It's almost impossible for those of us who have never been homeless to imagine life on the street. But anyone who's ever had a beloved pet can identify with the emotional bond between a man and his dog — making that relationship the perfect entree to raised consciousness of the suffering endured by our fellow humans. For its first exhibition in its new East Hollywood space, the National Museum of Animals & Society examines these ideas with “My Dog Is My Home: The Experience of Human-Animal Homelessness.” The exhibition showcases stories of homeless “human-animal families,” with video, paintings and photography narrating the importance of keeping this bond alive, even under desperate circumstances. Appearing at the opening will be Dr. Leslie Irvine, associate professor of sociology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her 2013 book, My Dog Always Eats First, examines these very topics through interviews with homeless people living with animals, and examines how these relationships help humans living on the street to form positive self-identities. National Museum of Animals & Society, 4302 Melrose Ave., E. Hlywd.; Sun., Nov. 10, 7 p.m.; $25, $50 VIP (6 p.m. entry). (530) 520-5397, museumofanimals.org.

Sun., Nov. 10, 7 p.m., 2013

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.