Barney Lived in a Shelter from the Time He Was Born Until Aged 9

When Barney’s mom arrived at the Emmet County Animal Shelter, she was pregnant. Shelter staff assume that she was left at the shelter in the hopes that someone could care for her. Staff set up a comfortable area for her to give birth. Soon, her litter arrived. One of the kittens in the litter was Barney. Born in 2013, Barney has spent his entire life at the shelter. Currently, the cat is nine years old.

Meet Barney, he's been at his shelter since he was born. He's 9 years old and the happiest looking cat you'll see today
byu/youcanttakemeserious inaww

Barney is described as “handsome, healthy, friendly, and outgoing” by staff at the shelter. However, they are overwhelmed with cats and kittens who are seeking forever homes. A staff member explains that in the Midwest, where the shelter is located, and South, there are more adoptable animals than homes looking to bring in a new furry family member. Sadly, this leaves wonderful cats like Barney stuck at shelters as they patiently wait for a family of their own.

Emmet County Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter that avoids placing cats in cages. Instead, they are placed into a room with other cats they are likely to get along with. Each room has a designated outdoor “catio” space for the felines to enjoy. 

Happily, Barney’s story appears to have a happy ending, thanks to a viral social media post that drew attention to his plight. A Reddit user posted a photo of Barney to the subreddit r/awww along with the caption “Meet Barney, he’s been at the shelter since he was born. He’s 9 years old and the happiest looking cat you’ll see today.” People who viewed the post were shocked that the handsome and friendly cat had been at the shelter for so long. Luckily, the post caused applications to pour in from people interested in adopting Barney. The shelter has attempted to select the family they feel will be the best fit for Barney, and he will meet them soon. Hopefully, Barney will finally find his forever home!

Shelter staff hope that Barney’s story will draw attention to the plight of shelter animals. Many animals spend prolonged periods at shelters through no fault of their own. Anyone looking to adopt a furry family member is encouraged to adopt. 

Animal shelters are often a last resort for animals. Sadly, many shelters face chronic overcrowding and underfunding. Sign this petition Demanding More Funding for Local Animal Shelters!

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