How does a homeless man with 11 dogs get from California to Indiana? Well, with the help of a bicycle, a cart and a large community of animal rescuers willing to lend a hand.
Steve, a homeless and elderly man lost it all, and even though he has nothing to call his own he never lost his will to help others in need, specially animals. This man has rescued 11 homeless dogs and there is nothing he wouldn’t do for his pets.
Without a roof over his head or a safe place for his four-legged friends, the homeless man reached out to friends for help. A friend in Indianapolis agreed to help Steve, but in order to get this help, Steve needed to find a way to get to Indianapolis.
Armed with a bicycle and cart, Steve packed up his dogs and planned to travel the more than 2,000 miles. It could have taken him weeks to get to the Midwest, but when a group of animal rescuers learned of Steve and his desire to get to Indiana, they stepped up to help.
Steve made to Memphis, Ariz., and there, Mickey Edrington and other rescuers arranged for Steve and his dogs to spend a few nights in a hotel while they figured out a way for the dogs and their owner to get to Indiana.
“There have been a few who don’t agree with what we’re doing,” read a note posted by rescuers. “They think we should ‘convince’ him to surrender them all [referring to the dogs]. Those that have the misconception that rescue is about tearing families like this apart need to step back and look at the big picture.”
Animal Advocate Kelly Seaton, volunteered to drive Steve from Memphis to Indiana, and with the help of other rescuers involved, Steve and his 11 dogs reached Indianapolis in less than a day.
Steve agreed to vaccinate, neuter and spay all his pet. All dogs will receive heart worm and flea medication once the family settles in the Midwest.
Local animal rescue group SOAR: Street Outreach Animal Response Initiative is working with the pet owner to make sure all dogs get a veterinary exam, and thanks to the donations made directly to the fundraising page all 11 dogs will get a full checkup.
“Once his pack is taken care of with their vetting, [Steve] has expressed interest in continuing to work with rescues to help him with strays he will undoubtedly continue to find,” said Seaton.
Even though Steve doesn’t have much of his own, his priority is focused on helping homeless dogs.
To learn more about Steve and the dogs visit SOAR: Street Outreach Animal Response Initiative.
