“Broken Hearts | Broken Souls” - New York Paris London

Boby, 2024 - Paris

Many people don't react to the sorrow of a person without a job or a house. It is often too complicated to explain how they ended up living on the streets. Sometimes they feel ashamed and many don’t give their names but still tell their stories. In this case, the man had lost his job, his family and his mental health. But his chic dog Boby with his sunglasses is the reason many people stop to chat.  This gives them some time to exchange some words and help out with some loose change or kind words so that life is not so hard.

Finland, 2024 - London

Summer is much better in the North of Europe. That is what this couple told me. They live on the streets of London. He was alone until last winter when his friend died and made him promise to look after his dog. Not an easy commitment to fulfill but a promise is a promise. On the street you have dreams: one of his dreams was to go to Finland. How are they going to get there? Difficult to say as alcohol makes things unclear and hard to believe. His body is weak, his sentences difficult to understand and the police officers are never far away.

Last Train Station, 2024 - New York

Grand Central Station is a very busy place. Nobody pays attention to anybody. People with headphones rush by to catch their trains. But a few good travelers stop to help other New Yorkers in need. No names given: she is in a wheelchair and hopes to get a better life for both of them. Money is accepted but food or water are also gratefully received for her and her beloved companion.

Shakira, 2024 - Paris

Shakira is from Romania. She is 13 years old. She has her own European passport which includes all her vaccinations and medical records: a very important document when you live on the streets of Paris. She has been with her human since she was a puppy and she is the love of his life. His eyes light up when he talks about her. It is a rough and tough life for both, especially during the cold winters in Paris. He would love to go to a shelter but very few accept homeless people with dogs and he refuses to be without her. Meanwhile they make do with a lot of blankets to keep warm and a big smile to Parisians and tourists when they ask for help.

Autumn, 2024 - London

Like leaves, the time will come for the street dog to fall and die. Sometimes dogs on the streets are just waiting for the moment to sleep forever. Life is so tough on the streets so without proper veterinarian care or suitable food, the average age of a street dog is less than 7 years.