Meet Pita! This handsome two-year-old, 58-pound pup with the most charming eye patch is a lovable, loyal companion who's looking for a forever family to call his own. Pita has found himself at BARCS through no fault of his own, and while his journey hasn't been the easiest, his resilient spirit and affectionate nature have never dimmed. Now, he's living in a foster home where his personality is shining brighter than ever.
Pita is a playful, active guy who's always ready for an adventure. He absolutely loves going on walks, playing fetch, and engaging in enthusiastic games of tug-of-war-his rope toy is a constant favorite. He enjoys trotting around with a toy in his mouth (often a squeaky squirrel or floppy fish), looking oh-so-proud of his treasure. Pita benefits from daily activity and enrichment. But don't let that fool you-he's also a world-class napper who's happy to curl up beside you for a long, peaceful snooze after a good play session.
One of the best things about Pita is how much he loves being close to his people. Whether you're relaxing on the couch or just moving around the house, Pita wants to be where you are. He thrives on affection and is always ready to soak up pets, belly rubs, and cuddles. He's known to snuggle up beside you no matter where you're sitting-and his sweet habit of resting his head on your chest or lap is sure to melt your heart. His foster describes him as a "cuddle bug," and he absolutely lives up to the title.
At home, Pita is both crate and house-trained. He sleeps soundly through the night in his crate and sometimes even puts himself to bed. When left alone, he's respectful and calm-he'll simply find a comfy spot to settle in and chew on one of his toys. While he's still working on some of his house manners (like jumping when excited or getting a bit mouthy when overstimulated), he responds beautifully to redirection. A firm but kind "no" or the offer of a toy is all it takes to get him back on track, and he's motivated to learn by both treats and praise.
Pita does well on a leash, although he may pull a little at first-especially if he spots a small animal. He has a notable prey drive, so it's best to stay alert during walks, but he's easy to redirect and settles into a good pace once he gets going. He's not reactive to other dogs on walks and has been described as a friendly, social player. During his time at the shelter, Pita engaged in lively games of chase with other dogs and got along well with both large and small companions. He also previously lived peacefully with a cat and with children aged 12 and 15, showing that he's capable of adapting to a variety of household environments.
While Pita's favorite place is by your side, he's also shown that he can be independent and well-mannered. He's spent time in a staff member's office, where he relaxed quietly and didn't disturb anything. He also enjoyed a Dog's Day Out adventure to Patapsco State Park, where he strolled the trails, lounged in the shade, snacked on hot dogs, and rode calmly in the car. On a weekend sleepover with a volunteer, he was gentle, affectionate, and well-behaved, even waking up one morning to lovingly rest his head on his foster's chest-just soaking in the comfort of companionship.
Pita is the whole package: affectionate, adventurous, playful, and loyal. He would thrive in an active home with someone who can give him the physical exercise he enjoys and the snuggles he craves. Continued support with his manners and consistency in training will help him flourish into the best version of himself. If you're looking for a goofy, good-natured, and love-filled companion who will always be excited to see you, Pita just might be your perfect match.
Pita is currently in the comfort of a foster home. If you're interested in meeting this sweet boy, please email dogfosters@barcs.org to be connected with his foster family.