Meet Your Match™ Adoption Program
The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter offers the ASPCA Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality, Puppy-ality and Feline-ality adoption program. This research based program was created by Emily Weiss, Ph.D., in conjunction with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). It is sponsored by the Iams Company.
The Meet Your Match™ Adoption Program is comprised of two parts.
The first part, the animal assessment, helps us determine the individual needs of each dog or cat. We test each dog to help us determine their general canine-ality including friendliness, playfulness, energy level, motivation and drive. The felines are tested to help us determine the cats general feline-ality including friendliness, playfulness, reception to petting and holding, valiance, and independence. Each dog or cat is then categorized into a personality color according to their scores. These categories are color-coded green, orange and purple.
The second part is an Adopter Survey which helps us determine your color and we can begin to match an animal's behaviors to your expectations, experience, lifestyle, and home environment. You'll receive a color-coded Guest Pass to help guide you to an animal that may best meet your expectations and lifestyle. For example, if your pass is orange, look for an animal with an orange kennel card. By no means are you tied to only that color.
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Canine-ality |
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Each Dog has its own Canine-ality!
The socially motivated dog is motivated by human contact and attention. This type of dog values human attention and will work for it. Descriptions for socially motivated dogs in each color category are Life of the Party (green), Goofball (orange), and Constant Companion (purple).
The internally motivated dog is often motivated by stimuli that are difficult or impossible to control. This type of dog is often independent, and is not necessarily motivated by social contact, tennis balls or even food. Descriptions for internally motivated dogs in each category are Free Spirit (green), Wallflower (orange), and Couch Potato (purple).
The externally motivated dog is motivated by a variety of stimuli including human contact, food, and toys. Descriptions for externally motivated dogs are Go-Getter (green), Busy Bee (orange) and Teacher's Pet (purple).
Save yourself time! Download the MYM Dog Adopter Survey, fill out and bring to shelter when you are ready to look your newest family member.
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Canine-ality Color Descriptions
LIFE OF THE PARTY
I think everything is fun, interesting and meant for play, especially you. Anything you do, I'll want to do too. With my own brand of surprise, life with me will keep you constantly on your toes, and the fun is guaranteed. (Socially Motivated)
GO-GETTER
Want to get more exercise? Action is my middle name. My "Let's GO!" lifestyle will keep you motivated to get outside and move. I've got tons of energy; and just like the sun, I'm burning and working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I'll run for miles, chase a ball for hours, and still want to play at the end of the day. (Externally Motivated)
FREE SPIRIT
Intelligent, independent, confident and clever, I prefer making my own decisions but will listen to you if you make a good case. We're partners in this adventure. Treat me like one and we'll both live happily ever after. (Internally Motivated)
WALLFLOWER
Shy yet charming canine searching for patient owner with relaxed lifestyle. Looking for gentle guidance to help me come out of my shell. Treat me sweet and kind and I'll blossom. (Internally Motivated)
BUSY BEE
I'm a naturally playful, curious and trusting canine. Take me for a big walk every day; give me something to do. After my job's done, I'll curl up in with you in the evenings. I'm a dog on a mission to please you and myself. (Externally Motivated)
GOOFBALL
I'm a fun-loving, happy-all-the-time, glass-is-half-full kind of dog looking for someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have a great sense of humor and a bunch of tennis balls. (Socially Motivated)
COUCH POTATO
Like the easy life? Then I'm the perfect match for you. I'm a relaxed, laid back kind of dog who enjoys long naps, watching movies, curling up on laps, and walking very short distances from the couch to the food bowl and back. (Internally Motivated)
CONSTANT COMPANION
Looking for an emotionally secure, mutually satisfying, low maintenance relationship? I am all you need. Let me sit at your feet, walk by your side, and I'll be your devoted companion forever. (Socially Motivated)
TEACHER'S PET
I've got the whole package — smart, fuzzy, four legs, love to learn and live to please. Go ahead, teach me anything. Sit, stay, balance your checkbook, I can do it all. Keep me entertained and I will be yours forever. (Externally Motivated)
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Each Puppy has its own Canine-ality!
The socially motivated puppyis motivated by human contact and attention. This type of puppy values human attention and will work for it. Descriptions for socially motivated puppies in each color category are Super Hero (green), Class Clown (orange), and Kindergartner (purple).
The internally motivated puppy is often motivated by stimuli that are difficult or impossible to control. This type of puppy is often independent, and is not necessarily motivated by social contact, tennis balls or even food. Descriptions for internally motivated puppies in each category are King of the Mountain (green), Bashful Tourist (orange), and Day Dreamer (purple).
The externally motivated puppy is motivated by a variety of stimuli including human contact, food, and toys. Descriptions for externally motivated puppies are Thrill Seeker (green), The Rookie (orange) and The Detective (purple).
Save yourself time! Download the MYM Dog Adopter Survey, fill out and bring to shelter when you are ready to look your newest family member.
