Anything Helps

This 'Brit' does not know what is a 'Panhandler' -- I;m sure we don't have them here, but what a great CAT !

Panhandlers are people who rather than pan for gold, pan for money in the way of handouts from passersby. The things that bugs me about them having pets are: 1. unable to look after themselves and 2. use the pets as a prop to gain sympathy and extra money. Very similar to the situation in some 3rd world countries I have traveled to where women would rent babies or young children to sit with them while they beg. The sight of a young child brings in extra money.

The cat was pretty nervous at a busy street corner - over stimulated with all the sights and sounds. I just get really upset when I see its' expression and eyes, even though the guy was caring with it.

My wife and I are animal lovers. I have to give these folks the benefit of doubt. It could well be that the animal is their only source of love and companionship. We rarely give panhandlers money, but give them food, gift certificates for food and yes even pet food. The other side of the issue is the animals, they are probably are better off than being destroyed by a pound. With or without a pet it costs me little to help and I can't take it with me.

I find myself feeling guilty that I have more concern for the animals than their human vagrant companions. I think it’s because there is some choice involved for the humans -there is welfare support and drug/alcohol rehab but the poor animal doesn’t have a choice. There was a beggar I used to see who had a beautiful Alsatian dog. As an owner of many such dogs over the years I hated seeing the poor dog on the cold pavement in the bitter cold of Winter. I just wanted to take him home to my nice warm house but I did not feel such pity for his drunken master.

That's what I worry about Svenedin...I know the cat was just having a bad moment, with the noise and stuff of the corner. I just can't stand animals suffering like that. People can damn well look after themselves, but as you say animals often don't. I'll just have to assume the best and offer food for them if the occasion arises.

It’s pretty common here in Brazil. I mean, not “panhandlers” with pets, but we have homeless people that collect aluminum cans (that they sell to recyclers) and they often have animal companions, mostly dogs. I have seen some of these people sharing their own food with their pets (leftovers). The dogs won’t let you get close to their owners when they’re sleeping on the streets. I can’t express it, but I think it’s a very positive relationship and their dogs seem to be their best friends, really.

I've seen that sort of thing, too. It's complicated...