One homeless man’s devotion to his dogs and their journey across the States has touched the hearts of dog lovers. So much so, that several animal rescuers and kind-hearted individuals have assisted him and his 11 strays reach their final destination and set them up with everything they need to make a fresh start.
Photo credit: Facebook / Steve’s Strays United
The man named Steve was traveling across America with just his bike, a cart and his 11 companions when a passerby spotted them. Steve’s cart had a sign on it reading “Strays United Ministry. God Loves Stray” and Alicia Edrington stopped to ask him about his situation.
Photo credit: Facebook / Steve’s Strays United
Steve has been homeless since 2001, but that didn’t stop him from taking in stray dogs and making them part of his family. He’s gone without food, in order to feed them, take care of them and give them love. Over the past 14 years, Steve has cared for over 50 homeless dogs.
Photo credit: Facebook / Steve’s Strays United
It turns out Steve has been traveling from California to a friend in Indianapolis, Indiana. He had already cycled 2000 miles before arriving in Memphis, Arizona. Alicia called her mom, Mickey, an experienced animal rescuer.
Mickey got the ball rolling and a few other rescuers banded together and raised some funds for Steve and his fur family to stay in a hotel for a few days to get some much deserved rest, shelter and food.
Photo credit: Facebook / Steve’s Strays United
When word got out, West Memphis Animal Shelter donated 100 pounds of dog food and a GoFundMe page was set up to help raise funds for the dogs. The dogs were all checked over, a few got some vet treatments, cleaned and looked after before they began the next leg of their trip.
Photo credit: Facebook / Steve’s Strays United
Local rescue volunteers also arranged for Steve and his pack to get driven the rest of the way to their Indiana destination!
Photo credit: Facebook / Steve’s Strays United
It looks like they squeezed into the car just fine.
Photo credit: Facebook / Steve’s Strays United
When they arrived in Indiana, Steve met with the kind folks at SOAR: Street Outreach Animal Response Initiative. Steve is now set up in their outreach program, which will help him get a job and find him affordable housing. They will also help his dogs be vetted, microchipped, spayed and neutered!
Photo credit: Facebook / SOAR
The Edringtons are grateful that kind donors have already surpassed their GoFundMe campaign goal and all funds raised will go towards a home, utilities, food, vet bills and more, to help give Steve and his dogs a wonderful new start at life.
Photo credit: Facebook / Steve’s Strays United
This is a wonderful story of people pitching in to help others in need. Share this heartwarming story with your friends and family!
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