Could Caring for Dogs Help Panhandlers Turn Things Around in San Francisco?

In a city named after the patron saint of animals and once known as the mecca for hope-eyed flower children, San Francisco is taking a radically humane approach to its panhandling and pet overpopulation problems.

Matt Traywick, a formerly homeless man living in housing in the Tenderloin, carries Charlie home after a walk in the city. Photo by Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle.

The program has been dubbed WOOF -- Wonderful Opportunities for Occupants and Fidos -- and it hopes to help eradicate panhandling by pairing formerly homeless people with troubled dogs from shelters who desperately need handling, training, and good old-fashioned affection to help them find new homes. The human participants receive a weekly $50 to $75 stipend to look after the dogs -- and to cease begging for money in the streets.

Sound a little controversial? Hold your howling and hear me out.

Beginning in August, dogs who have demonstrated themselves to be ideal candidates will be placed with formerly homeless people (folks who have housing but can't seem to break their panhandling habit) who also demonstrate the potential to benefit from the program, and who have been screened and trained in caring for dogs. They will foster the dogs until permanent homes can be found for them.

The bichon mix named Charlie gives Traywick a sense of purpose and responsibility. Photo by Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle.

Since coming to live with Traywick, Charlie has become a much happier, healthier dog. Photo by Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle.

WOOF leads us to think: We know dogs are special, and we know dogs can and do change people's lives.

When yours truly first moved to San Francisco, experienced a bad breakup, struggled to find work, and realized how how hard it can be to make new friends, it proved to be quite a challenge. Several times I wanted to pack up all my things and return to Los Angeles. I eventually found part-time work as a dog-walker, and you know what? It was those wagging tails, smiling faces, and dependency on me that helped give me the stable footing to stand on my own here in a truly remarkable city. More than that, the dogs taught me how to accept myself -- even at my worst -- and to keep trying. I'm so grateful for my four-legged clients, and I know they've benefitted from my loving-but-stern hand on their leashes. I've seen wild, jumping puppies become elegant, mature dogs, and I believe the dogs have seen me go from someone alone in a new city to a confident, happy woman.

So, who knows? San Francisco has always been known as a radical location at the vanguard of progress. This cuteness correspondent is taking an optimistic cue from the canines, hoping that WOOF gets people and dogs to help themselves by helping each other.

Via SFGate

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Caring Cop Adopts Dog Who Was Dragged Beside Van

Warren, Mich. police officer Michael Lake with his adopted dog, Cricket (Photo: Ray J. Skowronek, Daily Tribune)

A Michigan cop has stepped up to provide a new home to a little dog whose owner who allegedly took her for a “walk” by driving his van with the leash sticking out. The dog, Cricket, could not keep up, and ended up going for a drag instead of a walk. She received an injury above her eye, and one of her claws was torn out.

Her owner was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and drunk driving. His trial is set for December 8. He relinquished ownership of Cricket, realizing he stood no chance of getting her back. He says he has had her only since October.

The dog looks to be a cute black terrier mix. Her age could be anywhere from several months to several years, according to the Daily Tribune. Officer Michael Lake was set to take her to the vet’s after his shift to have her checked out. He’ll probably have a much better idea of her age at that point.

Cricket seems to be in great spirits. “She is a doll. She’s playful. She’s spunky,” Lake told the Tribune. He said his wife has always wanted a smaller dog, since their other dogs have always been “big boys.” He’s excited to bring Cricket home to meet her and his other dog, a German shorthair pointer.

What an uplifting outcome. Three cheers for the kindly cop! (I provide these stories as a balance to the stories of other law-enforcement officials who haven’t done so well by dogs.) Looks like they’ll have a great life together.

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