After story goes viral, homeless man and dog find home together

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – After multiple offers, Timothy Lucas and his dog Moe have found a place to live together this winter.

They were homeless for two weeks, when Lucas asked the community to help take Moe during the winter while he tried getting back on his feet.

After Lucas shared his story last week, he received more than 1,000 emails and hundreds of phone calls filling his case workers voicemail box, twice. Not to mention all the shares, comments and likes on social media.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Lucas. “The love and care was exhibited across the country around the world.”

He said he’s had offers all the way from New York to California and even out of the states in Canada and the UK.

Lucas said he’s having a tough time responding to everyone to thank them.

“If I’m taking too long to get back to you, don’t feel left out,” said Lucas. “There’s just such a volume of responses, and I’m trying to find work and everything at the same time.”

Although he hasn’t accepted a job yet, he said he’s received work offers. What he has found is a place to live. He chose to stay in downtown Lafayette with a gentleman who wishes to remain anonymous.

“He has a small apartment, and he’s willing to let Moe and I stay there,” explained Lucas.

He said he wanted to stay local so he can give back to his community once he gets back on his feet.

“I’d really like to help other homeless people not just people with animals, but anyone who doesn’t have shelter,” said Lucas.

It’s an initiative inspired by all the generous people willing to help.

VCA Lafayette Animal Hospital is providing free vet services for Moe. Multiple people have donated money to help Lucas take care of him.

“I was afraid that Moe wasn’t going to have a home this winter,” said Lucas.

A fear that no longer exists because of the generous acts of strangers.

“And that’s what’s so amazing,” said Lucas. “Nobody knows me really, but they reached out anyway.”

Lucas hopes he isn’t the only one the community reaches out to help this winter.