How Bob the Cat changed a life

Theirs is a partnership built on mutual trust and great loyalty. Bob has helped James fight addiction and earn money. Bob is a cat. And a shining example of how pets bring great benefit to homeless and marginalized people.

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"I was a very selfish person, when I was using drugs, the only thing you care about is yourself and where your next drugs come from. But when I found him and he asked me for help, I had to think about someone other than myself".James Bowen, Bob's BFF

The Big Issue is a British magazine published on behalf of homeless people and sold by them. James Bowen found selling the magazine was easier thanks to his charismatic friend Bob.

• Around The World In 80 Bobs -- Street Cat Bob's Blog

In fact, a lot of things in James Bowen's life are easier thanks to Bob.

Bob helped James Bowen get off drugs and Bob helped make him a best selling author.

James Bowen is the author of A Street Cat Named Bob. He joined us with Bob from our London studio.

Leslie Irvine believes people who are homeless want pets because they offer companionship and give people who have nothing a reason to live. She's met a lot of homeless people and their companions. Leslie Irvine is a professor of sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder and the author of My Dog Always Eats First: Homeless People and Their Animals.

Cheryl Hawryluck and her cat, Harley at the pet food bank in Edmonton called Boyle Street Community Services. Cheryl's had Harley since he was a kitten and says she loves going home to him. She says if it wasn't for Harley she'd probably wouldn't be living. (Photo: Dave Bajer, CBC Videographer)

People have powerful connections with their pets. Has your pet changed your life?

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This segment was produced by The Current's Howard Goldenthal.