Barney - male/neutered - young (1 year of age) - Border Collie mix (best guess) - white, black and brindle medium length plush, soft coat - medium size/50 pounds
Barney is a joy. He delights in all things - people, dogs, food and play - and, as his foster family diligently works to get more meat on his bones, he rewards their efforts with his excellent appetite and his great gratitude.
Barney’s back story is a sad, yet heart-warming tale of a homeless young dog whose need for help, and whose love of people, led him to the playground of a rural school, where he befriended many children at recess before Animal Control officers invited him to come with them.
Barney promptly loaded into their truck with profound relief, and fervent hope of a square meal. He became a favorite of the humane officers, who instantly loved him because of his sweet and open nature, and his willingness to get along. No one ever claimed Barney, and he was put on the adoption floor.
For some reason, Barney was always overlooked on adoption days, much to the puzzlement of his caregivers at the facility. He would wait with excited anticipation as families visited the shelter, and he spent 4 months hoping that he would get his chance to go home.
Everyone cheered when a foster home opened up in Hedgesville Hounds, and Barney could finally get his day. He ecstatically joined a foster household of two devoted parents, two equally devoted children, and two family dogs. In fact, Barney embraced this new opportunity with his whole heart.
We are so proud of Barney, and of Barney’s foster family, who took in a young dog who had spent months in a shelter - together they have accomplished so much! Barney now walks very well on leash, and has learned to sit. He is just a day or two away from being fully house trained. He is an eager and cooperative student whose dearest wishes are to be loved and noticed. His days are filled with the pleasure of belonging, and the endless number of new things there are in the world to sample and enjoy. He is learning to confine his interest in new objects to his own stash of treasured toys, and can now differentiate between a hockey stick and a chew toy.
Barney greets people and dogs with joyful friendliness. He loves to ride in the car and meet new people on those special excursions. He does not bark despite his excitement, and we are touched by his trusting eagerness to try new things and experiences. He has complete faith in his foster parents, and the world at large; his acceptance, optimism, and openness are endearing.
Physically, Barney is a beautiful, one of a kind dog. It has been difficult to guess his breed components, and he seems to remind people of a very wide variety of breeds - from small Saint Bernards, to fluffy border collies. He has a sturdy, compact build and a handsome and dignified head and face. If his head seems a bit large for his body, it is only because he is still filling out, and we have all laughed at one description of him as “looking like a Pez dispenser with his enormous head on his little body.” Outdoors, he plays tirelessly with his canine foster brother until they both plop down together in the grass next to each other, enjoying companionable rest and quiet. Barney's eye contact is direct, as if waiting for an important directive, and he is extremely responsive.
Barney, as you would expect, loves to be petted and hugged, and indeed, welcomes any and all forms of attention. His plush coat has a softness that is hard to describe adequately, although the person who got closest simply said “he’s a perfect cuddle dog.”
We are extremely impressed by Barney’s kindness, and his reliable goodness, which have guided his development. Despite his long stay in an Animal Control facility, he retained those qualities, along with a very trusting nature. He is still technically an adolescent pup, and his life has already included many more “adventures” than the average dog’s. His adopters will meet a dog whose innate love of people and expectation of good will allow him to bond profoundly. He will join his new home with enthusiasm, curiosity and complete devotion.
We are requiring a fenced yard for Barney. We have no information regarding Barney’s interaction with cats.
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