Letter: Include pets in the next homeless count

To the Editor:

I applaud not only the Republican Eagle for publishing “Homeless counted through point in time survey,” but all the volunteers and organizations that joined in this year’s homeless count (R-E, Feb. 13).

One glaring omission from the count and the story of those living on the streets are their animal companions. In preparing for the National Museum of Animals & Society’s 2013 summer exhibit, “My Dog is My Home: Increasing Awareness of Interspecies Homelessness,” we have found that a large percentage of the homeless have animals, and because of these furry family members they are denied many services, including shelter. These animals, in many cases, are lifelines, giving folks a reason to live, inspiring accountability, and motivating them to forgo drugs and alcohol.

I hope in 2015 the count can include animal family members and show that there is a great need to address and service this sub-population that can be so generous, loving and lifesaving.

We are also currently writing a blog on the making of this exhibit. http://mydogismyhome.com/

Carolyn Merino Mullin

Los Angeles

Carolyn Merino Mullin is executive director of the National Museum of Animals & Society

Tags: opinion, letters