Think you know how adoption decisions are made? Take a peek behind the scenes with this edition of Volunteer Viewpoints, written by Justin Palatsky who volunteers in the Upper Bucks shelter Cat Adoption Room.

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I was helping a family decide on the right cats.  They wanted to adopt two at once, which is always awesome when potential adopters say they’re looking to adopt two.  I know all the volunteers/workers in ear-shot perk up when we hear that.  Anyway, I showed them a black and white (cow-patterned) cat named Buddy who was on the adoption floor for I think just a few hours.  I interacted with Buddy a few minutes before the family came and realized he would not last long with such a friendly personality as his.

Shy Candy Cane got a new home when fellow feline Buddy chose her to be his friend

Well, once in the visiting room he makes his rounds and headbutts everyone as expected.  He soon settles down in the mother’s lap and Buddy thinks he’s adopted already.

So, onto the cat #2.  We try a couple of others that the father liked but there wasn’t that instant spark like with Buddy.  So I tell them about a shy cat named Candy Cane (a small brown tabby).  You could hold her forever.  I bring Candy Cane into the visiting room and put her in the middle of the floor while keeping my hands on her to provide a little safety net.  Buddy runs right over to her and licks her forehead.  He didn’t do that to the other cats I brought in.

The family is unanimously and instantly sold.  Buddy and Candy Cane go home together and I can only assume they rule the house side-by-side now.