are homeless won't abandon them. As a matter of fact, many make sure that their pets eat before they do. The pets, though, provide a reminder of humanity - remaining in and with their special friends, someone to think about when spirits sag, a confidante who won't reveal their sufferings or tell their secrets to anyone.

Within this city, there is also a special organization that helps homeless pet families called MY DOG EATS FIRST, a reminder of the spot in their family's heart that these special animals hold. Like most pets, of course, these animals need food and vet care, and that's where My Dog Eats First comes in. They provide easily-carried bags of pet food, all the same type and brand, so the animals don't have to get used to new pet foods all the time. They also provide veterinary assistance for spay-neutering, preventive care, and pet illnesses. The volunteers even go into the areas that homeless people frequent in order to bring the support even to those reluctant to seek it.



One day, the group found out that one of their homeless clients, Ricky, had contracted cancer and had a prognosis of only six months to live. He has a 12 year old best friend, named Buddy, about whom he was so worried that he checked out of the hospital early to make sure Buddy was all right. But the streets can be a harsh place for someone with terminal cancer, so those who knew Ricky were worried about him. That's when Tom Mabe, who contributes to Pranking It Forward, stepped in. But what he did wasn't a prank.

Through a GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN, Tom raised enough money to rent an apartment for Ricky and Buddy, obtained the furnishings to make the twosome comfortable, and handed over the keys to Ricky, who thought he was visiting Tom's apartment. Buddy approved of the arrangement by checking out the bed; he obviously had in mind that the bed was made for two. In fact, that campaign is still open, for anyone who would like to contribute.

Keeping people together with their pets, like My Dog Eats First, isn't easy either, and that group accepts interested volunteers; participates in the ResQwalk program, which only requires you to download its app and use it when you take your pet for a walk or run (in exchange for a donation to your selected organization); and donations of money and supplies (check their wishlist first).

Fundraiser and videographer, Tom Mabe (left) with Ricky (right) and Buddy in the new apartment.

Thanks to this article from Little Things: http://buddy.littlethings.com/homeless-dog-rescue-kindness-prank/?utm_source=LTcom&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=rescue; and information from the above links.

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