Dog News

Homeless Man’s Pleas to Help His Dog Are Answered

by Melanie

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Timothy Lucas of West Lafayette, Indiana is currently homeless, but wasn’t thinking much about his own plight.  As the weather gets colder, he’s been fretting about his beloved dog, Moe, who isn’t welcome at the shelter.  But thanks to a public plea for help, now both are getting a home.

Lucas had been homeless for about two weeks and was offered a place at the Lafayette Transitional Housing Center.  However, he was torn about accepting it, because they wouldn’t allow Moe to come with him.  He begged the community for help so he could spend the winter turning his life around.

“I was afraid that Moe wasn’t going to have a home this winter,” said Lucas.

He made his plea public when he spoke to News 18, and the community responded.  His caseworker’s voicemail box was filled twice with hundreds of messages, and they were flooded with over a thousand emails.

 

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“I’m overwhelmed,” said Lucas. “The love and care was exhibited across the country around the world.”

He says he’s had help offers from as far as the UK!  Lucas plans to respond to everyone, but it will take some time.

“If I’m taking too long to get back to you, don’t feel left out,” he explained. “There’s just such a volume of responses, and I’m trying to find work and everything at the same time.”

He has yet to accept a job, but is mulling over the numerous offers.  But more importantly at the moment, he and Moe have a new place to stay.  An anonymous man in downtown Lafayette has taken in the lodgers.

“He has a small apartment, and he’s willing to let Moe and me stay there.”

 

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Lucas chose to stay in the area so once he can begin giving back to the community once he’s settled.

“I’d really like to help other homeless people not just people with animals, but anyone who doesn’t have shelter,” he said.

And it’s all because of the help given to him.  VCA Lafayette Animal Hospital is donating services for Moe, and others have donated money to provide for food and other expenses.

Lucas is touched by the kindness of all these strangers.

“And that’s what’s so amazing.  Nobody knows me really, but they reached out anyway.”

 

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