I don't doubt there are people that let their dogs roam the streets, but I wouldn't class it as responsible... I doubt any of the Salford inhabitants considered their dogs to be their only true friend either.
I've known some Houdini dogs of course
Far more Houdini rabbits and two Houdini tortoises.....
I have no issue with people without gardens/ yards who keep an eye on their dogs. I wasn't trying to criticise the girl, it was just that something really didn't add up for me. On the one hand the dog is the most precious thing in her life, on the other hand it is left in a situation where it can just wander off.