Homeless man John Parker is looking for a warm place to rest his head this winter, but he will not come in from the cold without his trusty dog Cody.
It's bitterly cold outside Tuesday night, as it was the night before and is certain to be on many more nights this winter.
But one homeless man in Manayunk simply refuses to come in out of the cold -- not without his dog. "It's a mission. The mission is to find John a home -- John and Cody. They need an apartment and need to spend this winter together," said Linda Castagna.
"It's his best buddy. They've been together for 18 years. Cody's going to 19-years-old on January 1st, so there is no way John is going to part with his dog," said Castagna.
For five years now John Parker has been out on the streets of Manayunk. So has Cody. The two are never apart.
Now for the first time, at age 59 and with a bad knee, John is feeling the cold and wants to come inside. And Cody could use a warm place to curl up as well. But there's a problem.
"The problem in getting John into a shelter is he will not give up his pet and the city does not allow pets in the shelters," said Castagna.
So, Linda, who owns Surf City Tans, and her friend Tina Krovetzhave made John and Cody their mission. And the guy who once worked in the textile mill that now houses a few of gentrified Manayunk's most popular businesses, can sure use the helping hand.
"Nobody wants to take him. No shelter wants to take him," said John Parker.
Linda and Tina are looking for help in their campaign. If you know of a place where John and Cody can live together or can offer some financial help, you can email Linda
Linda@surfcitytan.com
"The next step is to see if Outreach will come and take him into a intake center and get him cleaned up…hopefully for Christmas," Castagna said.
John and Cody will sleep at Surf City Tans Tuesday night. They were there Monday night too, but it's a business, not a boarding house.
John and his best friend need a place, a warm place to live.
Again, if you would like to donate to help John and Cody
Mail donations to:
Linda Castagna
Surf City Tan
100 Levering Street
Philadelphia PA 19127
UPDATE
I talked to Linda tonight.
They are getting a fund up for him at a bank and you will also be able to send it there. Will post when it has been set up.
Also a kind lady paid for him (Cody) to be vetted today at Queen Valley Animal Hospital. Dr McGuire gave him shots & blood tests etc. Seems to be in good health for his age.
They have gotten donations of clothes & stuff for them & the humane society brought them dog food.
I will update this as I recieve information.
It's cold out there and this is all the man has in the world. Please Help them!!!!!!!!!
Pay Pal Account for their fund
