Man Experiencing Homelessness Has Emotional Reunion with Cat He Surrendered

An Austin, Texas, animal rescue program cared for a man’s beloved cat while he worked through a difficult time — and now the devoted friends are back together.

According to Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), on July 24, Jake found himself facing housing insecurity and mental health issues. These challenges made the man feel that he could no longer provide the care his dear pet cat, Rocky, deserved. Thus, he walked into APA!, a non-profit animal rescue, planning to make the heartbreaking choice to surrender him to the organization permanently for the cat’s benefit.

“Jake was determined to do whatever he needed to ensure that Rocky was safe and cared for, even if that meant saying goodbye forever,” APA! shared in a Sept. 3 Instagram post.

Jake left APA without Rocky, but he didn’t have to say a final goodbye to the feline, thanks to APA!’s Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS) program. PASS is designed to keep pets and families together whenever possible, per a statement from the organization. As part of this goal, PASS provides pet owners with pet food assistance, affordable vet resources, and more.

For Jake and Rocky, this meant PASS provided the cat with a “safety net foster home,” a loving place for Rocky to live until Jake felt comfortable taking over the pet’s care again.

“Knowing Rocky was safe gave Jake the peace of mind he needed to focus on himself and take steps toward stability,” APA! said in a statement.

After about one month in APA’s care — during which time Jake’s cat also received updated vaccinations — Rocky and his friend reunited.

APA shared photos from the emotional reunion in its Instagram post about the pair. In the sweet shots, Jake lovingly removes Rocky from a carrier and gently cradles him close to his chest.

“Their story is a beautiful reminder of the human-animal bond — and proof that when a community comes together, small acts of kindness can change lives in the most meaningful ways,” the APA! concluded its social media post about Jake and Rocky.

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According to APA, the nonprofit assists roughly 500-700 cases per month through the PASS program, providing a “safe, judgment-free zone for anyone in need.”