As his tale has been told in the pages of an international bestseller as well as on the big screen, today Bob may live his life in the limelight, but the charming orange tabby cat has never forgotten one of the charitable organizations which helped him when he embarked on his second chance at life.
At one time living rough on the street, in 2007 the now-famous feline’s fortune changed when he met his forever friend–James Bowen, a busker who was on the path to a better future after his struggles with drug addiction and homelessness. During their early days together Bowen was able to keep his cat companion healthy and safe thanks to check ups and microchipping at a Blue Cross mobile clinic in London which offers aid for the animals of pet parents who are facing financial difficulties.
Since gaining fame through A Street Cat Named Bob, James Bowen and his meowing buddy have often shown their support for Blue Cross, most recently by posing for a celebrity portrait series which shines a light on the option of pet adoption and the happiness that pets bring to our lives. Other animal-loving luminaries who stepped in front of renowned photographer Rankin’s camera for the paws cause included British actress Emily Head (star of the British soap Emmerdale), who shared one snapshot with an adoptable kitten and other with an adoptable rabbit and her famous father, actor Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer); actresses Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Joanna Scanlan (The Thick of It) and Michelle Collins from the British soap Eastenders, who visited the Blue Cross rehoming center in Burford to say “Cheese!” with adorable adoptables, Game of Thrones cast member Isaac Hempstead Wright, who brought along his family’s Fidos for the photoshoot, and more.
Speaking about the photo series, James Bowen stated: “Bob is truly my soulmate and the connection we have is like no other. I couldn’t agree more with Blue Cross that pets really do change our lives as we also can change theirs. I can’t imagine my life without Bob by my side. This portrait is a celebration of our relationship and how we are all enriched by our pets in unique and differing ways.”
Since its start in 1897, the UK charity Blue Cross has provided health care for cats, canines and other domestic animals in need in a variety of ways, from veterinary services at four Blue Cross Animal Hospitals and several mobile clinics; educating the public about proper pet care, and helping homeless companion animals find happiness by uniting them with forever pet parents. The Blue Cross currently helps approximately 40,000 animals in need each year.
Enjoy a behind the scenes look at some of the stars’ photo shoots thanks to the following Blue Cross video:
Photo Credit: Blue Cross/Instagram
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