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Puppy-ality Color Descriptions
KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
I'm self-educated with a splash of ambition. As canine royalty, I like to set the rules. Explain a better way though, and I'll give you due consideration. I'm really looking to share my throne with a hard working, confident, and full-of-pep human. (Internally Motivated)
SUPER HERO
I'm an all-purpose pup ready to commit 110%. When there's a crumb dropped, I'll be there to pick it up for you. When there's a hole that needs to be dug, I'll be there with all four feet. When someone needs a buddy to run miles with, I'll be there with leash in tow. Commit 110% to me, and I'll be yours forever. (Socially Motivated)
THRILL SEEKER
WOO-HOO! This is so cool! Have you tried this ride called LIFE yet? Ti's got all these great twists and turns and so many neat things to play with like balls, fleece toys, rawhides, socks, pant legs, finger - and so many neat people to meet - you, your friends, your friends' friends and the friends of you friends' friends. Jump on board and we'll have a blast together! (Externally Motivated)
BASHFUL TOURIST
So this is my first time on my own, and jeez, did you know the world is a really big and kind of scary place (especially when you don't speak the language)? With the right translator, I know I can learn my way around. Until a get familiar with the place, let me stay right by your side... or maybe just a little behind you. (Internally Motivated)
CLASS CLOWN
Class clown seeks good-humored soulmate ready to let the good times roll. My playful jokes, love of all things chewable and slapstick comedy will keep you and your friends doubled over laughing for hours. When I hog the spotlight, just let me know the joke's over and I'll settle down. (Socially Motivated)
THE ROOKIE
Young self-starter looking for an inspirational coach to take us to the top. I've got the whole package—brains, good looks, and loads of raw talent—and I'm ready to use them. Teach me, praise me and I guarantee I'll make you proud at home, on walks, or competing in the field. (Externally Motivated)
DAY DREAMER
Easy-going, relaxed pup seeks laid-back human for mutually low stress relationship. Must see the bowl as half-full, enjoy leisurely games of fetch followed by a quick snack and two-hour nap, and be willing to explore the joys of relaxing together. (Internally Motivated)
KINDERGARTNER
t's the first day of school and, boy oh boy, am I nervous! I'm not sure where to sit, when we eat or even where the bathroom is. All I need is a person I can trust to show me the ropes. Will you be my mentor and show me around? (Socially Motivated)
THE DETECTIVE
It's elementary, my dear assistant... let's unravel the mysteries of the world together. I simply use my trusty nose and my natural taste for details. You simply offer any leads you might have. Together we'll solve every mystery that comes our way. (Externally Motivated)
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Each Cat has its own Feline-ality!
Each adoptable cat is assessed based on level of interest in play, exploring, 'talking', and being the center of attention so that he or she can be placed into one of the nine color-coded “feline-ality” types that make up the Meet Your Match™ program. Green cats are savvy and adventurous, orange cats make the perfect companions and purple kitties are quiet, seek affection and stay out of trouble.
In a nutshell:
- Green adopters are most successful with cats who quickly adapt to new situations.
- Orange adopters are a good fit with the quintessential companion kitty
- Purple adopters are perfect for kitties who need time and encouragement to adjust to their new surroundings.
But don’t worry if you’d rather mix-and-match—adopters are not required to choose a cat with a particular feline-ality, and the assessment can prepare you for your new love’s response to her new home and help her adjust.
Here’s what a kitty’s color can tell you:
- Green cats are savvy, unflappable and adventurous. They’re further broken down into three categories—the MVP the Party Animal and the Leader of the band.
- Orange cats put the good in “good company.” They’re further classified as the Executive the Sidekick and the Personal Assistant.
- Purple kitties seek affection, are pretty quiet and tend to stay out of trouble. Our three purple categories are Private Investigator, Secret Admirer and Love Bug
Save yourself time! Download the MYM Cat Adopter Survey, fill out and bring to shelter when you are ready to look your newest family member.
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Feline-ality Color Descriptions
The Leader of the Band
I'm a cat who does everything in a big way. I not only like to be in the middle of things - I like to lead the parade. I'm an adventurous cat, but I'll still make plenty of time to show you my affectionate side. I'm the demonstrative type, you might say. Want a cat who's brimming with confidence? That's me
Party Animal
I'm a cat on a mission: PARTY! I love to play and explore and test my limits. I'd love to play with you, but I can make a toy out of anything: pencils, post-it notes, potatoes. If you're looking for some laughs and someone to liven up the party, think about inviting me.
M V P
I'm a savvy cat who knows the score. I'm pretty unflappable, too. I don't mind entertaining myself, but a human companion at the other end of the couch and a nice scratch behind the ears always make my day. If you're looking for a resourceful addition to your team, think about signing this Most Valuable Pussycat.
Personal Assistant
You're working on the computer? Let me press the keys. Reading the paper? I'll hold the pages down for you. Watching TV? I'll just plop on your lap so you can pet me. I love an orderly household, don't you? I'll help you with all your chores, and I'll help you relax when we're done. You'll wonder how you ever managed without me.
Side Kick
Like all sidekicks, I'm just plain good company. I like attention, and I also like my solitude. I don't go looking for trouble but I'm no scaredy-cat either. If you are looking for a steady companion to travel with you on the road of life, look no further.
The Executive
I have to say, I'm a busy cat. First, I've got to check out what's happening out the window. Next, I'll see if any closets or cupboards need looking into. And then there are my naps - can't be late for those. I can fit a little socializing into my schedule. Shall we plan on breakfast and dinner? I hope you like kibbles.
Love Bug
Do you seek affection? I do! If you also like petting, purrs, and paws kneading your lap, I think we might have a LOT in common. I'm looking for "someone who enjoys quiet times and togetherness." Could that someone be you?
Secret Admirer
When it comes to relationships, I'm very level-headed. I don't leap in paws first, if you know what I mean. But give me a little time, and then I'll shower you with purrs, head-butts, and plenty of lap time. In the meantime, you may not see a lot of me - but I'll be thinking of you!
Private Investigator
I'm working undercover to keep an eye on you and your household. You may not even know you're under surveillance. I can vanish into think air if anyone or anything interferes with my investigation. If you need a cat who knows how to stay our of trouble and will always keep your secrets, I just might take your case.
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