i came to southern oregon when the pandemic hit, and everything seemed to be falling apart. i wasn’t aware what my next step would be, and because of the state of the country at the time… how i would cope, or even work past my problems.
i met laurie, and eventually jo and the kind people from the street dog programs doing check ups at the feeds in ashland, and they took a special interest in myself and my companion flip..
i don’t want to be too sappy, but because of laurie and street dogs, i was able to have a small net, and support group in order to take care of and feed my best friend flip.
they helped me raise the funds for a 4 thousand dollar surgery, as well as be able to have funds for a hotel for his recovery for i has been living in vehicles for quite some time..
even after being able to get gainful employment, they’ve taken constant interest, and compassion in not only flips life, but mine as well. it brings tears to my eyes to say this, but i don’t think i could’ve taken care of flip without the help of street dogs and every person that’s put their time, energy, gas, money, and efforts to ensuring our wellbeing.
i love these people, and this program, and everything they do on the drop of a dime. i tell people all around america (i do some traveling due to my lifestyle) about the love and generosity this program has shown not only myself, but the the community at large… transplants as well as natives.
my name is erik childress and i am 30 years old, my dogs name is Flip Childress, and he is 6 years old