Barry

Meet Barry 

Barry is an athletic, goofy, affectionate boy who absolutely loves people and other dogs. He’s the kind of dog who makes friends everywhere he goes - a true “dog’s dog” and “people’s dog.” With his sweet personality, silly antics, and huge heart, it’s hard not to fall in love with him.

Since arriving into care at HBSPCA, Barry has made incredible progress. When he first came in, the shelter environment was overwhelming for him and he struggled with frustration in the loud kennel setting. Once moved into a quieter area with more structure and his own space, Barry truly began to thrive. His previous frustration behaviours disappeared, and he has settled beautifully into shelter life.

Barry has been excelling in his on-site obedience training and is even graduating obedience classes this week! He is highly food motivated and eager to learn, especially when hot dogs, chicken, or cheese are involved. He will need continued positive reinforcement training, particularly with loose leash walking, as he can still be stubborn and pull toward things he’s excited to meet. He currently walks best using an easy-walk harness.

This sweet boy is very high energy and playful. He can be jumpy and exuberant when excited, so children 12 years and older are recommended simply due to his enthusiasm and athleticism. Barry loves hard toys like Chuck-It balls, but soft toys and blankets are not ideal for him as he tends to shred them. In Barry’s opinion, even food bowls make excellent toys!

Barry is also known for eating grass and sticks outdoors, which means supervision outside is important to prevent him from ingesting inappropriate items. He is a quick runner, can jump surprisingly high, and still needs some continued work with potty training and maintaining focus during training sessions.

Medically, Barry has undergone extensive diagnostics for swelling on his right forelimb. CT imaging showed changes most consistent with a chronic soft tissue injury and scar tissue, with small mineralized areas that could represent scar tissue, a small foreign body, or a chronic walled-off abscess. At this time, Barry is clinically stable with no signs of pain or lameness, and specialists do not recommend surgical exploration due to the risks associated with the surrounding tendons and ligaments.

Future adopters should simply be aware of the existing swelling and monitor for any signs of pain, increased swelling, or limping, at which point veterinary follow-up would be recommended.

Barry is looking for an active, committed home that can continue building on all the amazing progress he has made. Beneath all his energy and silliness is an incredibly loving cuddle bug who just wants to be part of the family.

If you’re looking for a fun, affectionate, active companion with a huge personality and even bigger heart, Barry may be your perfect match