My family and I stand at a crossroads where we must choose between homelessness or losing a cherished family member - our 8-year-old dog. Not only am I struggling with chronic illnesses including fibromyalgia and IBS, but my father, a military veteran, lives with severe PTSD. Our faithful dog has become an essential part of our healing and daily lives. The current housing policy, which prohibits pets in council temporary accommodation, places us in an unbearable situation.

Pets are not just property; they are family. Research indicates the therapeutic benefits animals can provide, particularly for people grappling with physical and mental health conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder being a prominent one. It's estimated that over 44% of the UK population own a pet and consider them as part of the family (PDSA, 2020). Restricting their presence means denying emotional support during what is already a distressful time. My father has already lost so much in the past four years including one of our dogs  passing away in April of 2021 and our other dog from the same litter in August of the same year. July of 2022 on my daughter's birthday my beautiful mother passed away from a very rare illness called anchor positive vasculitis, sadly 9 months later my older brother passed away from an enlarged heart which I am now myself undergoing tests for. My father has lost so much already and now he's having to choose between being homeless or keeping his beloved family member who is his constant shadow. She is not legally an emotional support dog but if I had any idea that this was going to happen I would have registered her as one instantly. 

We urge the local council to modify its temporary housing policy to consider the vital relationships between individuals and their pets, especially concerning the health and wellbeing of residents. We advocate for a pet-friendly approach that sees pets as integral members of families, rather than mere possessions.

Please support our plea. Sign this petition and push for change, ensuring individuals and families do not have to make such a drastic choice in the face of homelessness. Don't let us part with those we consider our family and needed support during our most challenging times. Your signature could make a world of difference.