Bernard and Oreo are together again

People in Central Indiana and around the country opened their hearts and wallets when they heard the story of Bernard Holland and his dog, Oreo, first published on IndyStar.com Jan. 19.

Based on the countless calls and emails I have received, it seemed a good time to update readers on the inseparable pair, whose story received national attention when the Huffington Post picked it up in late January.

You might remember that Holland faced a dilemma because he was living in a tent near Downtown with Oreo, but the bitter cold temperatures were creating an even bigger hardship. Shelters wouldn't accept Oreo, and Holland refused to leave his pup.

Wigglebutt Doghouse on the Northwestside stepped in to help, offering to foster Oreo until Holland could find a job and a place to live. Holland is now working part time at Wigglebutt and staying with Oreo at a nearby motel.

Wigglebutt owner Ben Bierlein said having Holland work at the doggy day care has worked out nicely.

"Bernard's been able to do some painting and maintenance that we needed done, and he brings Oreo over so she can play with the other dogs."

The outpouring of help and concern for the man and his dog "shows there still is humanity out there," Bierlein said.

Meanwhile, Horizon House, the day shelter on the Near Eastside that has been working with Holland, has been coordinating offers of help from people near and far, including Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas and California.

In a letter sent to interested donors, Mary Stickelmaier of Horizon House said: "Your reactions to Bernard's story are a shining example of the possibilities that emerge when an individual is connected to the 'right resources and services, at the right time, delivered in the right way' and when that work is shared with a broader community of caring people."

Cash, checks, bus passes, gift cards and more have been donated — much of it for Holland, but also for Horizon House and Wigglebutt. Oreo got a special delivery of dog toys, treats and a bejeweled collar sent to him by a woman in Beaumont, Texas. A woman in California started a GoFundMe account for the two, which has raised several hundred dollars.

A man emailed Horizon House to share his story about man's best friend. "Decades ago, there was a time when I had money and a job, but chose to be homeless and live in my car for almost a month, rather than give up my dog until we could find an apartment that would allow me to rent with a dog. Dogs are forever, not just for when it is convenient. He is doing the right thing. Thank you for helping him. He will get back on his feet, but he would never forgive himself if he gave up his dog. and her heart would be broken, too."

Stickelmaier said Holland completed Horizon House's job readiness training class and has worked with the agency's vocational case manager to prepare his resume and prep for interviews. He is awaiting word on a full-time position at a local hospital.

As soon as he finds a full-time job, Horizon House's outreach team will work with him to find an apartment with help from Know Outlets, a campaign administered by the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention.

"It is amazing to see the change in Bernard since this all happened," said Melissa Burgess, Street Outreach Rapid Response Team. "He was very sad and lost when we first encountered him, and now he is more energized and up. We are very proud of him."

If they agree, Bernard and Oreo will lead the walkers for Horizon House in the Walking for Dreams fundraiser May 17 on the Downtown Canal.

Meanwhile, another homeless man whose story resonated with readers has found a job within walking distance of his campsite. Fred, who has asked to remain anonymous, is a veteran who received a World War I Army blanket from a reader who wanted to make a small difference in her own way.

Fred was so touched by the gesture, he typed a thank-you note and asked me to forward it to the woman. He is working on getting housing through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.

Because of articles in The Star, readers came to care deeply about both of these men. Many were moved to act — by donating money, clothes, blankets and more. Your generosity is gratifying to those whose mission is to care for people in crisis.

But for every Bernard and Fred who find their way back from homelessness, there are thousands more sleeping in tents, in cars or in shelters throughout the city. For those people and the organizations that serve them, the need is great, and financial donations are always welcome.

Here are three agencies that can use your help: Horizon House, (317) 423-8909; Wheeler Mission, (317) 635-3575; Partners in Housing, (317) 636-7587.

Noteworthy

Go Girl! In advance of Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day last week, more than 50 middle-school girls from the area joined local professional women engineers, scientists, forensic pathologists and computer scientists to explore science- and math-based careers.

Project Lead The Way, an Indianapolis-based national nonprofit, hosted the event, which included a keynote speech by Janette Allen of Roche Diagnostics, dinner, roundtable discussions and hands-on activities.

Call Star reporter Maureen Gilmer at (317) 444-6879. Email her at maureen.gilmer@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @MaureenCGilmer.