If you would like to create a special relationship and make a significant difference for one of the many cats and dogs from BARKS, we invite you to become a BARKS buddy. For only $10 a month, you can sponsor a furry friend and show your support for these special angels.
The Buddy program is also a great way to adopt when you can't adopt! Sound confusing? It's not. By becoming a Buddy you're creating a special bond with a furry friend and showing that you care. Your financial contribution will help to pay for food and medical needs. Your desire to form the connection is very much like an actual adoption. Sometimes, we can't have a cat or dog in the house. Allergies, space limitations, time constraints, or family concerns must take priority. With the Buddy program, you will adopt an online pet to call your very own and the connection is very real and very meaningful!
Renewing? Please click here & write your buddy's name in the check or paypal memo. Thank you! |
How to become a Buddy
Step One Select an adorable Buddy that you would like to call your own. Step Two Click on the Be My Buddy button beneath that cat or dog. You will be able to enter your name, and if you wish, the name of someone you are honoring with this Buddy sponsorship. Step Three Decide how you would like to donate.- You can send a check ($120.00 annually) made payable to BARKS- PO Box 593, Stanhope, NJ 07874
- You can establish an annual or monthly donation through your banking institution
- Or you can utilize PayPal - you'll 'subscribe' to the Buddy Program which will initiate a secure, automated monthly payment from your banking institution or credit card
P.S. If you find yourself falling in love and you want to be more than just friends, please don't hesitate to contact info@barksinc.com to adopt!
Miss Blue
Well hello there Sugar! Ain't you a sight for sore eyes! I've been so lonely. I declare, gals like me just aren't meant to be on their own. Alright yes I'm not exactly on my own, I'm here in foster care with some other kitties, but some of us are, well how shall we say... just more sensitive about not having a special person of their very own. I'm afraid I do fall into that category. Oh Honey, if you were to tell me you cared, that would change my whole outlook, for sure! But without you, I'll have a blue, blue blue Christmas.
Be My Buddy!...Trixie
Trixie is a sweet little Siamese kitten who has tested positive for feline leukemia. This unfortunately really narrows her chances of being adopted - she'll either have to be the only kitty in the home or live with other leukemia-positive kitties. But Trixie is heartened by the fact that her spunky personality and great looks will shine like a beacon when she meets her forever family. Please light a candle for little Trixie... send lots of good luck wishes her way... be her Buddy.
Cayenne
This is Cayenne! Is he a ragin' Cajun? Sure seems like it, especially when he plays. Wiggle a feather toy and he whirrs into a frenzy, turning into a bright orange blur. And his coat is the most gorgeous hue of reddish orange too. Oh yes this Cayenne is a speecy spicy meatball of a cat - juicy with joie de vivre! And he's got enough to go around. Handsome Cayenne will be your friend to the end if you choose this peppery little puss as your Buddy!
Katie
Hi I'm Katie-Girl. I live with my foster family - 3 humans and several cats including my sisters Julie and Emmy. I get along with everyone! But there's one thing that makes me stand out in my family, I CAN'T BE CAUGHT!! I do not want to be held. Truthfully, I don't understand it myself. Maybe it's because I wasn't handled as a kitten? My sisters seem to enjoy my human family but I just can't take that step. My mom thinks that if she keeps talking to me and I watch my sisters, I might someday come around. I also have a medical condition, nothing too serious... and there are some meds that can help it but my fear kinda makes things difficult. Anyway, I still have a good life. My family loves me... but you know, you can never have too many buddies. Would you like to be mine? Please keep me in your thoughts, maybe I'll feel all those good vibes and it will boost my confidence. With Love, Katie.
Daisy Mae
I am not just another crankpot, dagnabbit. Quit calling me that. As it happens, I gave birth to some perfectly lovely kittens that were adopted last year, so I must have some niceness in me. In fact, lately, you humans and kitties don't seem as bad as you used to. Why I've even let Fabio (last row, right corner) snuggle with me and groom me a bit on occasion. It's a big stinkin' lie that I let a human pet me though. And besides it only happened a few times. But hey that doesn't mean I'm turning into a big puddle of mush. It's just that as I mature, I've been uh, re-evaluating my connections to others. Maybe you know what I mean? Could you commiserate with a curmudgeonly kitty like me?
