Letter to the Editor: Do we have better societal responses for pets than we do for humans?
Sunday, August 3, 2025
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I really cannot get over my astonishment regarding the article about the homeless couple and their eight puppies. The takeaway message I get is that we have better societal responses for pets than we do for humans. I know that wasn't the intention but I wonder why the couple apparently refused services for themselves; were they afraid of consequences to their stealing on behalf of their dogs?
Of course kudos to the officers' and Save-a-Mutt responses. I'd have been more impressed with the story, though, had there also been a Save-the-Homeless response as well. Even a referral to a shelter with social and employment services that accepts pets would have been a positive. But wow! They are left to grapple with being newly homeless, and unemployed. Not the happy ending I felt compelled to hope for from the title. I wonder if I'm the only one with this reaction?
Homelessness is so utterly complicated and intractable; but we've got to get better at solving it than providing for the pets and letting the humans fade away to the fate of the streets.
Linda Lovick
Former Seattle-Shoreline neighbor
Homelessness is so utterly complicated and intractable; but we've got to get better at solving it than providing for the pets and letting the humans fade away to the fate of the streets.
Linda Lovick
Former Seattle-Shoreline neighbor
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3 comments:
As this letter noted, the homeless couple refused services for themselves.
King County is extremely generous in providing housing and other social services to homeless people who choose to accept these services. The problem is not that services are not available, but that we have excessive tolerance toward the people who refuse those services.
It is not acceptable to steal from businesses. It is not acceptable to camp in greenbelts. It is not acceptable to refuse treatment for drug addiction and poor mental health. But we refuse as a region to tell people that they need to choose to either accept services, leave the area, or be prosecuted for their crimes. Because of our excessive tolerance, we attract people from all over the country who seek to shirk accountability for their antisocial behavior.
I also wondered and am concerned about the couple (out of work and homeless). I hope my assumption that they received some help is on point. They must be hungry, too, not to mention terribly frightened and in need of support and care.
They clearly did not want "saving". The takeaway is that some people do not want services. They were offered and rejected.
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