Donald Dickerson, a man from North Carolina who’s experiencing homelessness, is putting us all to shame when it comes to dedication to his dog.
Dickerson refused a roof over his head when it required him to leave his dog, named Duude, with a foster. As a result, he also became ineligible for a much-needed surgery.
According to a report from FOX8, a concerned citizen and The Volunteer Center of the Triad are doing what they can to help, but they are short of assistance.
A Man & His Duude
Dickerson tells FOX8 that when Duude “looks at me — I know I am loved.” For him, that’s worth more than a roof over his head. It’s even worth living in tremendous pain.
“I named him Duude because that’s my dude,” says Dickerson. “We have a close, close connection.”
Both Dickerson and Duude have thus far been taking what shelter they can find in the woods at a local campsite. “He’s been hanging in there with me,” says Dickerson.
According to FOX8, Dickerson could have already had somewhere to call home, but they required Dickerson to foster Duude. He refused to do that.
In Need of Knee Surgery
(Stock Picture Credit: Ximena Contreras / EyeEm/Getty Images)Dickerson’s refusal to give up Duude complicated a partial knee-replacement surgery that Dickerson was approved and ready to go in for.
“When the doctors found out I was homeless, they said we have to postpone it until you find a place to live because someone has to come out and take care of you,” Dickerson explains.
Since Dickerson has thus far been unable to find a place to live that will accommodate Duude, he’s gone on, in pain and without a home.
“I cannot give him up. If I have to be homeless and go without my surgery and continue to go through the pain, I will, ’cause I will not leave him,” he insists.
A Concerned Citizen Steps In
Lane Miller, a resident of the area, took a special interest in Dickerson and Duude. She was touched by how much more care Dickerson gave Duude than himself.
“I have been seeing this gentleman almost for the last year. I could see his smile through the mask — okay, and that’s probably what did it for me,” Miller told FOX8.
Miller began reaching out to a number of organizations and agencies, to try and find a solution. “I hit a lot of brick walls,” she reports.
So far, she has only secured additional help from The Volunteer Center of the Triad. They’re helping to boost her efforts in connecting with organizations.
Dickerson and Duude, however, still need options.
For now, a GoFundMe for the pair has been established. If you’re able to offer a bit of monetary assistance this holiday season, you may do so here.
Would you feel the same way as Donald if you had to choose between your dog and a home? Have you ever had to give something up for a beloved dog? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