Lucas
When Lucas arrived at BARKS, he had no idea what a lucky boy he was. You see, Lucas was born with a disability; he had little use of his hind legs and dragged himself wherever he went. To make matters worse, Lucas is leukemia positive. His future was dim. Who would adopt such a sickly kitten, even a handsome one like Lucas? And yet today, Lucas is a happy, loving boy with a huge heart and so much to give. He has no idea that he’s a ‘special needs’ cat. Lucas has taught himself to use his rear legs and is often seen climbing up one of the many cat condos located in the BARKS Leukemia room. His favorite trick is spinning around in the turret - put your mouse button over his picture to see him play! Maybe Lucas would enjoy the rides at an amusement park. Come take a spin with Lucas and be his buddy!
Pauli
Zzzzzzzzzz... Does it look like I'm sleeping? Sshhh.... I'm faking it! Please don't tell on me. They're making me stay out here in the open when all I want to do is hide myself away. I don't really feel the need for a ton of company. Company makes me nervous. I do have one friend, though. Well, sort of a friend. It's my track ball toy. Thank goodness they leave that out at night. When no one's around, I creep out of my hiding space and bat it around like crazy - it's so much fun! But when I hear footsteps, whoosh it's back under the hutch for me. Hey, maybe you could be my lookout? Come to think of it, we could even have a go at a two-player game of track ball. You can be up to bat first.
Be My Buddy!...Francesca
Francesca is an athlete. She loves nothing more than throwing her plus-sized body around the room to chase a feather toy. Literally runs over anyone else in her path. She loves to be petted and is a big fan of turkey meat. She can be a bit bossy with other kitties. Please consider making spry Francesca your buddy!
Blossom
I'm here at the window and I'm so tired of watching old white winter and hearing the wind blow. If I had a forever home and my very own family, every season would be Spring. Help me Blossom in the cold. Let me stand-in for your daffodils. Sing to me the ode to Spring. Please be my warmhearted, cold weather friend... please be my Buddy.
Be My Buddy!...Bob
My name is Bob. I was a stray being fed outside by some really nice people, who after months of feeding me, decided to bring me inside to be their pet. But before they did so, they took me to the vet to get neutered and vaccinated and tested for disease. Sadly, I tested positive for the leukemia virus. Since these nice people had 6 other kitties and FeLV is contagious to other cats, they could no longer adopt me :-( I was so sad, because I'd really warmed up to these people and they seemed to like me too! I stayed at the vet hospital for a couple of weeks until a rescue helped place me here in a foster care setting with other leukemia positive cats. I'm doing ok here but sometimes I wish I had an extra special friend of my very own. Maybe it's you?
Tom-Tom
I know you probably think this is my Halloween costume.... or maybe that I'm dressed for a belated 'Talk Like a Pirate Day'.. (aargh). But that's not it.
You see, I was part of a cat colony - we were a wild and crazy bunch. And until BARKS found us, we didn't have any sort of healthcare. That's how things got a little out of control with my eye infection. It's all healed up now but I feel a little self-conscious about the scar. Hey I can still run and play like any other kitty, so it doesn't really bother me otherwise.
The humans who rescued me say I always looked a little lost somehow. And... ha... from a distance, they thought I was a boy (I'm a girl!)... so they called me Tom-Tom. But I like the name and I'm keeping it! I'm finding that I feel very comfortable in a peoplehouse, although they said this one is temporary. I love this petting thing - the people with the friendly hands. Are you one of them? Would you be my buddy until my forever people find me?
Bently
I am one cool and laid back kind of cat. I may look like a big tuff guy, but nothing makes me happier than a scratch behind the ears, or to curl up next to one of my female furry foster friends- purrrr. I would love a buddy to watch the game with, but until I find my forever home, I could use a guy (or gal) pal!
Carol
Hi, I'm Carol. I am a sweet, but shy, ball of fluff. I came to my foster mommy's home because I was really scared in the shelter. I was still scared for a long time, but now I'm not anymore. I enjoy sleeping, playing with my toys, following my foster sisters around, and sitting around and looking pretty, which is what I do best. While I would like a forever home, having a new friend would be nice too!
Be My Buddy!...Sonya
I’ll admit it, sometimes I can be a bit cranky. But most of the time, I just want to curl up, get a big kiss on the head, and nap. When you get older, you’ll understand how this works. A little TLC and a Buddy goes a long way at my age; I’m only finicky about food, not friends!
Mittens
Mittens is a quiet and gentle fellow. He watches the shenanigans of the other kitties thoughtfully, like a grandpa in an overstuffed chair peering over his newspaper, watching the kids play with their toy trains on the living room rug. His eyes are warm and twinkly and he is very sweet-natured. Please consider making this kindly gentlekitty your special friend.
