EMMET COUNTY, Iowa — After spending nearly a decade in a shelter, Barney, a 9-year-old gray tabby cat, has finally been adopted—proving that patience (and a little internet fame) can lead to a happy ending.
Barney’s journey began when his pregnant mother was rescued from a feral cat colony nine years ago. Raised in foster care before moving to the Emmet County Animal Shelter (ECAS), Barney was known for his friendly, affectionate personality—yet, year after year, potential adopters passed him by.
“He just didn’t get picked,” ECAS Director Kristy Henning told PEOPLE, noting that overlooked cats are a common challenge, particularly in Midwest shelters where feline populations outpace available homes.
A Viral Smile Changes Everything
Barney’s fortunes shifted when a photo of him flashing a wide, cheerful grin—taken by ECAS kennel manager Lindsey Rohrbaugh—was shared on Reddit two weeks ago. The post, captioned “Meet Barney… the happiest-looking cat you’ll see today,” quickly amassed over 51,000 upvotes and hundreds of adoption inquiries.
Among those smitten was Amanda Scherer of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, who spotted Barney while scrolling online. “I saw him and thought he was super cute,” Scherer told the Des Moines Register.
After reviewing applications, ECAS selected Scherer’s family—including her husband, 3-year-old daughter, and another cat—to give Barney his long-awaited home. The shelter announced the adoption on Facebook, praising the family for opening their hearts to the senior feline.
Settling Into His New Life
Since arriving in Missouri, Barney has been adjusting smoothly. Henning shared that the cat is “loving the carpet”—a luxury he never had at the shelter—and receiving plenty of affection. The family has sent near-daily updates, reassuring staff that their longtime resident is thriving.
Henning hopes Barney’s story encourages more adoptions of long-term shelter pets. “Don’t assume they’re there for a negative reason,” she said. “Barney did nothing wrong… Sometimes, it just takes the right person to see them.”
How to Help Shelter Pets Like Barney
For those unable to adopt, ECAS recommends:
Spaying/neutering pets to reduce overpopulation.
Volunteering or donating—even remotely—to support local shelters.
Sharing adoptable animals’ stories online to boost visibility.
To meet other pets awaiting homes, visit ECAS’s website.
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