Barkley

---

Update 09/20/10:

One very important task that MAESSR families do is evaluation of temperament in their fosters. Sometimes the complete picture of a dog’s personality doesn’t emerge until it has really settled in to its new routine and home life. This was the situation with Barkley. During his first few weeks in foster care, the behavior that brought him back to MAESSR was not exhibited. As he adjusted, though, old behaviors resurfaced and were unyielding as efforts were made to work with him.

Barkley was unable to overcome his obsessions to the point that he would have been safe to place in a home. His foster mom, in company with other volunteers who follow each dog in foster care, made the difficult decision to let him go to the bridge. Surely he will find peace there.

Update 08/25/10:

MAESSR first met Barkley when he was still a youngster. He was adopted quickly and settled into a new home. Now, at the age of six years, Barkley has been returned to MAESSR by his adoptive family who loved him very much. Barkley had started guarding the wife over the last several months. He would growl at the husband and son when they came close to her. The family had tried to reshape this behavior but was not successful. It was felt by all involved that if Barkley was moved to another home, the habit could be broken.

Barkley has been in his foster home for 3 weeks now and has not exhibited any of the previous behaviors. He just smiles and plays. He loves to be with his foster family. Barkley was started on an inexpensive medication to help with his anxiety. It seems to have made a difference.

As a doggie guest, Barkley could not be better. He likes to ride in the car, is crate trained and has wonderful house manners. He prefers to sleep in the bed with his foster family but will also sleep in a crate at night. He has free roam of the house while the family is at work and there has never been any problem.

At times Barkley is self-entertaining. He likes to pick up small rocks and carry them around in his mouth. He does not eat them; he just carries them around. He also likes to play with toys and enjoys ones that are tough enough for him to chew on. Kongs and the tougher soft toys would be his pick!

Barkley is called “Smiling Boy” in his foster home. He is always smiling and having fun. His cheerful expression brings smiles to those around him too. Who couldn’t use extra bright spots in each and every day?!? Ask to meet Barkley and he’ll win you over too!

Original:

Barkley was purchased from a breeder with a reputation for breeding field type springers for hunting. His family loved him very much but felt he was alone too many hours each day and realized he had an energy level that was more than they could handle. He came into MAESSR’s care from this home and had enjoyed very good care. As is common with many field bred springers, Barkley also came with a full tail.

This youngster loves attention and, like all springers, wants to be with his people. His introduction to the resident springers in his foster home was extremely easy. As he met each dog, he gave every indication that he was not a threat and just wanted to play, making his integration into home life a breeze. He is housebroken and knows basic commands. He was trained to an invisible fence and, when outside, does not cross the sidewalk toward the street. He will counter-surf when he smells a temptation and his foster mom is working on that with him.

Barkley loves to chew on bones and other tough toys. He will shred stuffed toys in no time. He doesn’t always discriminate when picking something to chew, so he needs a home that is fastidious about leaving nothing on the floor. The ideal family will see his potential and find a job for him or an activity to help keep him occupied. He loves to be outside and play, yet he is a sweet heart who loves to sit close and snuggle. Do you have room in your life for a new companion? If so, Barkley would like to meet you!!