Be My Buddy!...Winter
Winter is right in season. He is a sweet cat that will warm your heart and lap. Winter is such a beautiful kitty, with his lush fur and green eyes... but sometimes beauty has a price. The other kitties in his foster home pick on him! Are they jealous? Poor Winter, he is just trying to get along with everyone. He just wants some love and affection. Share your friendship with Winter, make him feel better, warm his little kitty heart!
Yoda
ooOOohhh, Greetings! Indeed it is I, Yoda. Yes. Perhaps think you that looks not befitting an ancient green Jedi muppet, but indeed am I of this name, Yoda. Have been for some years, hmmm. Many skills have I. May not at this time able to show them because out of my element here in a cage, yes, am I. Not the best place for Yoda, no. Even Yoda wishes for a home comfortable in a woods of family and loving humans, mmmm. Yet feeling that the force is strong in you. Mayhaps you will use it to move the mouse onto the button below. Yes. Ooohh. Do not delay.
Be My Jedi!...Nellie
Hi. I'm Nellie. I already know what you're going to say next.... Whoah! Am I right? Everyone who meets me says, 'Whooooah Nellie!' They seem to get a kick out of it and you know what, I never really mind. But if they said Whoah Nellie about giving me a home, that would bother me because there's no reason to put the brakes on that idea. I'm a quiet and well mannered girl and I would make a wonderful pet. But I've been waiting for a while now and I'm feeling kind of down in the dumps. That exclamation is starting to sound like 'Woe, Nellie' to me. Won't you consider brightening my day and becoming my Buddy? You hold the reins.
Buttons
Buttons' sisters and mother were adopted a long time ago. Such a scared kitty, she gets too upset to attend adoption days so she's still in her foster home... waiting, waiting... waiting to be adopted. It would take such a special family to give her the time and space to adjust. But she's waiting. In the meantime, she could sure use another friend.
Chiquita
¡Hola! I am Chiquita! And in case you are wondering, I do like to be the top banana whenever people are doling out affection. Si, if you give me the petting and the pampering and the catnip that I desire, I may even attempt a little Carmen Miranda dance for you. And that's not so easy to do without the hips you know! Well since you can't see me dance, you'll have to settle for a song. Here goes: I am Chiquita the kitty and I've come to say, I would be so very happy for a place to stay. But homes aren't like bananas, they don't grow on trees, so for now I'd love a Buddy, won't you pick me, please?!
Smokey
Hello there, I’m Smokey! I love everyone and everything, especially treats! Will you be my friend? I love to cuddle and be stroked. I love to be picked up and held. When you put me down, I will implore with my eyes in hopes that you pick me back up again! I've heard the Petters say I have something like ‘leekoomia’. I don’t know what that is, but maybe my kitty friends here have the same thing because they keep us all together in the special needs place. Are we different? Gosh, I don’t feel different. Well, except when someone is hugging me… then I feel even better than normal! In fact, I could kinda go for a hug right now… were you offering? Please?
Be My SnuggleBuddy!...Randy
Hi baseball fans and everyone else! My name is Randy A.K.A Randy Johnson, you know... "The Big Unit. " But you don't have to be a baseball fan to appreciate me. I'm very lovable and I greet people when they come to my foster family's house. Although I've been diagnosed with FIV, I'm tough and in good health. Boy would I like to find a home where I could get a lot of attention and love... because there are so many other cats here besides me and I could do with a little less sharing! Hey, maybe you'd you like to hang out with me sometime, watch a game? (...preferably the Yankees!) Can you imagine us on the couch, getting comfy? I wouldn't be fussy, just some nuzzling would do. Yes I can see it now, it's wonderful. How about you? Can you imagine being my Buddy?
Jett
I'm Jett! I'm Jett! Let's go for a walk, or maybe even a run! Ain't life great? By the way, I'm Jett! Who are you? And did you say you wanted to go for a walk? I hope so. What's that? I'm a sweetheart? I'm a good boy? Whoo hoo! I'm Jett! Let's fly!
Tinkerbelle
Dear little Tinkerbelle is a leukemia-positive kitten. She was a stray and a kind person brought her in to the vet. Now she's looking for a forever home. Tinkerbelle is ultra sweet and affectionate. She is a 'special needs' kitty and must go to a home without cats or with other leukemia-positive kitties. Because finding a home for her can be a bit more challenging, she would love to have a Buddy who is thinking about her even if she can't be with you!
Angus
My name is Angus and I yearn for the Highlands... ah to be roaming the rugged cliffs... wait, that sounds cold. What if the wind starts up? Hmmm. How about a hug instead? That's it... I'm going to take a nap and dream of a crackling fireplace. Perhaps you'll send a warm thought my way?
