Homeless people in Leeds are 'being forced' to choose between keeping their dog and having somewhere warm to sleep this winter, according to a local charity.
Street Paws, which provides veterinary care to homeless dogs in the north of England, has said "enough is enough" and that people should not be forced to choose between sleeping on the streets and leaving their dogs in 2021.
Figures from Crisis released earlier this year estimate that 200,000 experienced 'core homelessness' in 2020 - and that 1 in 10 people experiencing homelessness also has a pet.
Research has also shown that less than 10% of hostels are pet friendly - and less than 7% of pet owners will give up their dog in exchange for housing.
The charity shared the story of a man they helped called Dave* and his pet dog Lola. According to Street Paws, Dave suffers from psychosis and has complex needs
This, alongside previous experiences of being systematically abused and threatened by members of the community, means that he often sees things as a potential threat. So when he joined a schemed and attempted to settle Lola into a kennel, he became convinced others had access to it and she was being harmed.
Both Dave and Lola struggled with separation anxiety, having developed a very close bond over the years. This, combined with cold weather, fireworks, and an "abundance of sneaky cats" lead to "a few difficulties" - and as a result, Dave spent a number of nights in the kennel and some back on the streets rather than leave Lola on her own.
Ultimately, this lead to a decline in his mental health, sleeping pattern, and personal hygiene. Lola would also often shake and resist when Dave tried to return to the scheme, said Street Paws.
The charity works with hostels to help them become more pet-friendly and says that the main reasons given for not accepting the pets of vulnerable people include a lack of staff knowledge and training; 'No Pet' Clauses in hostel lease agreements; and a lack of pet-friendly permanent housing to 'move on', leading to longer stays for residents.
Now, in partnership with the south of England's Dogs on the Streets charity, Street Paws has launched a campaign for more hostels to become 'Dog Champions'.
The scheme offers hostel staff accredited training and support, plus advice on pet policies, owner agreements, a pet essential welcome pack for residents, full veterinary care, Street Paws patient registration, canine first aid training, and a first aid kit.
Street Paws founder Michelle Southern said:
"The nights are getting darker and colder, and it is essential that as many people make it to a shelter as possible, and we believe that skilling up hostels and helping them to become pet friendly is a giant stepping stone."
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Much loved Leeds restaurant serving authentic hand-pulled noodles closes suddenly
Clementine Hall
After quietly serving some of the city's best hand-pulled noodles for years, Noodlesta has closed its Leeds restaurant.
Located opposite the University of Leeds on Blenheim Terrace, Noodlesta built a loyal following thanks to its fresh, hand-pulled noodles, rich broths and no-frills approach to dining.
For students, office workers and serious noodle fans alike, it became a go-to spot for comforting bowls packed with flavour.
But unfortunately, Noodlesta has closed its doors for good with an alcohol license for another venture being plastered on the windows.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The restaurant first opened in Leeds in 2019 and quickly earned a reputation for serving some of the city's most authentic Chinese hand-pulled noodles.
The braised beef brisket noodles and the tomato with egg thin noodles were some of the best we’ve had in Leeds, and at around £12 a bowl it was brilliant value for money.
No official reason for the closure has yet been confirmed, although the news comes at a time when hospitality businesses across the UK continue to face rising operating costs and challenging trading conditions.
For Leeds food lovers, Noodlesta's closure marks the end of a dining experience that was difficult to find anywhere else in the city.
Its handmade noodles and authentic flavours will be missed by many who considered it one of Leeds' hidden culinary gems. We wish them all the best in the future.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd November 2021 
