A down-on-his-luck man and his beloved American Bully canine, reunited yesterday after the pup was stolen as his proprietor snoozed on the subway within the Bronx earlier this week, will now lastly have someplace secure to sleep — no less than, for the subsequent few nights.
Charles Williams and his 2-year-old pet, Roc, spent the night time after their emotional reunion at a pet-friendly shelter in Midtown Manhattan.
“It was pleasant. Staff was nice, welcoming,” stated Williams, 45, who just lately turned homeless after dropping each his job and house across the identical time final month. “It’s comfortable. It’s more mind-easing,” in comparison with residing on the road, he added.
Williams had beforehand struggled to discover a shelter that may enable him to carry alongside Roc, so opted to sleep exterior in the summertime swelter slightly than half together with his pooch.
Charles Williams hugs his American Bully canine, Roc, after they have been reunited exterior the NYPD’s forty fourth Precinct stationhouse within the Bronx on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. (Julian Roberts-Grmela / New York Day by day Information)
They spent the night time in a non-public room with air con, which Williams stated is vital so Roc doesn’t overheat.
So as to beat the warmth final Saturday night time Williams took Roc into the subway system. The perfect buddies rode the rails forwards and backwards on the D prepare all night time, till somebody swiped Roc whereas Williams was catching some shuteye close to the northern finish of the road, on the Norwood-205th St. station.
“That’s Daddy’s Roc! That’s Daddy’s Roc!” an overjoyed Williams shouted at their reunion yesterday after somebody dropped Roc off on the forty fourth Precinct stationhouse. Roc seemed equally happy as he coated his proprietor with sloppy canine kisses.
Williams expressed gratitude towards the Division of Homeless Companies for subsequently discovering him a spot on the pet-friendly shelter, the place he plans to remain for the subsequent few days earlier than assembly with a case employee who helps him to safe extra everlasting housing and likewise register Roc as an emotional assist animal. However the out-of-work chef famous there are a whole lot of different homeless pet house owners who want lodging, too.
“I think that they should, they should really lift their policies on individuals who have pets that are more like family,” Williams stated. “You know, I refuse to give up my pet because it’s family. And I’m glad and thankful and grateful that DHS was able to make this happen for me.”
He stated he hopes DHS offers others the identical therapy.
“Make the same exceptions,” Williams stated. “You know, do the same because, especially depending on the breed, you know, if it’s not a violent breed, you should be able to let the dog inside.”
Whereas American Bullies share a standard ancestry with pit bulls, they’ve a extra laid-back temperament.
Initially Printed: August 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM EDT
