A dog is truly man’s best friend.
A dog is a perfect companion because its love is unconditional. They will follow their human anywhere and make even the hardest situations tolerable. For Donald Dickerson and his beloved dog, Dude, this is absolutely true. Donald is homeless…but he is not alone.
Turned away by shelters.
Knowing that a shelter is the best place for both of them, Donald tried many times to find a place to stay. However, every place he found would not allow dogs. Their only option was to live in the woods near a campsite. “I could’ve already had a place to live, but they wanted me to foster my dog and I’m not doing that.” – Donald told Fox 8
“I know I am loved.”
Donald refuses to leave his trusty companion so he has chosen to stay on the streets. “Every day he looks at me and I know I am loved. And I named him Dude because he’s my dude.” – Donald told Fox 8
His knee surgery was postponed.
Not only is Donald homeless but he also suffers from a painful swollen knee. Doctors have told him that they can’t operate until he finds a place to stay. The surgery is a partial knee replacement and would require Donald to have some type of residence where care can be administered. However, getting rid of Dude was not an option.
“I cannot give him up…if I have to be homeless and go without my surgery and continue to go through the pain I will do that because I will not leave him.” – Donald told Fox 8
One special person notices Donald.
On her way to work each morning, Lane Miller noticed Donald and his dog on the side of the road. His situation was always on her mind and she had to see what she could do to help. “I’ve been seeing this gentleman…almost for the past year…I could see a smile through the mask. That’s probably what did it for me.” – Lane Miller told Fox 8. Lane was able to strike up a friendship with Donald and wanted to offer help.
“It takes that special individual because they care more about someone else more than they care about themselves.” – Lane Miller told Fox 8.
Miller started to reach out to organizations and agencies in an attempt to get Donald some help. She ran into the same hurdles when shelters refused to take Dude. However, she isn’t giving up. Donald is grateful for her friendship. “I appreciate you just seeing me as a human being and not just a homeless person.” – Donald told Fox 8.
If you have a dog you’re never alone.
“If it wasn’t for him..honestly…I would have given up.” Donald told Fox 8. It is understandable that Donald wants to remain close to his dog. They have been there for each other during the hardest of times. Hopefully, with the help of Lane and other kind individuals, Donald and Dude can finally find a place to call home.
The National Coalition for the Homeless helps people just like Donald.
According to the website, the National Coalition for the Homeless works to improve the lives of homeless people in America. Their CARE program encourages people to get involved
C – Contribute (food drives, money, etc.,)
A – Advocate
R – Reach Out (volunteering)
E – Educate
Now watch this inspiring video about Donald and his best pal, Dude.
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