At first glance, it’s understandable why people and families often turn to shelters to adopt puppies and kittens. However, upon closer inspection, it’s impossible to ignore the tragedy of how easily humans overlook the value of a senior pet.
This is especially true for senior cats. Calm and patient in their old age, they often desire little more than snuggles, cuddles, and all the love you have to offer a pet who needs you.
Such was the case for one 15-year-old “scraggly” cat who found his way to the Voorhees Animal Orphanage, where the staff quickly noticed his persistent longing for affection.
A suitable name for a classy, older cat is most certainly Barnaby, and that is what the Voorhees Animal Orphanage named their aging cuddle companion. The entire staff found themselves smitten with the kitten, and their hearts melted around him.
“This super affectionate fellow shouldn’t be spending his golden years in the shelter,” the shelter said.
As we hinted earlier, adopting senior kitties can be an uphill battle. Not enough people realize the potential of relentless love that sweet cats like Barnaby have to offer. But thankfully, fate had plans for Barnaby that didn’t involve spending the last of his days in the Animal Orphanage.
Before any hope could stand to be lost, Dr. Ed Sheehan and his wife Clare Sheehan of Sheehan Veterinary Centre came across the Orphanage’s post on Facebook, advertising Barnaby for adoption. Clare said:
When we saw his picture on Facebook, we felt that he really needed lots of vet care, just given his age and appearance.
So they contacted the shelter right away and expressed their desire to adopt him. The staff at Voorhees couldn’t have been happier! He went home with Ed and Clare.
Ed brought Barnaby to his veterinary office for a full work-up, including blood tests, and immediately the entire staff fell head over heels in love with sweet Barnaby. His love was infectious.
And for Barnaby? He realized immediately he was right at home and offered no hesitation to strut around the office like he owned the place.
Rachel, a vet tech at Sheehan Veterinary Centre, said:
When mopping the floors, he followed behind to make sure no spot was missed, and at the end of the night, he sits on my lap to make sure I do the books correctly.
