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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]In our case, we are on a first name basis with some of the regulars in our neighborhood because they are delighted by our dogs who now pull to go up to them for pets. We chat and give them some cash sometimes but not always. [/quote]

Would they be as friendly if you didn’t have history of giving money? Did you give them money when you first encountered them?[/quote]

I think so. I pass tons of pandhandlers and don't engage with most, certainly don't let my dogs go up to them. It’s been a long time but there had to be something about them initially that made me think they were safe and nice and I could chat with them and let them love on the dogs. They are kind/unobtrusive with other people passing. There's obviously some transactional element and a huge power differential but I like to think they also like that we know them by name, ask how it's going, if they're staying warm/cool, if they need anything etc and treat them normally and not like lepers. Palming a 5 dollar bill here and there and spending a few minutes chatting is no skin off my back and they frequently say we (mostly the dogs!) Have made their day.[/quote]

So are they sitting in front of your house, or are you encouraging them to loiter in front of someone else’s? By giving them money occasionally, it becomes a profitable spot for them. [/quote]

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