Meet Mabel: She's Homeless, Lives with Her Dad in a Tent, and Got Hurt Protecting Him
- Homeless Advocacy
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
August 5, 2025 - (Feature Article) - Hi, I’m Mabel. I’m a 4-year-old Hound mix, and I live with my dad in a tent near a river in California. Life isn’t easy for us, but we stick together. My dad struggles with anxiety, and he says I’m the one who keeps him calm.
Mable after seeing a vet thanks to Feeding Pets of the Homeless
Mabel Fearlessly Protects Her Dad
One day, while we were out for a walk, a dog came running toward us. I stepped in to protect my dad, and unfortunately, it turned into a fight.
The other dog’s owner was able to separate us, but not before I was bitten on my legs and had deep cuts on my paws. My dad tried to clean and bandage my wounds, but he knew I needed more help.
He called Feeding Pets of the Homeless, and they made sure I got care fast. The vet treated my injuries and gave me a pain injection to help me heal. They were so gentle and kind to me.
Now I’m back with my dad, safe and recovering. Thank you for giving me the help I needed to stay by my dad’s side.
A text from Mabel's dad: "Hi, thank you so much for helping Mabel! She is resting and the pain meds are working." [Source link]
Colusa County Recovery Supports: Feeding Pets of the Homeless
"Mables story touched our hearts," says Susan Wagenaar, Colusa County Recovery. "We were pleased to learn that Feeding Pets of the Homeless was able to contribute $667 towards Mable's care. That's wonderful!"
"We just made our first donation to Feeding Pets of the Homeless to honor our unsheltered neighbors with pets in Colusa County, who were denied temporary shelter because they would not surrender their furry family members for a bed," reports Wagenaar.
"We think it's cruel of our county's housing specialists who work with the homeless, and the agency's director to ask someone living at poverty's doorstep to give up their best friend, a beloved pet, in exchange for a temporary bed at their 'high-barrier' winter shelter," says Wagenaar.
"The worst part is," she adds: "They know that when a homeless person surrenders a pet, it has a high probability of being euthanized, especially the older ones. Where is the humanity in that?" she asks.
A study showed that 48% of unhoused pet owners were denied shelter due to pet policies, and a National Alliance to End Homelessness (NATEH) survey revealed that 22% of respondents avoided shelters because their pets weren't allowed. Many individuals experiencing homelessness with pets face challenges as most resources aren't available to them, and they often refuse help if it means giving up their pet.
"The companionship and support from their pets are invaluable, states," NATEH.
CLICK to WATCH THIS MOVING VIDEO by FEEDING PETS of the HOMELESS!
Find FEEDING PETS OF THE HOMELESS on Facebook
(Excerpt from their help page) - We understand the comfort and love that your pet provides. If you are homeless and need help for your companion pet, we may be able to assist you in getting food for your pet, emergency veterinary care, and wellness care.
Colusa County Recovery unapologetically stands with local community nonprofits and national organizations like Feeding Pets of the Homeless. Their compassion-centered, evidenced-based work, is decreasing suffering and bringing hope to those in need; one smile, purr and tail wag at a time.
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