Meet Gobbler-also lovingly known as Pancake-a shy and sensitive soul who's learning, step by step, that the world isn't such a scary place after all. Gobbler came to BARCS as a stray, and while his journey hasn't been the easiest, his progress has been nothing short of heartwarming. At under a year old, he's still just a puppy navigating big emotions and discovering how to trust.
Right now, Gobbler is settling into the comfort of a foster home where he's slowly learning how to feel safe. In his first days, he would hide anywhere he could, unsure of his surroundings and terrified of people. But lately, he's begun to come out of his shell. He no longer needs to be carried in and out of the house, and he now claims the couch and his crate as his safe spots. Every day brings small but meaningful wins-from choosing to explore a new space on his own to quietly wagging his tail in his sleep.
This gentle boy isn't ready for the spotlight just yet and will need a calm, experienced home with patient people who understand that building trust takes time. He's still startled by sudden noises and hesitant to walk on leash, but we've seen glimmers of his puppy joy-like zooming across the pool cover, playing with toys when no one's looking, and appreciating cuddles (even if he pretends otherwise). He's currently taking anxiety medication to help ease his fears, and it's helping him settle into his routine.
Gobbler finds strength in the company of other dogs and absolutely thrives with doggy friends. He would do well with at least one well-adjusted canine sibling who can help model confidence and show him how good life can be. He's gentle and social with other dogs and seems to draw courage from having a buddy by his side. While we haven't tested him with cats, his calm energy suggests he might do well with a slow introduction.
He appears to be housetrained, especially when he's not overwhelmed, and he's fully crate trained. His ideal home is quiet, with a yard where he can explore at his own pace. He's not ready for a bustling household or lots of new people, but in the right environment, we believe he'll blossom into a devoted and happy companion.
If you're the kind of person who believes in second chances, and your heart goes out to the quiet ones who just need a little extra time, Gobbler might be your perfect match. To learn more or meet this special boy, please email dogfosters@barcs.org to be connected with his foster family.
