Photo: Mike Kepka / The Chronicle
A street panhandler, Daniel Harlan, is not the only homeless man in the crowded city of San Fransicso, but he is definitely the most stand out one because of his flat-nosed Exotic/Himalayan cat, Samantha.
Most people took notice of this homeless man because of his beautiful cat, but Samantha was nowhere to be found because Harlan believed that she was stolen.
Samantha is perhaps the only thing Harlan really cares about in his life.
Last Friday when Harlan went to a nearby store to buy some food for Samantha and himself, he left the cat on a leash tied to his tent and was only away for a few minutes. When he returned, the cat and his tent were gone.
Photo: Mike Kepka / The Chronicle
Harlan went everywhere in the area to look for the cat. He even visited the police office, but the police did not have time to search for a homeless man’s cat. He also went to the SPCA and the animal control shelter, but they did not have his cat.
Harlan and Samatha were photographed by The Chronicle one time for a story about Market Street. Harlan went to The Chronicle for help, hoping someone would return his cat after seeing the picture in the paper.
Harlan thought the cat was stolen for money because Samantha is an expensive breed where he spent $2,200 back in the days when he had money.
Samantha is Harlan’s best friend, campanion and someone who can calm him down and help him out. “She’s with me 24/7″ he said.
But it turned out that a man named Tom Neville saw the cat and asked around to see if anyone knew who the cat belonged to, but no one knew anything. So he decided to take the cat with him to work. When he saw the photo of the homeless man and the cat printed in the paper, he realized it was Samantha, so he contacted Harlan and reunited the two.
Harlan wept when he saw the cat. Neville offered to buy the cat, but Harlan refused and said he could not sell his cat. Neville gave the man some cat food and $40 which Harlan used to buy several things for the cat, a new tent and a few necessities.
via SFGate
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awww a sweet story…a a great love story of a guy and his cat…sorry that he is homeless…but that made me smile…thanks for sharing!
there are some beautiful people out there! very happy they got re united!! i felt his pain
This story made me shed a few tears. I can see how much he loves Samantha.. It's very touching.
This got me teary eyed. I am happy that they are back together, but I am sorry that the man is homeless.
I do understand this pur old mans feeling-his cat is his only true friend and no money can replaise that! I'm so glad for him that he got his sweet catfriend back
)
What a precious story…amazing…what a miracle. I love real happy endings!!!
what a lovely story of companionship.
Yes indeed.
lovely story!!
*warm fuzzy feeling*
Good story!
We need more HAPPY stories like this. I hope this Man and his Kitty can find a live-in caretaker job in an Animal Shelter or Veterinarian's office/hospital to assist with boarding pets, meds, and simple love and attention, etc. They need someone at NIGHT to BE there for the Animals' comfort and safety. God Bless! :] Love, ROBOT
Even though he is homeless, he knows that this kitty is his home. I've heard of homeless shelters that cater to those who own pets, are there any like that in San Francisso ?
I really hope so. The man receives social security and change from people. He spends a lot of it on his cat and the rest on necessities.
You are right Robot! What a great idea.
such a beautiful story…im glad they have been reunited together…GOD IS GOOD. AND HE HAS A BEAUTIFUL CAT….i have a persian cat myself…..
A-men
that is a beautiful story i only hope that he and his cat can find a shelter to stay in until he gets back on his feet. but it was sweet that he chose his cat over money because money cant replace everything especially a friend
Awe that's so sweet.
I have seen tons of homeless people panhandle with their pets. It's actually very nice to know that the money you are giving them goes to the pet.
I always offer the homeless person a place for their pet to stay in the winter because i know it is very hard to find somewhere that will allow them to bring their pets and it's really cold out.
This one brought tears of joy to me. I am so glad that this man was reunited with his cat.
I hope someone sees this story and offers this guy and his cat a place to live. Perhaps whoever that is out in San Francisco can also try to help this man find a job too. With so many people viewing this story, I am sure there is someone out there with a little extra money who can help this man and his cat out.