On Monday, Heffron, 46, was reunited with Snarfle, who moved with him to Grand Rapids where the man has a new lease on life, a new job and a home with a fenced back yard.

"I've never been homeless before, but learned so much from this experience," Heffron said. "There are so many opportunities, and every day I see people just throw them away."

Angel wasn't part of the reunion. The dog developed cancer and was euthanized last month.

"The society took great care for my dogs while I couldn't, even during Angel's last days," Heffron said...

"This is one of those warm, happy, success stories for temporary housing," said Gretchen Couraud, CAHS spokeswoman. "Providing temporary homes for pets is one way we reduce pet surrenders and keep them with their owners."

...Now that Heffron is working, he wants to help the shelter.

"There's no better charity for me," he said. "Whatever I give to the society can help someone else like me."

...Heffron's life is back on track.

"I'm back on the hampster wheel working, paying bills and making a new life for myself and Snarfle," he said. "I've got my family back, and it's going to be a great Christmas."