Barney

We are now accepting applications for Barney!

PLEASE read his entire story before submitting an application!

Meet Barney. This three-year-old guy has recently joined STRSE, and while we’re all about focusing on the positive changes and progress we can make, sometimes the story isn’t all sunshine and wagging tails.

Barney’s journey is one of heartbreak. He was surrendered to a local shelter due to behavioral issues at home—issues that were never fully understood or properly addressed. Barney had bitten a family member on multiple occasions, and while out on walks, he was reactive to stimuli like children on bikes, cars, and more. On paper, the home he was in seemed like the perfect match for him—quiet, adult-only. But in reality, it was a mismatch. Instead of respecting Barney’s boundaries and meeting him where he was, the expectations were too much. He was repeatedly asked to do things that triggered his anxiety, and the issues only worsened.

So, Barney ended up in the shelter. We love and support our shelters, but as they’ll tell you, a building full of barking dogs is no place for a dog like Barney. He quickly shut down, and any attempts to engage with him led to defensive reactions.

When we got the call, Lisa dropped everything. It had just started snowing, and the roads were getting worse by the minute, but she didn’t hesitate. She rushed to pick him up.

Once Barney arrived he was shut down, tense, and scared. He was confused, unsure of what’s happening, and looking for some kind of stability in a world that’s turned upside down.

The most heartbreaking part? Every time we take would take him out to potty, he heads straight for the gate, as if he’s waiting to go home. Home. Even though it wasn’t ideal, it was familiar to him in a time when everything else feels terrifying and unknown.

With time and patience, Barney is learning that he can trust us and set the pace.

Barney is looking for an adult only home. Barney finds confidence in having another dog around and LOVES to play with them! Barney has a bite history that stems from fear and being pressured to do things even if it makes him uncomfortable. Barney needs a family who understands his limitations— that when dogs are scared they may bite. That they need more than just love. They need a calm environment, structure and routine. Barney is not a dog who needs walks through town. That’s too much for him. He’d be happy on a walk through the woods or a good game of ball in a fenced yard. A securely fenced yard is required for Barney.

Events that caused Barney to bite in his previous home: Reached into an enclosed space to get him to come out. Barney refused because he was unsure and the person reached anyway. Barney bit. On walks around the neighborhood Barney was reactive to young children playing/screaming/moving quickly.