Haddie is a petite, brindled beauty weighing just 41 pounds, and she's as sweet as she is playful. At about a year old, this young pup has the perfect blend of puppy energy and growing confidence. One of Haddie's most charming traits? Her bounce. Seriously-this girl can jump straight up in the air like she's got springs in her paws. It's her signature move and she's always happy to show it off, especially when she's excited to see you or ready to play. She is so playful with toys and will toss them about, lay down with them, and roll on her back with - she's just so happy! She has an excellent "sit," and loves treats.
Haddie recently had a big day out with a BARCS volunteer, starting with a scenic trip to Fort McHenry and wrapping up with some well-earned relaxation at the volunteer's home. She was a total star-curious, polite, and full of tail wags every step of the way. Whether she was exploring new places, soaking up sunshine, or curling up on the couch, Haddie handled it all with grace and joy.
Her social streak continued at a recent adoption event, where she quickly became the center of attention. Haddie had lots and lots of admirers and soaked up lots and lots of pets. She even met a young girl and was incredibly gentle-showing off her calm, loving nature. As if that wasn't enough fun, Haddie also stopped by BMore Licks, where she absolutely loved her pup cup. She charmed everyone she met with her adorable face and sweet demeanor, earning plenty of compliments along the way. She met new people with ease and confidence, wagging her way into everyone's hearts. Haddie is the full package-friendly, well-mannered, affectionate, and always ready to make a new friend.
Haddie also spent time in a temporary foster home, and her foster was head over heels. They describe her as a total sweetheart-playful, cuddly, and very easy to have around. She was great with their two other dogs and fit right in during playtime and nap time. She especially loved being outside, soaking up the sunshine or sniffing around the yard. Indoors, Haddie is housebroken and well-behaved. She's not destructive and knows how to settle down when it's time to rest. She does well in her crate-even if she'd prefer to be out snuggling instead-and she's happy to snooze or relax quietly when needed.
On leash, Haddie is a dream. She walks gently, doesn't pull, and enjoys taking in all the sights and smells along the trail. She's attentive, observant, and takes treats with the utmost gentleness. Though she can be shy at first when meeting new people, she warms up quickly with a little patience and encouragement-especially if there are treats involved.
She's incredibly affectionate once she feels safe. Her foster says she loves to snuggle up on the couch, lean in for pets, and will even share sweet kisses. She responds beautifully to kindness and would thrive in a calm, patient home where she can continue to build trust and confidence at her own pace.
Haddie prefers gentle dog pals and may enjoy having another well-mannered dog around to help show her the ropes. She would do best in a home that's not too loud or chaotic, where she can feel safe, loved, and supported as she continues to blossom.
If you're looking for a companion who's a little bit shy, a little bit silly, and a whole lot of sweet, Haddie may just be the perfect addition to your family. She's playful without being overwhelming, cuddly without being clingy, and has all the makings of a loyal best friend. Visit BARCS to meet Haddie!
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A dog's behavior in a shelter can be very different from how they act in a home once they have time to relax. In the shelter, dogs spend a lot of time isolated in their kennels, meet new people constantly and are surrounded by other loud barking dogs, new smells, new sounds and new routines. This environment can keep their stress levels elevated for days or even weeks, which can cause them to act out in ways they wouldn't in a home. Because of this, what we see in the shelter are just observations and not promises of how the dog will behave later. A dog's true personality often shows up once they've had time to settle into their new home-that's why fostering and adopting is so important!
The following are the observations of my challenges in a shelter environment:
High Energy: High-energy dogs are very active and often need plenty of daily physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. These dogs will more than likely benefit from structured routines and handling. If the dog remains high-energy at home, they may need regular exercise and playtime, along with puzzle toys or training exercises to keep their mind engaged.
Lack of Formal Training: A lack of formal training means the dog may not know basic commands or proper manners, leading to unruly behavior. If the dog lacks training, they may need basic obedience lessons, positive reinforcement, and patience as they learn new skills.
Fearful/Nervous: Fearful or nervous dogs may react poorly or give other warning signs when they feel threatened or scared, often to get a person or object to back away. If the dog continues to display fearful behavior, after the proper acclimation/decompression period in their new home, they may need a continued calm, supportive environment, with gradual exposure to their triggers and positive reinforcement to build trust and reduce anxiety.
