When I started at Jimmy’s in the Summer of 2024 I was met with kindness and support from the get-go, massive smiles and open gestures, and some very waggly tails. I knew Jimmy’s welcomed dogs; it was one of the many reasons I wanted the job. I’m an obsessive dog lover myself, with three reprobates at home, who keep me entertained, fit, motivated and connected.
I know the power of dogs. I know they improve your physical and mental health. Then there’s the super clever ones who have actual jobs in addition to their caring and friendship responsibilities for their humans. They achieve amazing feats; detecting bombs, finding casualties in snow and ice, acting as guides, keeping people safe, helping children to gain the confidence to read out loud.
Reflecting on that old adage ‘we don’t deserve dogs’, I’m not sure everyone does, but there are some people for whom dogs are more than deserved, they are their primary reason for continuing to put one foot in front of the other. In my time at Jimmy’s I’ve regularly heard ‘the dog eats before I do’ or ‘she gets me through’. It’s those people I see every day at Jimmy’s, faithful four, or perhaps three legged friends following closely behind.
Dog ownership has a raft of positive benefits. A reason to get up in the morning, to get some fresh air and a little light exercise at least twice a day. The physical act of routine can help people experiencing homelessness, it provides continuity in what might otherwise be a pretty chaotic situation.
Then there’s the physical proximity to another living creature. The simple act of giving a dog a scratch behind the ears, a gentle stroke that doubles the level of oxytocin in the blood, and releases beta endorphins and dopamine.
Did you know the oxytocin release is not just present in the human? It’s also replicated in the dog.
Having a dog also provides social interaction. A wet nose and a fluffy tummy is a great icebreaker, no matter the distance between two people. Getting up and out with a dog, generates a sense of pride, an ‘I have something to live for and something to do’ mentality.
A Team Leader at Jimmy’s spoke with me of her pride in supporting a resident to get a dog, that it gave him a sense of dignity, companionship, a reason to care again.
“That little dog got the resident through the absolute worst time of his life, he told me, ‘if I didn’t have her, I wouldn’t be here.’ “
I understand there are people who don’t think street homeless people should have dogs, or even those coming through our doors at Jimmy’s. I also know Jimmy’s is relatively unusual that we allow residents to have dogs. For anyone who is sceptical or wonders how we manage it, I thought I’d share a little.
Not everyone at Jimmy’s has a dog, and we are really careful with how many we have on site. We are also careful in terms of behaviour and not tolerating canine aggression and we have a great partnership with Street Vet who help support the wellbeing of our dogs.
At our intensive dual diagnosis centre, home to our residents with the most complex needs, you can expect to find father and son duo, Boss and Slinky. Boss, 13, staggers into the garden a few times a day for his constitutional whilst his son Slinky heads straight for Support Workers, fellow residents, visiting guests and, I’m delighted to say me, looking for treats and a back scratch.
Having this dynamic duo at our high intensity hostel is amazing. Their constant presence is a joy. But more than that they can help take the pressure out of difficult situations. Dogs can provide a real dose of stability. Boss and Slinky aren’t judging anyone, they don’t care if you relapse, they love you and your attention just the same.
I’m so proud of the opportunity I have been given in leading Jimmy’s, every day is different. It can be challenging, emotionally intense, demanding and frankly, sometimes really hard. But it is made all the better by seeing the difference we make, and part of that is wrapped up in the stability of keeping humans and their dogs together. This is something that will not change during my tenure, and something I will advocate to other organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.
If you want to help me in this, please donate to support Jimmy’s today.
Natasha Davies
CEO Jimmy’s Cambridge