homeless man reunited with dog

As they say, a dog is a person's best friend. But for someone living on the streets, a dog may be the only real companion they have in the entire world.

Pets are a source of warmth and comfort to those living on the streets and they can also give them a sense of purpose. Dogs can also provided valuable protection on the streets by deterring those who prey on the homeless.

Anthony Rogers, a man experiencing homelessness in Memphis, Tennessee, was heartbroken when his dog, Bobo, went missing for two weeks. Rogers had rescued Bobo when he was a puppy from a drug house and calls him his "lifesaver."

Rogers is an artist who has been drug-free for a year and he credits Bobo as a big reason for his sobriety.

When the dog went missing, Rogers contacted everyone he knew to help find his friend and they plastered the neighborhood with "lost dog" signs.

Luckily, Rogers knew a woman named Emily Ziegler that works at Memphis Animal Services and she recognized Bobo when he was brought into the shelter.

When they were reunited, Rogers and Bobo were ecstatic.

At the pound, Bobo was vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. It also provided a year's supply of heart worm and flea prevention medication.

"To reunite somebody with a loved animal that has been by his side day-by-day is a rewarding experience, and to know that Bobo will be able to be by his side for the rest of his life," Emily Ziegler, Memphis Animal Services digital administrative clerk, said according to WMC.

"It means a lot to me. He's a good guy and I thank everybody for their time and for watching out for us," Rogers said.

via GoFundMe

After Rogers's story went viral, Rebecca Hinds and John Lewis set up a GoFundMe page to help him get back on his feet. In six weeks it has earned over $13,000.

The donations have helped Rogers and Bobo enter transitional housing while they search for a permanent residence.

According to the GoFundMe page, Rogers's "spirits and self-respect are improving considerably! Bobo, Anthony's dear companion, is in very good health and eating well. Man and dog are so happy to be together again."