It’s known as Vancouver’s poorest zip code, but the city’s Downtown Eastside is a vibrant residential and commercial district of more than 20,000 people.
It is also a place where many people live with addiction and homelessness, which carries with it stigma and judgment from others.
For some in this position, pets are a non-judgmental companion that offers unconditional love.
Vancouver-based Radio-Canada video journalist Alexandre Lamick spoke with several residents about the importance of their pets and captured their relationships in photos.
Angelo Papani and Kael
During the four years Angelo Papani and his partner were unhoused, his dog Kael kept watch at night and alerted them if anyone was coming. Pappani says he’s often been disappointed by humans, but “Dogs don’t ask for anything in return. They’re friends for life.”
Although Pappani and his girlfriend are no longer on the streets, his partner still has mental health issues and sometimes falls into extreme depression. The joy and attention they receive from Kael is precious.
“Kale is always happy. Whenever we are sad, she brings us back… She gives us motivation to go out. He seems to know when one of us is sad.”
Marion Bryce and Panda
Marion Bryce has lived in the Downtown Eastside for almost 20 years.
She can’t imagine life without a pet and says her dog helps her deal with anxiety and everyday challenges. Every day her dog Panda comforts her and helps her calm down.
“The panda refreshes my daily life, it makes me want to go out and walk,” she said. “I can’t imagine my life without her.”
Greig McCarthy and Taylor
Greig McCarthy, 73, knows that the DTES, where he has lived for more than 30 years, brings together people who are “a bit different”. Every morning when he wakes up, his dog Taylor is happy to see him and doesn’t mind showing him off.
“That love gets me through the tough times,” McCarthy said.
(Alexander Lamich/Radio-Canada)
McCarthy says people living in the Downtown Eastside rely on support from the SPCA and a local pet food bank that distributes food and vaccines. Without it, he says, many people wouldn’t be able to have pets.
“Wherever we live, animals are good for people. 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 could never see himself living without an animal by his side.
“Even compared to humans, animals are the best friends I’ve ever had.”
Joseph Dennis Lamare and Ella
Former construction worker Joseph Dennis Lamare gave his dog Ella to his partner 16 years ago after the couple realized they couldn’t 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 living in his building, who are mostly elderly.
Gianna Louise Penny and Marty
(Alexander Lamich/Radio-Canada)
Although Marty only became a part of her life five weeks ago, Gianna Louise Penny says he has 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 at home.”
Nina Addlwood and Lily
Nina Addlewood has lived in the DTES for 12 years and has almost always had a pet by her side. After dealing with a long-term addiction to heroin, she said her dog gave her a will to live that she felt she had lost.
“My last dog, Teddy, was the foundation of my sobriety,” she said. “I haven’t touched heroin in eight years and it’s thanks to him. He saved me.”
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