FOR some people their pets are the only support network they have, providing them with unconditional love and a friendly smile at the end of a hard day.
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Imagine having the choice of being homeless for another night and sleeping in sub-zero temperatures or being separated from your furry companion.
For some homeless people, the choice to be isolated from their pets is often non-negotiable. They would rather sleep rough than be without their pets.
Queanbeyan-based service Your Place Housing Support Service is hoping to remedy that problem by establishing a roster of locals who could temporarily take in the animals while their owners wait to secure long-term accommodation.
"We can help people find accommodation but many aren't willing to be separated from their animals so that means we can't put them up in hotels with their dogs," Aboriginal case manager Georgia Gleeson said.
"We're hoping that we can gather names of people who are willing to take care of the dogs and cats for one night to three weeks and we would provide food.
"We want to start a contact list or roster so if it does come up again, we have people who are willing to do it and know what they're in for."
Intake manager Chere Martin said the situation arises "every now and then" and usual avenues such as pounds or kennels are far too expensive.
She said it is difficult to place clients with animals as there are no pet friendly accommodation solutions. Hotels, motels, units and refuges all refuse to take in animals.
The most recent example was with their client, Charlie Griffin, 39, who did not want to be separated from his dogs.
Mr Griffin is with his dogs Brooklyn and Trigger 24 hours a day and he says they are like his family and provide protection.
"If I lost my dogs, I would commit suicide. I don't really have any family - my dad's dead and my mum...she speaks to me but I've spent the last 15 Christmases and birthdays by myself so it's the company and the protection [they provide] as well," he said.
"I've had one of my dogs for three years and the other for about six months. I suffer mental health problems and my dogs have been around me everyday - we have a pack mentality and sleep altogether - they can judge my moods."
Ms Martin was able to take care of the dogs for a short while. The organisation purchased a tent and sleeping bag for Mr Griffin so he can camp out and stay with his dogs.
If you would like to volunteer to temporarily foster pets please contact Your Place Housing Support Service on 6297 5827.