A man from southern Ontario is on a cross country journey, urging homeless shelters to accept the beloved pets of people who have nowhere else to go.
James Caughill and his dog Muckwa have a special bond. Caughill said he often sleeps on the streets or in the bush because his best friend is not allowed in homeless shelters.
“Personally, I think that is a crime,” said Caughill.
“When you are homeless that is very, very essential to your emotional and mental health and well-being. To have something to hold on to and to give your life purpose.”
The Salvation Army operates two shelters in Sudbury.
A spokesperson told CTV the shelters only accept service animals and can't take on the liability if a pet - which can be anything from a dog to a cat to a tarantula - hurts someone.
Caughill’s cross country trek took him to the French River area on Thursday.
Two local woman who have been following his journey met up with him to offer support.
“Well for a lot of them it's companionship. When you are homeless you can't necessarily pick up the phone and call a friend,” said Laura Shell.
“I am supporting his cause because as a child growing up my parents let us know it doesn't do any harm to help people that are less fortunate,” added Joanne Dowdall.
“I believe in this cause because a lot of people who are homeless have pets and it's their companion.”
Caughill said he's secured a book deal as he chronicles his journey across the country.
He plans to use the proceeds to build homeless shelters that accept pets in Toronto and Timmins.
