Our Homeless Experience part 2, threats against our family.

I had planned a far different subject for the second post of #homelessexperience. But something happened today to impact our lives in such a frightening and upsetting way, the subject has changed.

My family includes myself, my three children and our two dogs, Hiro and Ella. Ella has a litter of puppies, so she is currently in foster care until she weans them. She will then be spayed and returned to us.

Hiro has already been nuetered to assure no accidental litters in the future.

Hiro has been living in our camper, since he is not allowed in the family shelter. While it isn't ideal, I feed him, get him water, walk him and love on him daily and keep a heater going for him so he is not cold.

A couple of weeks ago I spoke with a local rescue about getting Hiro fostered. It must be lonely and boring to be out there. He isn't the easiest dog to find foster for.

Hiro was attacked by another dog when he was young, so he finds certain other male dogs offensive. He is also very protective of childen. If he decides to adopt a child in a foster home as his own, be will protect the kid from their own parents.

So he has special circumatances that have made finding him a foster take a little longer.

Today I recieved a call while I was at work from animal control. They recieve calls about Hiro about once or twice a week, concerned people worrying about a dog in a camper. Animal control tells these people the dog is safe and cared for as I have spoken with them and had them out. They know our situation.

Well, today they got a much different call. The man was angry, cursing at them and yelling.

The man on the other end made a threat to animal control. He told them that the next time he sees the dog, he is going to open the door and take him.

This man threatened to break into my camper, steal and kidnap my dog.

Animal control tried to assure this guy that the dog is safe and warm and that they check in with me often but he cursed some more, repeated the threat and hung up the phone.

I immediately called the shelter and BEGGED them to let Hiro stay inside for a night or two while I figure it out.

They refused. I called the rescue that was already looking for foster and they promised to increase their search, but they need a day or two.

Friends at work started calling around and all I can do is panic and contact everyone I can think of.

I left work early, missing out on wages and took the first bus back so I could sit with Hiro.

This dog is family. He's my baby. And because of our situation, he is under threat.

He is now being boarded by animal control while the local rescue looks for foster.

I'm completely out of sorts and cannot stop shaking. Some people choose to go vigilante and they don't care who they hurt.

What if my boy gets kennel cough or some other sickness?

Hiro is a good boy. He deserves better than this.