Keeping John and Kimba together

John Hopkins and his dog, Kimba, are a dynamic duo. He raised her from a puppy during one of the hardest times of his life, and she was there for him when it got worse, and he lost his housing. But thankfully, when he began his rehousing journey at St. Vincent de Paul, he didn’t have to choose between a new home and his best friend thanks to SVdP’s Companion Animal Program (CAP). 

John had a long career as a professional pianist, starting with 16 years in the U.S. Army Band, where he travelled the world. Then he continued as a freelancer and travelled to perform in places like Istanbul and Japan. 

However, his life took a total turn when a doctor warned him his health was in jeopardy. 

“The doctor said that my blood pressure was high, and so he was concerned, and he said, I was at risk of a stroke, ‘You need to cancel your trip and stay home and take care of his blood pressure,’” John said. “But at that time, I was more oriented with playing — I made my living that way. So I chose not to heed his warning, and I went on to Japan, and I was there about three weeks when I had my stroke.”

The stroke nearly paralyzed his entire right side. He was only 45. 

While he spent months recovering physically, he also had to reinterpret what the rest of his life would look like. Without full use of his right hand, he could no longer be a pianist. He settled in a suburb of Kansas City and spent his days working with Alzheimer’s patients and helping kids as a foster grandparent.

It was at this time, when John was redefining his life and most in need of companionship, when he met his best friend, Kimba, the friendly labrador-great-pyrenees mix. A coworker had a litter of puppies, and when John saw them, he couldn’t help but ask for one.

“When I got her, she was like this,” said John, cupping his hands together. “She used to sleep on my pillow next to me, and she still does… She’s the lady of the house.”

John and Kimba lived happily for a while, but after some time John decided it was time for a change of scenery. He moved to Phoenix to be closer to family, but finance problems arose from unexpected costs and John ended up not being able to pay his rent. Suddenly, he found himself evicted on one of the hottest days of the year in July 2024. 

Unsure what to do, and with nowhere to go, John ended up suffering from heat stroke. Someone called an ambulance and he was taken to a hospital, where he received treatment and was able to keep Kimba with him. After he told the staff his story, one of them made a call and connected him to SVdP. There was good news: They had an opening in Ozanam Manor, SVdP’s transitional shelter for veterans, seniors, and adults with disabilities experiencing homelessness.

“My impression was, ‘Wow,’” he said. “The people were friendly. They welcomed you with open arms, and it had an environment that was very positive, and so it made it easy for you to transition… everyone is treated with respect.”

John quickly settled into his new dignified temporary space at Ozanam Manor, which residents and staff lovingly refer to as "Oz." There, John had access to three square meals every day; a personal space with a bed, desk, and armoire; hygiene facilities; case management; and the safety and stability that is hard to find on the street.

Kimba was able to stay with him in shelter as well. 

“And they took care of Kimba too,” he said. “I think if I couldn't have kept her there, I wouldn't have gone and stayed there because we've been together since she was eight months old.”

SVdP helped him care for Kimba through its Companion Animal Program, which cares for shelter residents by providing resources and access to pet care — making sure each resident’s pet is happy and healthy so the guests can focus on rebuilding their life.

And that’s just what John was able to do. After recovering from his heat stroke and the trauma of being evicted, John was able to work with case managers at Oz and partner with another local nonprofit that found him a one-bedroom apartment in north Phoenix. 

Now John and Kimba are starting a new chapter in their life together in their newfound home. And soon enough, John will be back out in his community helping more Alzheimer’s patients and foster kids through his musical talents.