Friendship comes in many forms. One form that is not always understood is the friendship between people and animals. The 2016 film, “A Street Cat Named Bob” tells the true story of how a homeless recovering drug addict and busker is befriended by a stray cat when he enters supported accommodation. Spurred on by Bob’s devotion James Bowen not only overcomes his drug addiction, he reconnects with his father who had appeared to have given up on him and James also writes his story which became a best seller. In the film James Bowen makes a cameo appearance at the end of the film as an extra and Bob plays himself throughout the movie as no other cat would have been appropriate. Sadly, Bob died on June 16th, 2020 at the age of 14. Since the release of, “A Street Cat Named Bob” was released James Bowen has gone on to write two more books The World According to Bob and A Gift from Bob, which became international best sellers and dedicates his time to helping numerous charities that involve homelessness, literacy, and animal welfare.
I have had many pets throughout my life and am always amazed at how they have always been able to tell when I have needed cheering up, as well as their ability to know exactly what I need at the time. As people we do not always deserve animals.
It is often said that dogs are a man’s best friend. For James Bowen, his best friend was A Street Cat Named Bob.