It is also a place where many people live with addiction and homelessness, which carries with it the stigma and judgment of others. For some in this position, pets are a non-judgmental companion who offer unconditional love. Vancouver-based Radio-Canada video reporter Alexandre Lamic spoke with several residents about the importance of their pets and captured their relationships in photographs.
Angelo Pappani and Kael
For the four years that Angelo Pappani and his partner were away from home, their dog Kael watched the night and let them know if anyone was coming. Pappani says he is often disappointed by people, but “dogs don’t ask for anything in return. “They are friends for life.” While Papanis and his girlfriend are no longer on the road, his partner still struggles with mental health issues and sometimes experiences extreme depression. The joy and attention they get from Kael is precious. “Kael is always happy. Whenever we’re sad, she brings us back… She motivates us to go out. It’s like she knows when one of us is sad.”
Marion Bryce and Panda
Marion Bryce has lived in the Downtown Eastside for nearly 20 years. She can’t imagine life without a pet and says her dog helps her deal with stress and everyday challenges. Every day, her dog Panda calms her down and helps her calm down. “Panda lights up my everyday life, it pushes me to get out and walk,” he said. “I can’t imagine my life without her.”
Greg McCarthy and Taylor
Greig McCarthy, 73, knows the DTES, where he has lived for more than 30 years, brings together people who are “a bit different”. Every morning, as soon as he wakes up, Taylor’s dog is happy to see him and doesn’t hesitate to show it. “That love helps me get through the hard times,” McCarthy said. (Alexandre Lamic/Radio-Canada) McCarthy says people living in the Downtown Eastside rely on the support of the SPCA and a local pet food bank that provides food and vaccines. Without it, he says, many people wouldn’t be able to have pets. “No matter where we live, animals are good for humans. They are therapeutic,” he said. “They give us unconditional love.”
Frederick Williams and Precious
Frederick Williams has always had pets in his life. Now, his cat Precious brings him love and affection every day. “Animals love us unconditionally. They don’t expect anything from us – except food,” he said, adding that he can never see himself living without an animal by his side. “Even compared to humans, animals are the best friends I’ve ever had.”
Joseph Denis Lamare and Ella
Former construction worker Joseph Denis Lamare gave his dog Ella to his partner 16 years ago after the couple discovered they were unable to have children. A year later, his partner died. Now, Ella is more than just a pet. “Ella is my family,” he said. Lamare says Ella also brings a lot of joy to the people who live in his building, who are mostly elderly.
Janna Louise Penny and Marty
(Alexandre Lamic/Radio-Canada) Even though Marty only became a part of her life five weeks ago, Janna Louise Penny says he’s already brought balance and a sense of responsibility to her life. “Marty changed my relationship with my partner,” she said. “We stopped fighting all the time. Marty changed the energy in the house.”
Nina Adlewood and Lily
Nina Adlewood has lived in the DTES for 12 years and has almost always had a pet by her side. After battling a long-term heroin addiction, she said her dog gave her a will to live she thought she’d lost. “My last dog, Teddy, was at the center of my sobriety,” she said. “I haven’t touched heroin in eight years, and it’s thanks to him. He saved me.”
