Thousands of homeless people are living on Britain's streets, many of whom are accompanied by dogs.
This companionship means a huge amount to both owner and pet, yet with so few hostels accepting animals - and the added expense of vet and food bills - having a dog while living on the streets puts an extra burden on people who are already in a desperate situation.
But over the past 20 years, Dogs Trust's Hope Project has transformed the lives of homeless dog owners.
When it was launched in 1995 there was not a single dog friendly hostel in the UK, and just one veterinary clinic run by the Hope Project in London.
Now, there are 157 dog friendly hostels nationwide and the Hope Project provides services in 107 towns and cities across the UK. Last year the charity funded more than 1,700 veterinary treatments for homeless dogs.
A survey commissioned by Dogs Trust revealed that 67% of rough sleepers were still living on the streets because they could not find accommodation with their dog, with almost two thirds of people being asked to give up their dog in order to get into accommodation.
Here, we look why these dogs mean enough to their owners, that they are prepared to live on the streets in order to keep their companion.
Dogs Trust's Hope Project
Andreana and Khan(01 of07)
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Andreana lived in insecure housing for a long time and suffered drug addiction. When she got Khan she was a student living with her partner who was also a drug user. As soon she got her dog, Andreana said everything changed, as she cared for him and trained him.
“I felt a responsibility to him and he started to give me a reason to take care of myself,” she said.
Andreana, who has epilepsy, left her partner after the relationship became abusive. She took Khan with her. “I wouldn’t have left for myself but I left for my dog. We stayed with friends for a while but eventually we ended up rough sleeping during one of the coldest and snowiest winters for years.
“I really believe I would be dead now if it wasn’t for my dog. He really held me up. I couldn’t have gone on without him. He saved my life. He used to whine sometimes and I couldn’t figure out why. It wasn’t for food or to go out for a walk.
“But then I realised that he somehow knew I was going to have an epileptic fit. Because he was warning me I could put myself somewhere safe so I wouldn’t injure myself.
“I always put my dog first. I make sure he has food and veterinary treatment. While I was homeless people said to me that I shouldn’t have my dog. And that angered me. That judgement of me was hard because I always put him first. I would have given him up if it was the best thing for him but I really felt the best thing for both of us was to stay together.”
Andreana is now off the streets, living in a flat with a council tenancy. Kahn is 10 years old now, and Andreana said she is delighted to have somewhere safe he can live in his old age.
(credit:Olivia Hemingway)
Andy and Freya(02 of07)
Open Image ModalAfter a relationship with his girlfriend broke down, Andy ended up living in a tent by a river. Freya was Andy's ex-girlfriend's dog, so he knew her since she was a puppy. Freya lived with Andy in the tent and he eventually got a place in O’Hanlon House night shelter before moving into a hostel, where he has been for the past year.
Andy said: “Freya means everything to me and I would do anything for her. When we became homeless and we were living in the tent, I really worried about her.
“I thought about finding her a new home, with someone who could look after her and keep her warm. But she quickly settled down and she really seemed to enjoy her freedom.
“She loved being able to go out of the tent in the morning and run around the field. Without her I would probably still be on the streets. I have low self-confidence and self-worth so a lot of the things I do, I do for Freya not myself. She helps me with my mental health.”
The Hope Project treats Freya for fleas and worms. She was also neutered by the project and received all her vaccinations.
(credit:Olivia Hemingway)
David and Butch(03 of07)
Open Image ModalDavid doesn't know what he would do without Butch.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier sits by his owner's side loyally as David bends down to give him a kiss on the top of his head.
“He means the world to me,” says David.
(credit:Olivia Hemingway)
Mark and Bart(04 of07)
Open Image ModalBending down to give his friend a pat on the back, Mark describes all that Bart has done for him.
“He keeps me on the straight and narrow,” adding: “He’s everything to me.”
(credit:Olivia Hemingway)
Steve and Charlie(05 of07)
Open Image ModalSteve was a mechanical supervisor at a power station, but after his relationship broke down he ended up losing his job and his home. After becoming homeless, he turned to drink and drugs to ease the pain. It was during that time that he got his dog Charlie. When Charlie ended up having an unplanned litter of puppies, Steve realised that he had to get clean to take care of her.
Steve said: “I think the world of Charlie, she is my best friend. She gave me one thing to care about in the world. I would probably be dead now if it wasn’t for Charlie. She saved my life.”
After sleeping rough, Steve was able to get a place in a hostel in Oxford and he now lives in a supported flat. He also sells the Big Issue and is a well-known face in Oxford town centre.
Steve and Charlie have been part of the Hope Project since 2010. Through the project, Steve has been able to get Charlie neutered and get her vaccinations and flea and worming treatments.
“Charlie has been really sick over the last few years. The Hope Project has helped me with blood tests and medication for her and she is responding well to treatment. I can’t thank Dogs Trust enough for their help.
“My life is back on track now. I have my own flat with Charlie and I’m working selling the Big Issue. In the future I want to move back to Yorkshire, where I have family, and I want to get a good job again.”
(credit:Olivia Hemingway)
Juke and Nikita(06 of07)
Open Image ModalNikita means everything to Juke, who sits on the floor, supporting his pet on his lap.
“She’s my everything,”he says.
(credit:Olivia Hemingway)
Kevin and Jake(07 of07)
Open Image ModalKevin describes the support his Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Jake, has given him since he came into his life.
As he holds his friend close, giving him a cuddle, Kevin says: “He’s really helped me a lot.”
(credit:Olivia Hemingway)
Clare Kivlehan, Hope Project manager, said: “This service is completely unique in that it is the only UK wide project set up specifically to help homeless people and their dogs.
“With 82% of homeless people saying that their dog is their best friend, we are proud to have provided essential and life-saving veterinary care to so many dogs over the past 20 years.
“However, with two thirds of homeless dog owners being asked to give up their dogs in order to find accommodation we know there is still much to be done and we hope our services continue to help as many homeless people and their dogs as possible over the next 20 years.”
Dogs Trust has also developed a Christmas parcel service for those who are homeless. This festive season the project is expected to provide parcels to more than 1,200 dogs nationwide.