Kris and his dog Rock both relaxing on the lawn
It’s been a journey for Kris and his beloved bullterrier, Rock. For eight years, Rock has been the centre of Kris world and, around two years ago, his biggest motivation to end his homelessness.
“It was all about Rock. It was all about giving him a home,” Kris says, standing in the kitchen of his Trust home, Rock leaning up against his leg. Rock gazes adoringly up at his best mate, tongue lolling happily, ears pricked, tail wagging and thumping the floor. They are a picture of happiness.
The pair are very different to the last time we met, about 18 months ago at transitional accommodation run by Carrington Cottages, The Waymouth. Carrington Cottages operates four transitional accommodation sites in the CBD and is supported by the Trust.
The Waymouth is a place where people experiencing homelessness can bring their pets and stay in stable accommodation while working with support services towards sustainable housing. For Kris, being able to bring Rock with him meant all the difference to his engaging with the support services that have helped him get to where he is now – living successfully in his own home.
The way Kris tells it, his main goal was keeping Rock safe. They were sleeping in Kris’ car, a situation he knew was unsustainable. He approached Carrington Cottages for help.
“I do everything for this dog. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done knowing I had to be here for him. I wanted to change how we were living, for myself too, but mostly for him.”
Rock is relaxed, happy in his own home and no longer so vigilant and constantly “ on guard”, always protecting Kris.
“He is a different dog now. He has his own yard, and we go for walks, and he runs with me when I ride my bike. He loves it,” says Kris, also at ease, knowing he has made major changes in his life and now has a place to call home.
As Kris stabilised, with support from Carrington Cottages, he was matched to a Trust property through the Integrated Homelessness Program (IHP). It took time because he needed a property that was right for him and Rock.
“It needed a yard with a good fence so he couldn’t jump over it, and he would be safe,” Kris said.
Carrington Cottages CEO Karen Aistrope said the pair were a unit and is proud how much Kris has achieved.
“Having Rock has been such a blessing for Kris. They are a team. Having pets can be a barrier to people engaging with supports so we are happy to be able to provide this option for people,” she says.
“Kris should be proud of what he has achieved.”
As always, for Kris, it’s about Rock:
“The best thing is when we are out for a walk or a ride and I can say to him, “home”, and he knows exactly where we are going.”