Meet Merlin — a shy, soulful sweetheart who is quietly blossoming more each day. Merlin arrived at BARCS as a stray and was described as timid at first but friendly, and that tracks perfectly with who she is as she settles into foster care. She can be a little shy when encountering new situations, but she’s curious, thoughtful, and clearly wants to trust. With patience and gentle encouragement, Merlin relaxes at her own pace and begins to show her affectionate, wiggly side.
In her foster home, Merlin is already making brave strides. She’s learning her way around the house, mastering the stairs, and discovering the absolute joy of a comfy couch where she happily snoozes near her people. She enjoys being close by and has a sweet habit of retreating when things feel overwhelming… only to come right back for gentle pets, tail wagging. When she’s comfortable, she shows off adorable stretches, happy wiggles, and even an army crawl to come say hello.
Merlin is food motivated and treats go a long way in helping her feel confident and engaged. She walks slowly and cautiously on leash, staying close to her handler, and continues to gain confidence with reassurance and consistency. She’s also been calm and well-behaved during short car rides and is settling nicely once inside the vehicle. Housetraining is a work in progress as she adjusts to a brand-new environment, but she’s learning quickly with routine and patience.
Merlin has met strangers and done beautifully with slow, respectful introductions — she’s gentle, observant, and warms up with time, treats, and kind voices. She’s also met other dog pals at BARCS and loosens up with time, showing off her playful side with sweet play bows. She would likely do well with a calm canine companion and a home that understands shy dogs and celebrates their small victories.
Merlin is looking for a loving, patient home that will give her the time and space she needs to continue building confidence. In return, she’ll offer quiet companionship, heartfelt affection, and the joy of watching a tender dog truly come into her own.
If you’re interested in meeting Merlin, please complete an application and email dogfosters@barcs.org for next steps!
Meet Merlin — a shy, soulful sweetheart who is quietly blossoming more each day. Merlin arrived at BARCS as a stray and was described as timid at first but friendly, and that tracks perfectly with who she is as she settles into foster care. She can be a little shy when encountering new situations, but she’s curious, thoughtful, and clearly wants to trust. With patience and gentle encouragement, Merlin relaxes at her own pace and begins to show her affectionate, wiggly side.
In her foster home, Merlin is already making brave strides. She’s learning her way around the house, mastering the stairs, and discovering the absolute joy of a comfy couch where she happily snoozes near her people. She enjoys being close by and has a sweet habit of retreating when things feel overwhelming… only to come right back for gentle pets, tail wagging. When she’s comfortable, she shows off adorable stretches, happy wiggles, and even an army crawl to come say hello.
Merlin is food motivated and treats go a long way in helping her feel confident and engaged. She walks slowly and cautiously on leash, staying close to her handler, and continues to gain confidence with reassurance and consistency. She’s also been calm and well-behaved during short car rides and is settling nicely once inside the vehicle. Housetraining is a work in progress as she adjusts to a brand-new environment, but she’s learning quickly with routine and patience.
Merlin has met strangers and done beautifully with slow, respectful introductions — she’s gentle, observant, and warms up with time, treats, and kind voices. She’s also met other dog pals at BARCS and loosens up with time, showing off her playful side with sweet play bows. She would likely do well with a calm canine companion and a home that understands shy dogs and celebrates their small victories.
Merlin is looking for a loving, patient home that will give her the time and space she needs to continue building confidence. In return, she’ll offer quiet companionship, heartfelt affection, and the joy of watching a tender dog truly come into her own.
If you’re interested in meeting Merlin, please complete an application and email dogfosters@barcs.org for next steps!
BARCS takes in new animals in need of a loving home every day. The pictures above only represent a portion of the animals that are available for adoption at any given time. Some animals get adopted immediately and their photos never make it onto our website—which is wonderful! If you don’t see what you are looking for, please visit our shelter to meet your perfect match today! Adoption fees are $75; however, we offer several adoption packages listed here. Our adoption hours are Monday-Friday from 2-6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
BARCS takes in new animals in need of a loving home every day. The pictures above only represent a portion of the animals that are available for adoption at any given time. Some animals get adopted immediately and their photos never make it onto our website—which is wonderful! If you don’t see what you are looking for, please visit our shelter to meet your perfect match today! Adoption fees are $75; however, we offer several adoption packages listed here. Our adoption hours are Monday-Friday from 2-6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Step 1: Check out the adoptable cats, dogs and small companion animals listed on our website.** Animals with a blue “I’m in Foster” banner are not currently in our shelter. See below for our adoption process for animals in foster homes.
Step 2: Visit our shelter during adoption hours (Monday-Friday 2-6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). When you arrive, you will first be asked to fill out our Shelter Adoption Application with your information. You may also pre-fill our Shelter Adoption Application ahead of time online to save time when you are at the shelter. Your application will be processed after you meet the animal.
Step 3: Tour our adoption rooms and write down the names of animals that you would like to meet. A volunteer or staff member will help you meet your chosen animals to make a match!
Step 4: When you have selected the right animal for you, our Adoptions Team will run your Adoption Application for approval. Once your application is approved, you will participate in an adoption class where you will learn all of the details about your new adopted family member, including their known history and medical records.
What else to expect: Animals who are already spayed/neutered and past their stray hold (if applicable) can often go home with you the same day. Pick-up arrangements for unaltered animals and/or animals still on a stray hold will be made during your adoption class.
**Please note: Animals listed on our adoption pages may still be on stray hold and pending reunion with their owners, or have an existing pending adoption application.
Address: 2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD 21225
Step 1: Check out the adoptable cats, dogs and small companion animals listed on our website.** Animals with a blue “I’m in Foster” banner are not currently in our shelter. See below for our adoption process for animals in foster homes.
Step 2: Visit our shelter during adoption hours (Monday-Friday 2-6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). When you arrive, you will first be asked to fill out our Shelter Adoption Application with your information. You may also pre-fill our Shelter Adoption Application ahead of time online to save time when you are at the shelter. Your application will be processed after you meet the animal.
Step 3: Tour our adoption rooms and write down the names of animals that you would like to meet. A volunteer or staff member will help you meet your chosen animals to make a match!
Step 4: When you have selected the right animal for you, our Adoptions Team will run your Adoption Application for approval. Once your application is approved, you will participate in an adoption class where you will learn all of the details about your new adopted family member, including their known history and medical records.
What else to expect: Animals who are already spayed/neutered and past their stray hold (if applicable) can often go home with you the same day. Pick-up arrangements for unaltered animals and/or animals still on a stray hold will be made during your adoption class.
**Please note: Animals listed on our adoption pages may still be on stray hold and pending reunion with their owners, or have an existing pending adoption application.
More about this shelter
BARCS is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization operating Maryland’s largest animal shelter and pet adoption center. We are an open admission shelter, granting refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal that comes through our door. A staggering 30 or more animals are surrendered to BARCS every day. No matter what the circumstance, we do not turn away any animal in need of shelter, food, medical care and a loving touch. Yearly, this equates to more than 12,000 dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, and even wildlife and exotic animals that need care and placement.
BARCS is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization operating Maryland’s largest animal shelter and pet adoption center. We are an open admission shelter, granting refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal that comes through our door. A staggering 30 or more animals are surrendered to BARCS every day. No matter what the circumstance, we do not turn away any animal in need of shelter, food, medical care and a loving touch. Yearly, this equates to more than 12,000 dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, and even wildlife and exotic animals that need care and placement.
Other pets at this
shelter
We'll also keep you updated on Marceline's adoption status with email updates.
