Homeless man and his dog find temporary shelter in a pet-friendly facility.

In a heartwarming turn of events, Charles Williams, a 45-year-old man facing homelessness, was joyfully reunited with his American Bully dog, Roc, after the pet was reportedly stolen while Williams was asleep on the subway in the Bronx. The emotional reunion took place outside the NYPD’s 44th Precinct stationhouse, where Williams expressed profound relief and gratitude at having Roc back by his side.

Following their reunion, Williams and Roc spent the night at a pet-friendly shelter in Midtown Manhattan, which provided them with a private room and air conditioning. This arrangement was particularly important for Williams, who was concerned about Roc overheating in the summer heat. “It’s comfortable. It’s more mind-easing,” Williams remarked about the shelter, noting that it was a welcome change from the challenges of sleeping outdoors.

Williams had previously struggled to find a safe place that would allow him to keep Roc. After losing both his job and his apartment last month, he opted to sleep outside with his dog rather than separate from him. Last Saturday night, in an effort to stay cool, he and Roc rode the D train throughout the night, only for Roc to be stolen while Williams was resting at the Norwood-205th Street station.

The reunion unfolded with palpable joy as Williams embraced Roc, exclaiming his love and affection for his four-legged companion, who reciprocated with enthusiastic kisses. As a significant aspect of his life, Roc is more than just a pet for Williams; he is considered family.

Grateful for the assistance provided by the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS), Williams plans to remain at the shelter for a few nights while he works with a case worker to secure permanent housing. He also hopes to register Roc as an emotional support animal. However, Williams highlighted an ongoing challenge faced by many individuals experiencing homelessness: finding accommodations that allow them to keep their pets. He advocates for broader acceptance of such cases within shelter policies, especially for breeds like American Bullies, which are temperamentally friendly and do not pose a threat.

As this situation underscores the bond between pets and their owners, it also highlights a critical gap in services for the homeless community. Williams’ hope is that DHS will extend similar support to other pet owners facing these difficulties, taking into account the deep connections that many share with their animals.