Meet Barrett, affectionately known as “Biggy Bear”, a giant teddy bear of a dog who’s looking for his forever home. Despite a rough start in life, Barrett has proven to be one of the sweetest, biggest, drooliest, harriest, most amazing companions around. 

Barrett has done wonderfully with house training and hasn’t had a single accident. Rain or shine, he’s happy to head outside to take care of business. While he’s not a fan of the crate and will sing the song of his people if placed in one, he’s earned the freedom of the house with his trustworthy behavior. He’s not destructive, and he typically spends his nights sleeping on the couch or curled up on one of the kids’ beds. In the car, he rides in a crate for safety; mostly to prevent him from trying to become a lap dog while you're driving!

He gets along well with other dogs, including his foster sister (a lab/beagle mix). After one clear reminder of boundaries, the two became fast friends and now enjoy playing together. Barrett's interactions with cats are a bit more complicated. While he initially did well, he will bark and chase if he sees them on the ground. A home with street-smart or dog-savvy cats might work, but he’ll need close supervision.

Barrett has lived peacefully with two boys (ages 11 and 14), though he may not be the best fit for households with small children. His size, combined with his habit of leaning into people for affection, means he can accidentally knock smaller kids over. He can also be mouthy when he’s excited or hoping for table scraps, which could startle little ones.

At home, Barrett is definitely vocal. He’ll let you know if someone’s outside and is not shy about barking for attention while you’re in the kitchen or eating. He’s learning that treats and meals come from his spot, not the dinner table. He’s also a bit of a door-dasher, so ongoing training is important. Commands like “no door” and “stay” are helping, and he’s learning fast. He has his ways of showing his foster family that he is feeling fearful, so our reassurance and consistency in these times are helping him build confidence. As he continues to feel safe and loved, these behaviors should continue to improve.

Leash training is going well. Barrett is more of a casual stroller than a power walker. He does pull when he sees other dogs or wildlife, but he responds well when walked with the help of a training collar. He’s a strong boy, but with the right tools and consistency, he walks nicely.

Barrett has a few unique quirks that make him one of a kind. His front teeth are slightly worn, but they don’t cause him any discomfort and he happily crunches away on dry food. He also has dry, itchy skin, which should improve now that he’s enjoying high-quality food in his foster home. In the meantime, his vet has recommended weekly medicated baths to help keep his skin healthy and comfortable.

Barrett has been a true joy to foster. He’s a go-with-the-flow kind of guy who just wants to be loved. He may have had a rough start to life, but every day he grows more confident and content. If you’re looking for a big-hearted, affectionate companion who just wants to be close to his people, Barrett could be the perfect addition to your family. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask about this wonderful boy!