What would you do? I am so torn and not sure what to do...and not sure if it is my place. I live in New York city and every day I walk home from work I see a woman and her two dogs (I believe they are papillons) sitting down in the same spot of 5th avenue with a sign. Her sign says something along the lines of "need money boyfriend left me 3,000 miles away from home and 6 mos pregnant". It seriously is heartbreaking. She has a small bag with her and always has water dishes out for her dogs. I have no idea what her story is or if she is homeless and if so it is 1) not fair to her unborn child and 2) not fair to her pups to be sitting on a street corner in the middle of summer. I am so tempted to call animal control but I am suprised that no one has done it already. I feel terrible because her doggies are the only thing she must have but at the same time it doesn't seem like she can care for herself, nevermind them. The other thing that is concerning me is that she is sitting on 5th avenue in midtown (in between some very nice shops) - which leads me to believe this could be a scam to get money. What do you think I should do? Should I call animal control? The police? Or should I just try and help her and bring her & her doggies food & water? What would you do? |
Wow, I have no idea what I'd do. It's a losing situation all around. I might consider asking her if I could help her by finding her dogs a reputable home so that she can then focus on taking care of herself and unborn baby. She is likely so dedicated to those pups that it's what is keeping her from getting medical care or into a shelter. Sadder still to think what happens on the day she goes into labor and/or has complications. Where will the dogs be then? Likely lost and unfed with no place to go. Then possibly the shelter with only hopes that they'd be adopted before being put down. Sad, sad situation IF it's for real. :( |
That is a tough one. There are people that do this sort of thing for a scam. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell if it is real or a scam. I would never give them money. I would not hesitate to give food and water. If she is truly in need, she will appreciate that. Is there any shelter that you know of that would help her and the dogs? As hard as this sounds, if she is homeless, the last thing she needs to try to provide for is the dogs. What about a rescue group? Maybe they could give advice. I am sorry, I am at a loss here. |
What is very strange is that I only see her at lunch time when I go home to see Teddy. I usually don't see her at the end of the day when I am walking home from work. If it is a scam, it is very mean to keep her pups outside in the heat like that all day. If I see her tomorrow I am going to bring her some food and water and try and talk to her. What an unfortunate situation either way :( |
Yes it is. She may be sitting in that area of town because she thinks that is where the money is. Makes sense any way. You wouldn't sit at the poor side of town to collect money. I think the food and drink is a good idea. It might make her feel comfortable enough to talk to you. Good luck! |
I agree with starting with food and drink, maybe breaking the ice. Try to take notice of the dogs' health and disposition, as well as hers. Good luck and keep us posted. |
I would also take her food and water for her and also treats for the dogs, they may be hungry. It is against the law to do that here in Georgia (panhandling). Is it ok to do this where you live? She would have already been questioned and possibly arrested here. |
After falling for obvious lies & scams before when the same person told me two different things, not realizing she'd already told me one story:rolleyes: I decided to never give money again. If I want to help someone it will be to provide food/drinks & maybe clothes or something to help them deal with the elements. It is so sad her dogs are involved in this, whether it's true or fake. How do the pups look? Emaciated at all, sickly? If so I'd definitely call Animal Control. If they look good that could indicate there is no hardship, I don't know. If anything I would do what others said-bring food/water for her & her dogs if you can. Even a cheap dog food would be better than nothing. It's so sad that people take advantage like they do, then when someone really does need help everyone's hesitant to do something.:( |
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I am thinking it is not legal here either. But we do see it all the time. |
I would probably give her some dog food. I would see how she reacted to that and see if she was open to a conversation and try and find out a little more. |
I agree with the others that say talk to her and see what she says. Yes, help with food and water but I wouldn't give her money, at least not at this point. Although, I have to confess that I have given people money myself. Maybe you could offer to take her puppies for her for a bit until she gets on her feet? Or find someone else who could do that? |
take the pups some water and food...try to talk with her and maybe you can figure things out a little better. but I too do not suggest money |
I agree with the others, take her some food and water for both her and the pups and see where she is with that. If she is genuinely in need she will be grateful but if unfortunately she is scamming I think she will be shocked by the compassion that you are showing her. At least I hope she has some consciencous to be if she is in fact running a scam. Good luck. |
Thank you all for your responses. I completely agree I would never give money. But I am going to try and bring her food & water tomorrow on my lunch break. I sincerely hope that this is not a scam because it isn't fair to her pups if it is. It is too hot to be sitting on concrete in the middle of NYC. And if she is purposely putting her pups throught that then frankly she should not be a pet owner. The pups look so sad...they just lie there...it really breaks my heart. I am going to see how receptive she is to the food and water and then maybe I will look into calling animal control or a rescue? I'll keep you all posted. |
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Such a sweet thing you are going to do - good luck to you :). I think depending on how the conversation goes, you should discreetly inquire about her pups - how old, breed, etc. - that could give you some insight to her feelings for them and how well they are cared for. Her response could also give you a gut feeling of her sincerity. |
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