You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Before joining the rescue, Barkley spent time surviving on the streets of Texas. Understandably, he's still learning to trust people, but his gentle spirit shines through. Barkley is a sweet, sensitive soul who is cautious and will retreat when he feels uncertain or overwhelmed. He would thrive in a calm, compassionate, slower-paced home with a family committed to building his confidence at his own pace.
While he may do well with older, respectful children, younger kids can be a bit too fast-moving and unpredictable for him, which can be scary. Barkley clearly longs for connection and he’s still figuring out how to ask for it. With patience, love, and consistency, he’ll blossom into a loyal and loving companion over time. It will take him time to approach his human and nose bump the tip of their finger.
Barkley has made great progress with potty training and is currently learning how to walk confidently on a leash. While he's still building trust, it's important to treat him as a potential flight risk. For his safety, he should always be kept on a leash until he feels secure and recognizes his adoptive home as his safe haven.
Given his agility—he’s quite the jumper! A fence of at least 4 feet is required. He has previously cleared a 3-foot pen when feeling anxious, so a secure fence top and bottom is key.
Barkley truly blossoms in the company of other friendly dogs. Having a canine companion or more in his adoptive home is essential to help guide him, build his confidence, and show him that he’s safe and loved. He feels noticeably more at ease when other dogs are around. Although Barkley isn’t a fan of being crated, he’s a well-behaved boy who can be trusted to free roam the house when you're away.
In his foster home, Barkley enjoys following the other small dogs around—whether it’s exploring the house or heading outside to the fenced yard to do his business. He loves lounging in the grass and soaking up the outdoors or running around the yard playing chase with his canine friends.
Barkley is from Texas. If you are interested in getting to know this animal better, please fill out an adoption application. An adoption application is the best way to show your interest in an animal and is not a binding contract. To learn more about Ruff Start’s adoption process and the care our foster animals receive, please visit our How to Adopt page.
If you are unable to adopt but want to help this animal and others in our care, you can donate to support the medical and veterinary needs of all Ruff Start Rescue animals.
Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.
October 17, 2025, 2:42 pm
