Barney in Lebanon, IN

Barney is a stunning boy, approximately 7 years old. He has the most unique coloring we’ve seen on a Cavalier. He has a Blenheim head, with dip-dye-looking ears, and his back is black and white like a Tricolor. He is quite lovely. Barney came into care via a shelter. He was surrendered to a shelter when his elderly owner passed.  

Since coming into foster, Barney has been nothing but a joy. He loves all people but is very calm around them. He happily greets people but then usually just finds a calm spot to lay down. Barney loves a pillow or a blanket or a dog bed, or even a soft pair of tennis shoes to lay his head on. He isn’t too picky that way. 

Barney loves people and people love Barney. He has traveled up to 4 hours in the car and handled it like a champ. He has been around lots of people and is happy to be part of the group. Barney has met and spent time with dogs of all sizes and never seems to even raise an eyebrow. Just gives them a good “hello sniff” and acts like he’s known them always. He lives with two Cavaliers in his foster home and does very well with them. He will quickly acclimate to new surroundings.

Barney came into care dangerously overweight at 41 lbs. He could not handle going up or down any distance more than step-height. Walking even a block had him winded and sitting for breaks. What a turnaround he has already had!  He is on carefully portioned food and very low-calorie treats. We were prepared for him to struggle with the lower food amounts, but he hasn’t at all. He happily eats his 1/3 cup and goes on his way. He doesn’t whine or beg for food, unless of course I’m cooking, and the cheese comes out. But he must have the “cheese tax” with his foster siblings! Lol! He is learning to sit nicely for treats and wait patiently. 

Barney needs someone who will love him enough to keep him healthy. He was clearly a very loved dog before coming into care, but he needs the love to be more balanced and not so food based. Barney has already lost about 6 lbs. and is down around 35 lbs., which is just amazing for him. He still needs to lose approximately 13 more lbs., so this will be a marathon, not a sprint. 

Speaking of marathons, however, Barney LOVES walks. He rarely barks at all, unless he sees his harness and leash come out. He starts his “Barney-grumble” which is a language only Barney speaks. He has a happy growly-grumble that’s hard to explain, but is just how he expresses himself. If we don’t get the harness on pretty quickly, he starts excited-barking. He loves going out for walks. He has now worked himself up to ¾ mile that he can walk with ease. This is such a huge accomplishment. Frequent, shorter walks for Barney would be best, as his joints are still under a lot of stress from his weight. He takes a few minutes to really get going in the morning, as he has been laying for a long time. Barney also can easily go up and down the steps with no problems. He needs a step or a boost to make it onto the couch but can get down without help. We are just so very proud of how far he has come!  

Barney doesn’t seem to care to run off but would be best in a fenced yard or with someone who can take him out leashed while pottying. He had some accidents when he first got here but has not had any recently. He is crated only when we leave the house, as that seemed to be when he would have an accident. He gets up and kind of paces around to let me know he would like to go out, but he is also just let out fairly often, as he lives with 2 other dogs and we are home most of the time.  He is a sweet, laid-back and calm guy. 

The vet has given Barney a glowing report. His heart sounds great. Barney recently had his teeth cleaned and had 9 teeth removed. He will need to have dental care going forward with teeth brushing and dental treats to keep his pearly whites shining. He would be a perfect companion for someone who works from home and would like a friend to sit with them.  

If you are interested in this Cavalier, please complete our online application if you haven’t already and then email Sherry Morgan at morgans817@sbcglobal.net so she knows of your interest.

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