Is it ethical for the homeless to be allowed to have furry companions although they cannot fully take care of them? Michelle Daschner

Claim: It is ethical for the homeless to have furry companions. For introduction: Explain personal experience Appeal to emotion What feedback do I need: Is my evidence strong enough to support my reasons? Do I need to fix my warrants? How can I word them better? Are my reasons persuasive? Think about Counterarguments and Response Explain evidence more

Reason 1: Having a pet is beneficial to the homeless individual’s mental health. Evidence: “Companion animal relationships may have significant consequences for the mental health and wellbeing of homeless youth, as pet owners in this study experienced fewer symptoms of depression and loneliness than their nonpet-owning counterparts,” (Rhoads, Winetrobe, Rice). Warrant: Homeless individuals that have pets are typically not as lonely and do not suffer as much from depression.

Reason 2: The pets are seen as the individual’s family or best friend Evidence: “Studies have indicated that some pet owners report closer bonds with pets than with family members and feel that on a subjective level, pets are good for their health (Taylor, Williams and Gray 2004; Crawford, Worsham and Swinehart 2006),” (Labrecque and Walsh). Evidence: “In conjunction with providing companionship, owning a pet can give one a sense of responsibility, instilling self worth by providing care for the pet and feeling needed (Rew 2000; Taylor, Williams and Gray 2004),”(Labrecque and Walsh). Evidence: “Pet ownership can be understood as a way to connect with the social environment (peers, service providers, the general public, and the housed) for homeless individuals who typically have limited social networks and low levels of social support (Kidd and Kidd 1994; Taylor, Williams and Gray 2004; Solarz and Bogat 2006),” (Labrecque and Walsh). Warrant: Pets give individuals the sense of companionship as if they were their best friend or family which creates value in the homeless individual’s life.

Reason 3: Provides the individuals with a sense of safety and companionship Evidence: “Owners demonstrated their pet attachment by verbalizations and behaviors. Considered as evidence of strong attachment were comments such as "best friends," "only thing I love," "my protection," and "only thing that loves me," as well as holding and petting the animal while giving descriptions of good care and expressing great concern about adequate pet food and veterinary care,” (Aline Kidd, Robert Kidd). Evidence: “The majority of these selected dogs for protection and for their loving manner and loyalty,” (Aline Kidd, Robert Kidd). Warrant: It is ethical for the homeless to have pets for the reason of personal safety and the protection the companions provide the individuals.

Counterargument / Response Counterargument: The individuals don’t have the necessary funds to buy food for themselves let alone the animal. Response: Based on the experience with the homeless man in Richmond, he would take the money he received on the streets to the CVS and buy a loaf of bread, feeding the dog before he fed himself. OR ANOTHER COUNTERARGUMENT: Yeah but that was ONE homeless man- what about the millions of other ones? Would they be as nice? Counterargument: The homeless individuals cannot provide the proper treatments for the animal. Evidence: There are organizations that support the free animal care and financial assistance for those in need such as the RedRover Relief. Response: Because of all these organizations and clinics, it is possible to meet the needs of their companion.

Conclusion It is ethical for the homeless to have furry companions for the reasons that they: Better the mental health of the individuals Provide safety and protection Are seen as family and/or the individual’s best friend It is in the best interest of the homeless individual because it also provides them with a sense of responsibility and gives them hope as well as a reason to live. Although some may argue that it is not beneficial to the pet, there are organizations that are willing to reach out to the homeless that have pets and help maintain their pet’s wellbeing.

Bibliography Kidd, Aline H., and Robert M. Kidd. "Ammons Scientific - Psychological Reports." Ammons Scientific - Psychological Reports. Psychological Reports, Web. 19 Nov The Human Society of the United States. "Are You Having Trouble Affording Your Pet?" RSS. The Humane Society of the United States, n.d. Web. 19 Nov Irvine, Leslie. "Animals as Lifechangers and Lifesavers." Animals as Lifechangers and Lifesavers. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Web. 19 Nov Rhoades, Harmony. "Pet Ownership Among Homeless Youth: Associations with Mental Health, S." Ervice Utilization and Housing Status. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, Apr Web. 19 Nov Labrecque, Jennifer, and Christine A. Walsh. "Homeless Women's Voices on Incorporating Companion Animals into Shelter Services." Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals Anthroz Jour Inter Peo Ani 24.1 (2011): Web. 19 Nov