For the Love of Dog

I asked Sébastien why all the homeless people here have dogs, dogs of all sizes and breeds, from sweet giant muts to dainty little Shi-tzus.

He told me that there is a Paris law that if you have a dog you can not be arrested and forced into a public shelter. 

Carmen:    "You mean if you have a dog you can be left to die in the street."  

Sébastien: "No, anyone can be left to die in the street." 

Carmen:     "So the French don't mind if you die in the street they just don't want you to be alone when you go." 

Sébastien:   "Yes, you should not be alone when you die." 

The thinking by the authorities is that if you are put into jail or a shelter, who would be left to care for your dog.