Homeless man John Parker is looking for a warm place to rest his head this winter, but he will not come in from the cold without his trusty dog Cody.

It's bitterly cold outside Tuesday night, as it was the night before and is certain to be on many more nights this winter. But one homeless man in Manayunk simply refuses to come in out of the cold -- not without his dog.

"It's a mission. The mission is to find John a home -- John and Cody. They need an apartment and need to spend this winter together," said Linda Castagna. "It's his best buddy. They’ve been together for 18 years. Cody’s going to 19-years-old on January 1st, so there is no way John is going to part with his dog.”

For five years now John Parker has been out on the streets of Manayunk. So has Cody. The two are never apart. Now for the first time, at age 59 and with a bad knee, John is feeling the cold and wants to come inside. And Cody could use a warm place to curl up as well. But there's a problem…
"The problem in getting John into a shelter is he will not give up his pet and the city does not allow pets in the shelters," said Castagna. So, Linda, who owns Surf City Tans, and her friend Tina Krovetz have made John and Cody their mission. And the guy who once worked in the textile mill that now houses a few of gentrified Manayunk's most popular businesses, can sure use the helping hand. "Nobody wants to take Cody. No shelter wants to take him," said John Parker.

Many kind, caring people have rallied around John and Cody and are lending their support to help them. We are hopeful that perhaps a first floor apartment has been found for them. Dr. McGuire of Queen Village Animal Hospital checked out Cody to find out he is in good health for 19 but does have arthritis, so stairs are an issue. We are fortunate that Compassionate Animal Relief Effort (CARE) and its founder, Christine Miksz, were able to pay Dr. McGuire. We also thank Buzz Miller from Buzzy’s Bow Wow Meow in Narberth, Pa for contributing many pet supplies for Cody’s welfare. John and Cody still need help, so anything you can do would be genuinely appreciated!

We are continuing our mission to help the homeless with pets, so no one has to give up their loving animal companion to seek shelter. The foreclosure and housing crisis has only accelerated the number of people and their pets who are currently without homes. And we are asking for your help! If there is anything you can do to help the homeless with pets, we would love hearing from you. No matter what you can do, whether it is a financial donation, housing, services, anything … it would be warmly received and greatly appreciated!

If you would like to help John and Cody, you can reach Linda Castagna by phone 267.809.0085 or email linda@surfcitytan.com. Donations are welcome and can be mailed at Surf City Tan - 100 Levering Street - Philadelphia, PA 19127, or done electronically via the PayPal link below.