Ex-homeless man’s life changed after Toowoomba rescue group covers dog’s vet fees
Sue the dog is Dan Thompson’s whole world, and thanks to the generosity of strangers the pair is set for a long life together.
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Toowoomba man Dan Thompson, who spent years battling homelessness, has paid tribute to local dog rescue group Off The Chain K9 Rescue after it covered all the vet fees for Sue to be desexed, vaccinated and registered.
After falling on hard times due to mental health struggles, Mr Thompson said he was forced to live with Sue in his car for two years because shelters wouldn’t allow pets.
“That’s why it took me so hard to get accommodation – I kept getting refused,” he said.
“I couldn’t get rid of her, she gave me a reason to keep going, because she’s like a child to me.”
Receiving hot meals thanks to local food service group Tony’s Kitchen, Mr Thompson and Sue finally secured accommodation through the Housing Hub and their story was picked up by Off The Chain’s Jess Otto.
“When I first met Dan and Sue, they hadn’t long stopped living rough, and yet Sue was one of the healthiest dogs I’ve seen through the rescue in a long time,” she said.
“No fleas, great shape, well trained — despite how much hardship these two have endured, Dan never let her go hungry or neglected her needs.
“He invited me in and we started organising Sue’s vaccinations, desexing, and registration.”
Sue’s treatments were done at heavily discounted rates by Garden City Vet Care, something Ms Otto said was appreciated.
“It is an honour to be in a position to help people and animals in situations like this, but we couldn’t do it without the ongoing support of clinics like Garden City Vet Care,” she said.
“They are one of our main rescue vets in Toowoomba and deliver exceptional work with a big smile.”
Mr Thompson said the support had been overwhelming.
“I’ve never had people help me like that — someone actually stood up for my dog as much as I love her,” he said.
For more information about Off The Chain, find the group on Facebook.
