HAAAAVE you met Barney? Born August 27, Barney is shepherd x teddy bear mix who was rescued as a stray from a remote community in northern Manitoba. True to his teddy bear genes, Barney is sweet, cuddly and the bestest pal! Though it’s too late to add him to your stocking, Barney is ready to make the perfect addition to one lucky family in time for the new year!

If you’ve been tuning into to MUTTS’ stories the past few weeks, you’ll have had a front row seat to life with Barney! He’s lucky enough to be fostered with MUTTS alumni Archie (fka Pancake) who has taken his role of puppy mentor very seriously. In fact, with Archie’s guidance, Barney mastered sit, shake and down in under 24 hours! Talk about a smart (Christmas) cookie! Archie has also been a great playmate for Barney, teaching him the art of toy sharing and helping to burn his puppy beans. Though he loves a game of tug, Barney is very content to take some alone time and happily gnaw a bone. Barney earns bonus points for also being a very cat-savvy dog! He loves his foster’s cat and the fact that the cat doesn’t ignore him must mean he’s doing something right. They play together on occasion and when the cat hisses, Barney knows it’s time to give space!

Since Barney is just a baby, his outdoor adventures have been limited to the backyard. Barney is a pretty shy guy so he leans on his foster when he’s nervous. During the few times he’s been on a leash, he was very unsure of the whole situation so it’ll take a little more exposure to get the hang of it! In a perfect world, Barney’s forever family would live outside of the city where the loud noises aren’t so pervasive. He’d also do really well in a home with other pets and more than one human. He loves people and attention and endless snuggles (he is a major cuddler!), so the more family members, the merrier! Barney recently met a few kids over the holidays and was a sweet and gentle guy who enjoyed every belly rub that came his way!

Barney is still working on potty training, though nothing out of the ordinary for a puppy! He likes his crate enough to hang there when he’s tired, spooked by outdoor noises, or needing a solo break. He does well when crated and left alone, but does get restless after a while (again … puppy!). Barney is microchipped and up to date with his puppy vaccines. He’s currently recovering from mange and eating a hypoallergenic food, as it’s suspected he has some allergies. His adoption fee will include his remaining puppy shots and neuter at six months.

This sweet little floof is ready to melt the hearts of his furever family and he can’t wait to meet them!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adult and kids), dogs and cats
ENERGY: Medium
QUIRKS: He hops like a bunny when he’s excited, hungry or in a goofy mood!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued potty training, basic obedience, leash skills, crate training, continued socialization
MEDICAL NEEDS: Recovering from mange and investigating some potential allergies; neuter at six months (cost included in adoption fee)
WEIGHT: 35lbs (and growing!)
FOSTER LOCATION: Toronto