Penny
You're absolutely right, I am a little wary. Don't get me wrong, I'm being treated pretty well right now... I live in a beautiful sunny kitty room with several other cats who are 'in transition'. Yet there are so many things I can't make sense of... like why my family left. And why do I have to get into a little plastic box every week and travel to a big loud place where people stare at me, judging me... and worst of all, after that they just walk away. I tell you, it causes consternation. But if I had a family that loved me, I know I could unfurrow my kitty brow and relax. In the meantime it would help if I had friend, a confidant, someone to reassure me that my day will come. Please be my Buddy.
Lily
This pretty little girl is Lily! She's a bit shy with people but she loves to run and play with the other kitties. She's looking for a patient, kindhearted person to give her a chance... and the time and space that she'll need to warm up to a new family. Will you be her friend in the meantime?
Domino
Everybody's got some odd little body quirk, right? Some can wiggle their ears, others can kiss their elbows or maybe even pick up clams from the bottom of the bay with their bare toes. Well, I've got my odd little thing I can do, and someday... someday I'll be famous for it, you watch. Here's what I can do... are you ready? I, Domino the cat, can curl my little tail around. I'm not kidding you, they have pictures of it! Yes I can already imagine the headlines that will run when I'm famous: "Beautiful Tuxedo Cat Has Extraordinary Tail-ent!" ... "Precious Puddytat Is Part Piglet!" ... "A Kitty Korkscrew! Who Knew?" Well I know what you're going to ask, and the answer is yes, you can have my autograph! And actually, it would mean a lot to me if you would be my friend, now, before my picture hits the billboards and the catnip packages, you know, while I'm still just a regular kitty, looking for a home.
Huey
Hi there, I'm Huey! I'm about two years old. I was a stray who befriended a nice family. They gave me a really comfortable, warm bed and good food. I was wary at first, but eventually found out I liked to be brushed and have my belly rubbed. They took me to the vet and it turned out that I'm a special needs kitty because I have leukemia. The family loved me and I loved them, but they already had a kitty without leukemia. So they manged to get all kinds of super caring people involved and now I'm at BARKS with other special needs kitties. It's taken me a while to adjust but the nice caregivers are helping me along. I'm so lucky to have such great friends! I know I can count you among them.
Molly
I'm starting to think I might be a little weird. Or at least awkward or something. I've seen so many other kitties here come and go and yet I remain at the shelter. Ok I admit, being picked up is not high on my list of favorite activities. And maybe I do get a little stressed out at adoption days. But I've made great strides in this getting petted thing - I'm nearly an expert! I can smoosh my head against your hand and roll upside down to show you what fun I'm having. Yet I know that my heavily lidded 'bedroom eyes' are often mistaken for angry ones... It's just not true! I'm a puddle of dilute tortoiseshell mush just waiting for the right person - the one who knows when to give me space and when to stroke my face! Won't you help me practice my social skills so someone will take me home and love me?
Lindy
I am the sweetest and most adorable little girl. I know you've heard that about other cats, but with me it's really, really true. I was once semi-feral, and now I know that people are the best, especially when they give me a little scratch under the neck. My foster mom knows that when I find a home, those parents are going to be really loved! But until then, I can show my love from a distance and know that you are giving me a big "cyber hug!" Please be my buddy!
Carlisle
I am always dressed for success and love to be noticed! However, I often find mischief before it finds me. Don't get me wrong, I am one friendly cat who will warm your heart. I just can't help the spunky side of me-- creative if you will. Adventurous to some. A renaissance cat- yes- that's a good word. It does make it harder for cat brothers and sisters to keep up, but humans find me charming! So... until I find the right venue for my festive spirit, I would love a Buddy who recognizes that some of us just have a bit more character than others!
Pebbles
Pebbles came from the pound to her foster home. She was very afraid and didn’t like to be picked up. She still doesn’t like that... but she does like to be petted when she isn’t afraid. Pretty Pebbles gets along with other cats, especially Fluffy (to the right), but she can’t go to adoption days. She just gets too scared of the pet carrier. Sure, these are obstacles to finding a forever home, but Pebbles still wants to be loved. Maybe you have a little love to spare?
Fluffy
Fluffy is a beautiful cat. She loves to be petted when she is lying down but will not let you pick her up. She is chatty with all the other cats in her foster home and talks a blue streak when she wants to be fed! Her buddy is Pebbles (to the left). She'd love to find a forever home but in the mean time, this wonderful cat would like to talk you into being her buddy... whaddya say?
