My dog always eats first
Subtitle: homeless people and their animals
By: Leslie Irvine
Publisher: Lynne Rienner Publishers
Published: 2013
Place of publication: Boulder, Colo
Language: eng
Number of pages: 197
ISBN-13: 9781588268884; 9781626373907
Subjects: Homeless persons; Human-animal relationships; Animal welfare
Description: A weary-looking man stands at an intersection, backpack at his feet. Curled up nearby is a mixed-breed dog, unfazed by the passing traffic. The man holds a sign that reads 'Two old dogs need help. God bless.' What's happening here? Leslie Irvine breaks new ground in the study of homelessness by investigating the frequently noticed, yet underexplored, role that animals play in the lives of homeless people. Irvine conducted interviews on street corners, in shelters, even at highway underpasses, to provide insights into the benefits and liabilities that animals have for the homeless. She also weighs the perspectives of social service workers, veterinarians, and local communities. Her work provides a new way of looking at both the meaning of animal companionship and the concept of home itself.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 173-189) and index.
Table of contents: title: A good life for a dog?; title: Accessing homeless pet owners; title: Confrontations and donations; title: Friend and family; title: The pack of two; title: Protectors; title: Lifechangers and lifesavers; title: Implications for research and policy.