‘I would rather be homeless with my dog’: New children’s book reveals why pets must not be a barrier to a safe home
A woman who slept rough rather than give up her beloved dog is among the people whose stories have inspired a new children’s book about homelessness.
Arwa had escaped war and sought safety in London, only to find herself facing another devastating choice years later: accept accommodation without her dog Jacko, or remain on the streets together.
She refused to leave him behind.
Now their experience is being told through the eyes of the dog who stayed beside her, in a free illustrated book highlighting why nobody should have to choose between a safe place to sleep and the animal they love.
“I had the option to give up Jacko for accommodation, but I refused. I would rather be homeless with my dog than without him,” Arwa said.
“I hope when people read the stories they can understand our struggles. It makes me emotional to read mine and Jacko’s story, especially in the way Jeanne has written it so beautifully.”
Published by homelessness charity St Mungo’s, Stay! (Together) has been written by award-winning children’s author Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Alice Larsson.
It follows the true stories of Arwa and fellow dog owner Benny, showing how accommodation that welcomed their animals helped them rebuild their lives.
Arwa arrived in London in 2018, temporarily separated from Jacko. They were reunited three years later, but in 2022 her flat was sold and she could not find somewhere to live that would accept him.
St Mungo’s subsequently helped her move into a pet-friendly women’s service. She later secured her own home through Housing First, which provides housing alongside support.
For Benny, who first experienced homelessness in 2006, his dog Brandy brought stability and motivation during struggles with substance use, helping him remain substance-free for 13 years.
Brandy’s death in 2019 left him facing grief and difficulties with his mental health. His new companion, Casper, a Tamaskan dog, later became a lifeline.
With support from St Mungo’s, Benny and Casper found a stable home together.
“I think my dogs saved my life,” Benny said.
“When I was sleeping rough, I was in a bad shape, but the dogs gave me back my purpose, responsibility and made me feel safe.”
Their experiences reflect the issue at the heart of Street Paws’ No One Left Outside campaign, which calls for pet-inclusive support to be written into homelessness and housing policy.
The charity wants people and their animals to be able to stay together in shelters and temporary accommodation, removing a barrier that can leave owners sleeping outside rather than surrendering their companions.
Street Paws also works with hostels and temporary accommodation providers through its Pet Champion Scheme, helping them create safe environments where people and pets can stay together.
For someone experiencing homelessness, a dog can provide companionship, reassurance and a reason to keep going. Arwa and Benny’s stories show what becomes possible when that relationship is supported.
The new book also aims to help parents explain homelessness to children with empathy.
Research commissioned by St Mungo’s, involving 1,363 UK adults, found almost a quarter of parents, 24 per cent, struggled to discuss the subject in an age-appropriate way.
Meanwhile, 92 per cent said books were a useful way to introduce social issues.
Willis said: “Children are naturally curious about the world around them, but homelessness can be difficult for parents to explain. Stories can help children understand experiences that feel unfamiliar, and animals make wonderful guides because they encourage us to see the world with empathy and kindness.”
Lula Main, project manager at St Mungo’s, said: “For many people experiencing homelessness, a pet is far more than a companion. They can be a source of comfort, stability and unconditional love during the most difficult period of someone’s life.
“No one should have to choose between accepting support and staying with an animal they consider family. That is why St Mungo’s provides pet-friendly accommodation wherever possible.”
Stay! (Together) is available free at https://www.mungos.org/staytogether/, alongside a narration voiced by actress and comedian Kerry Godliman and alt-J musician Gus Unger-Hamilton.
Find out more about Street Paws’ No One Left Outside campaign at https://streetpaws.org.uk/campaign
