San Andreas, CA…Meet Barkley (A061198), a male Border Collie mix, about 4 years old and weighing 39 pounds. Barkley may be feeling a little uncertain about shelter life, but there’s one thing guaranteed to lift his spirits: another dog. This sweet Border Collie mix loves making canine friends, and when he spots one, his lowered tail suddenly springs to life—sometimes whirling with excitement like a little helicopter.

That friendly nature isn’t limited to easygoing dogs. Barkley has remained calm when another dog jumped on him and even when faced with a dog behaving reactively, choosing to sniff and simply walk away. He enjoys people, too, and happily seeks out attention and affection. At 4 years old, he’s still active and playful but has left the more chaotic puppy years behind.

Barkley also enjoys getting out for walks, where he’s eager to investigate all the interesting smells along the way. He’s gentle on leash despite having had little apparent training, already knows “sit,” and takes treats gently. Smart, willing, and treat-motivated, he seems to have all the ingredients for continuing to learn with a family of his own.

Barkley was among the dogs displaced by the Gann Fire, which may help explain some of the mild anxiety he’s shown in the unfamiliar shelter environment. We don’t know everything about his life before he arrived, but we do know the dog in front of us now: a good-natured, affectionate boy who enjoys walks, loves making friends, and keeps his kennel tidy. And, as with other animals displaced by the fire, there’s always a chance someone reading this may recognize him.

Whether Barkley’s future brings a reunion or an entirely new beginning, this handsome boy deserves a place where he can relax, let that helicopter tail fly, and know he’s home for good.

To meet Barkley, contact: Calaveras County Animal Services, (209) 754-6509 or animal@calaverascounty.gov.
All dogs available for adoption at the Calaveras Animal Shelter are up to date on their routine vaccinations and will be microchipped. All unaltered dogs must be spayed or neutered before they can go home with you.

Animal Services has a Fee Flexibility Program!
When the shelter is over 80% capacity, adoption fees are reduced: just $40 for dogs and $30 for cats. Cats who arrive at the shelter already altered can be adopted for only $10. With the 55-5-5 Program, adopters age 55+ can adopt a pet over 5 years old for just $5.

Oct 17: Free Dog & Cat Rabies Vaccine and Microchip Clinic, from 9-11:30 AM at Calaveras County Government Center, 891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas. Dogs must be leashed, cats must be in carriers.

Calaveras County Animal Services, 901 Jeff Tuttle Road, San Andreas, (209) 754-6509
Shelter and Office Business Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM

This announcement is courtesy of the Friends of Calaveras Animal Services (FOCAS) and the The Pine Tree.
Photo Credit Holly Croydon