Be My Buddy!...Rusty
Rusty was adopted out as a little kitten. Then, his family moved and could not take him so he came back to his foster home. He is an "alpha cat" and runs the other cats around... but loves best to go for a walk with the dogs! He is an inside/outside cat and loves to sleep in the laundry basket. Rusty adores people, but he's not too crazy about adoption days. He and his alpha personality don't appreciate being in a crate, which makes it hard for potential adopters to see his sweet side. Until someone breaks through to discover how nice this boy can be, won't you be his pal?
Frannie
What heart shall touch thy heart? What hand thy hand?
And I am sometimes proud and sometimes meek,
and sometimes I remember days of old, when fellowship seem'd not so far to seek,
and all the world and I seem'd much less cold,
and at the rainbow's foot lay surely gold,
and hope felt strong, and life itself not weak.
-from a sonnet by Christina Rossetti
Mindy
I'm just not sure. Not sure I want a hand in my cage. Not sure I like it here. Ok. Yes to sleeping... sleeping is good, I like that. And I do appreciate that my cage is kept nice and tidy. Thanks. Maybe I'd like someone to pet me... no, no nevermind. Forget I said it. Don't take it personally though. It's not you, it's me. And I do like to watch people and their antics from afar. I just get a little flustered when they get too close. I'm not neurotic, I just have boundaries is all. But I still could use a friend. That is something I'm absolutely certain about.
Felicia
Did you know... the name Felicia comes from the Latin word meaning lucky, fortunate... happy. Well, I do like to keep a positive outlook on life! There are so many small things in my life that are wonderful. I suppose I could let them be overshadowed by the fact that I don't have a home of my very own, but I refuse to. Every day I wake up in a warm place, there is a full bowl of kitty kibble for me to munch, fresh water for me to lick off of my paws, and more often than not, someone gives me a kind look and a stroke on the cheek. Do you celebrate the small wonderful things in your own life? Maybe you'd like to be my friend..? I would feel lucky, fortunate, happy... to be able to say you're my Buddy.
Apache
May the sun
bring you energy by day,
May the moon
softly restore you by night,
May the rain
wash away your worries,
May the breeze
blow new strength into your being.
May you walk gently through the world
and know its beauty all the days of your life.
-An Apache Blessing
Be My Buddy!...Samantha
Bio coming soon!
Byron
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
- from Lord Byron's poem, She Walks in Beauty
Be My Buddy!...Rascal
What on earth is a gorgeous pastel calico like Rascal doing in a shelter? Why hasn't she been adopted? Beautiful Rascal probably got her name because of her mercurial personality... she's a wee bit fickle. She can be warm and enjoy being stroked, but it stops on her dime. Well, poor Rascal's got different people sticking their hands in her cage every day, day and night, whether she likes it or not. So of course she exercises her kitty volition now and then, it's all she's got. Chances are good that a warm, consistent home would bring out her better nature. And so, the wait is on for someone who will give this little goddess time and space to adjust. (Rascal probably thinks some extra treats wouldn't hurt either...!)
Josie
When Josie was picked up as a stray, she was a mess. She had suffered a terrible eye infection in the past and was infested with ringworm fungus. The eye was too far gone to save, but she has been restored to full health in every other way. And she has a marvelous disposition, has been sweet and friendly through it all. She is going to make someone a wonderful family member someday, but she'll have to be patient because many adopters want a cat that looks physically perfect. But in the meantime, little Josie will purr and play and enjoy life, because that's who she is. Eventually, some wise person will see that she is perfect.
Peanut
So yes, my name is Peanut. I guess it's because a have a petite little noggin. Peanut isn't a very dignified name, but I think it could be worse. They might have called me one of the alternative names for Peanut... like Goober Pea... and there are worse yet, peanuts are also called monkey nuts, pygmy nuts and pig nuts. I mean, would you come running if someone called you Monkey Nuts? Maybe you think I'm plain nuts to spend my time thinking about all this peanut trivia? Well, I am NOT a nut! I'm a legume.
Fabio
Yes, it was a lady who named me, but admittedly, I kind of like the name. I'm a very sweet and friendly cat who just hasn't found the right home yet. Sometimes, I can be a bit cautious around unfamiliar people, but it comes with the name, the notoriety, the cameras... you get it. Now, just so you know, a buddy is a buddy. Don't let my name discourage guys from considering me! In fact, I could use the camaraderie. But...if a female admirer notices me first, I am more than alright with that too!