Flagler Humane Society’s Valentine’s event proves that a relaxed atmosphere and specialty cocktails create the purr-fect adoption setting.
When Flagler Humane Society hosted “Cocktails with Cats: Adopt Your Furever Valentine” on Friday, February 6, the result was more than just a successful adoption event. It was a heartwarming celebration of second chances and new beginnings.
The Valentine’s-themed gathering at the shelter on Shelter Drive welcomed cat lovers for an evening of mingling, sipping specialty cocktails, and meeting adoptable felines in a relaxed, social atmosphere. By the end of the night, seven cats (four adults and three kittens) had found their forever homes, with three additional cats capturing the hearts of potential adopters who may return.
Why Cocktails and Cats Mix
According to event organizer “Cat Daddy” Jeff Jacobs, the cocktail setting offers something a traditional shelter visit simply cannot. “People are more relaxed, interacting with fellow feline fanatics, and also get to see the cats’ personalities out of a traditional kennel setting,” he explained.
This casual environment lets potential adopters observe cats behaving more naturally, away from the stress of cage confinement, while connecting with other cat enthusiasts who share their passion.
Choosing the Right Cats
The selection of which cats to feature at the event involved careful consideration. “Myriad of factors for selection from longest there, social behavior, and past experiences of no fault of theirs that led to the present shelter confinement and so deserving of another home,” Jacobs shared.
These cats found themselves waiting at the shelter through no fault of their own. An event like this gave them their opportunity to shine and show their true personalities to potential families.
A Night of Connection
For Jeff, the most rewarding aspect of the evening went beyond the adoption numbers. “The look on the faces of all that interact with these beautiful souls, but especially the reaction of the cats, who realize they met their forever families,” he explained. “My heart’s greatest joy.”
Asked to describe the evening in three words, his response captured the spirit of the night: “Grateful, humbled, and blessed.”
The event was made possible through the generosity of sponsors including Cat Daddy Jeff, JB & Millie Bell (who donated cocktails), and Flagler Animal Hospital, which sponsored adoption fees for select cats.
For those who attended but didn’t adopt, or for anyone interested in meeting the shelter’s adoptable cats, Flagler Humane Society is located at 1 Shelter Drive in Palm Coast.
