Year of the Dog: This film shows the "lifeline" between the homeless and their dogs

When Primal Scream bassist and dog lover Simone Butler went out looking for their canine companion two years ago, she finally discovered more than she ever imagined about the relationship between a human and her best friend.

As part of her search, Soho Radio, DJ and presenter, interviewed Michelle Clark, who founded and runs Dogs on the Streets (DOTS), a group of volunteers working for dog welfare in the UK's homeless community.

Concerned about the often negative perceptions of the relationship, Simon's heartbreaking new documentary The Year of the Dog examines whether it's fair to have a dog when you have nowhere to live.

The answer, no spoilers, is yes.

"I entered the film with several prejudices," Simon told the. "[But] I realized that dogs are so loved on the road that they are always with their owners.

"The owner will feed the dogs before they feed themselves.

"Street dogs are very well behaved, and I have never seen aggression. Which is very different from a dog that stays around for a long time or doesn't see its owner then comes out and passes another dog on the street, and a fight breaks out between them," he added.

This hour-long film features speakers Simone, Michelle, and other "amazing people" who work for DOTS helping homeless people and their dogs who may need veterinary and administrative assistance.

It also shows what happens to dogs, physically and emotionally, when suddenly their human guardian can no longer be with them.

A recently transferred man reportedly said he would be "dead or imprisoned" if it weren't for his dog.

"We wanted to give people a deeper insight into what it's like to be on the road with a dog and dive deeper into this relationship and this unconditional love," Simone said.

"It doesn't change at all just because someone doesn't have a roof over their head. It's a lifeline. It's a reason to live."