I met Mikey and his dog on Powell Street in San Francisco on April 15, 2013. I was photographing travelers and their dogs on Haight Street, but one day on my way home, I bought Mikey a piece of pizza and hung out with him, listened to what he had to say about living on the street with his pit bull mix Buddha who was 8 months old at the time. Mikey allowed me to photograph him and we later became friends. For about two years I photographed Mikey off and on until his mother drove him and his dog back to his hometown in Washington State.
For a little less than a year, Mikey spent his days in the Powell Street Bart Station napping and asking for change. They were banned from the station when Buddha nipped at an officer who ran by after someone.
When Mikey was having a rough day, he would snuggle Buddha.
Mikey scolds Buddha for barking.
Mikey plays with Buddha's mouth while he asks for change on Market Street.
On the corner of 5th street and Mission, people waiting for the bus stare at Mikey and his dog. This was a common occurrence.
The two of them play a lot when Mikey is feeling okay.
Mikey smokes a cigarette while he waits for a friend to get out of the public restroom in the Civic Center.
Buddha sits in front of a San Francisco Marriott Marquis hotel window depicting the Golden Gate Bridge.
Mikey and Buddha slept behind Emporio Armani. He collected cardboard from the ally for padding to sit and sleep on.
Buddha begs for food inside a McDonalds on Market Street.
Mikey scratches at bug bites that burrow in the lining of his shirts.
Joon and Mikey take a nap in Union Square after a stressful day.
Someone entertains Buddha while Mikey looks at magazines in Union Square.
Alex picked a fight in Union Square and someone smashed a plate on the side of his head. Alex has been Mikey's friend ever since Mikey arrived to San Francisco with Buddha.
A Union Square security guy informs Joon and Mikey they can't sit on the sidewalk because of the sit-lie ordinance.
All the downtown homeless know who Buddha is and embrace his presence. Buddha loves the attention and definitely picks favorites.
Mikey's friends Mason and Chris look after Buddha on Powell street.
Buddha was taken away from Mikey because of the aggression he showed either protecting Mikey or himself. After an incident, the court decided Mikey wouldn't get Buddha back unless he had Buddha in a muzzle at all times while in public.
Mikey in City Hall before going to court to fight to get his dog back.
Mikey sleeps while Buddha sits and watches people go by.