Buddy Gets Second Chance At Happiness Through Adoption

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — At 8 years old, Buddy an orange and white cat, lost the only home he knew. His owner ended up not being able to care for him as she got older and she went into an assisted living situation, while Buddy went to the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter.

He was anxious after losing his owner and was a challenge to adopt.

Buddy remained at the shelter since March and was briefly adopted by one family who ended up sending him back to the shelter.

Buddy became even more anxious after the adoption failed but Franklin Township resident Nancy Kaminetsky looked past his challenges and took him into her home in August.

"It was definitely a match made in heaven," Kaminetsky said.

"Buddy could be irritable from his last experience but the staff saw his sweet side and had patience with him. He was so well cared for," Kaminetsky said.

Kaminetsky took her time slowly to retrain Buddy and get him used to his new surroundings.

"We are acclimating. He likes me but I can't pick him up yet. He rubs against me but it is going to take a while for him to be comfortable," Kaminetsky said.

Kaminetsky wanted to share her story to let others know that there are plenty of dogs and cats that need homes at the shelter and "very compassionate volunteers and staff" at the shelter.

She also wanted to remind those looking for shelter pets to have patience.

"I want people to know it doesn't happen overnight and sometimes it doesn't happen in two weeks," Kaminetsky said. "Buddy is still anxious but I will wait to see if I can get him to open up. It just makes me very happy to see he has another part of life, especially when he is sitting by the window."

Currently, the shelter at 100 commons Way in Bridgewater is in "dire need" of kitten canned food.

"We have many kittens at the shelter and even more in our foster homes and the cupboard is nearly bare and our stock areas are completely depleted!" Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter said.

Monetary donations are also needed. To make a donation click here.

The shelter is open daily from noon to 4 p.m. for adoptions. Adoptions are by appointment only due to the coronavirus. For more information call 908-725-0308 or visit srasnj.org.

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