Lindsay x Barry the Support Dog

Hi folks, 

Benjamin Law here. 

If you watched the second season of SBS’s Filthy Rich & Homeless, you'll remember my buddy Lindsay, who has spent most of his life without the security of a home.

For extended periods in his childhood and adult life, Lindsay has slept rough on the street, and even in underground stormwater and sewer networks, due to a life that began with violent childhood neglect and abuse. In his adult years, he has survived trauma, violence, murder attempts and drug dependency.

He is a resilient survivor. 

Shortly before filming of the series began, Lindsay was lucky enough to secure government housing after years of waiting. Lindsay and I have remained firm friends, and one of our main missions has been to get him a support animal. Dogs have been a constant in Lindsay's life – have often been the presence that have kept him safe and calm – but he hasn't been able to afford one.

Recently, I helped Lindsay find Barry in an animal shelter in Blacktown. Barry is the right size, the right temperament, and Lindsay and him adore each other. I like to think they rescued each other. 

Lindsay is also able to access free mindDog training, which means Barry will eventually be a registered and official support animal. 

Lindsay is currently relying on a government pension, but is about to embark on an assisted job hunt.

Contributing to a year's worth of Barry's supplies will help enormously in Lindsay's quest for independence as he transitions from a life of homelessness, and into paid work.