Houston Humane Society Joins Forces with HOT Team to Vet Homeless Companion Dogs

Story& Photos by Patricia Hudson

The Houston Humane Society and the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homeless Outreach Team, (HOT), deputies collaborated recently to provide veterinarian services to the canine companions of the homeless in Cy-Fair. Merry Thomas, Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ Homeless Outreach Specialist, transported dogs and their owners to Cy-Fair Helping Hands, a ministry that serves the homeless in Cy-Fair. Deputy Timothy Craze coordinated the event.

“Many of our homeless clients have pets who serve as their companions and often as their only family,” says CFHH Founder, and Director of Homeless Initiatives, Jean Dreyer. “Establishing a relationship with the Humane Society for veterinary care is such a blessing!”

“Our mission is to ensure all pets in the community are happy and healthy, including pets of the homeless. There are many benefits to having a pet as a companion. Pets reduce stress, lower blood pressure and provide unconditional love and companionship. We are happy to help the pets that wouldn't normally get medical care and their owners who normally do not get much attention in our community,” comments Gary Poon, Executive Director, Houston Humane Society.

Thomas, who was once homeless, recalls, “My dog spent every minute of the day with me! She ran, jumped and played in the tall pasture grasses from 290 at Fairbanks to West Little York. She swam in the creeks and bayous of Cypress. She guarded me at night so that I could rest without fear. She loved every minute of her ‘homeless’ life. When a homeless person has a pet, they have

accountability; they have a reason to get up every morning. These dogs are happy to be with their owners. They are their constant companions. When you lose everything, as long as you have the love of a good dog, you know you’re going to be okay.”

Concerned for the health and safety of the homeless dogs on her weekly route, Merry reaches into her own pocket. “Merry regularly pays for vaccinations, flea medication, heartworm prevention, and other types of care,” comments Dreyer. While her personal finances are tight, Merry is adamant that these dogs need help. “I just want the dogs to be okay. There’s danger out there; Parvo is prevalent in camps on 290, so it’s essential that the dogs receive their vaccine. It is also important that they get heartworm preventative because they are often around stagnant water and mosquitoes,” explains Thomas earnestly.

A total of eight dogs were examined by the Houston Humane Society veterinarian on this day. Of greatest concern was Turbo, a sweet pup that was thought to have been hit by a car. After his exam, Turbo’s leg was bandaged, and plans were made for Merry to take him to the Houston Humane Society office for further care. The homeless clients left with new collars, leashes, and bags of dog food, courtesy of the Humane Society.

In case of an emergency such as a hospital stay or rehab program, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office HOT Team has made provisions for the homeless canine companions to be temporarily kenneled at the Humane Society. The homeless are transported to the location by the HOT team, to be reassured that their furry family members are receiving proper care. “Our homeless clients are so grateful for this team for providing care for their companions,” comments Dreyer.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution for shots, flea medication, heartworm preventative or any other form of care for the homeless dogs, please go to: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org.