Craigslist dog of homeless veteran needs new home

After his owner dies, Homie seeks a home
UNION-TRIBUNE
December 11, 2008


The ad that appeared on Craigslist under “Pets” hinted of a bigger story:

My name is Homie . . . My story is quite an interesting one. My dad got me when I was a puppy, and he loved me dearly. We lived a great life until one day my dad got sick and needed surgery. He couldn't pay for it, and we became homeless. I was homeless for about a year or so, then my dad got sick again and never came home from the hospital . . . I've been staying at my friend Natalie's house for a while . . . Natalie says she loves me and I'm the perfect dog, but she can't keep me because she has two dogs, a cat and a small house.

I weigh about 86 pounds and am 6 years old. I know better than to use the bathroom in the house and know a couple of tricks. I really just like to lounge around and hang out with everyone . . . If you are looking for a big dog, give me a chance. I won't let you down.

Natalie Carroll has been taking care of Homie, a German shepherd/Doberman mix, ever since his owner died on Halloween. “Mike,” 50, and his dog were fixtures at a small shopping mall on Balboa Avenue near Genesee Avenue for more than a year. Mike had a ready smile and warm greeting for everyone. He solicited handouts with a sign that read: “Homeless veteran and dog. Any help is great. God Bless,” but Carroll has no idea if he really was a veteran.
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