Meet Maddie - a 1-year-old, 44-pound cuddlebug who's equal parts zoomies and snuggles. Since arriving at BARCS as a stray, Maddie has blossomed in her foster home, revealing herself to be affectionate, playful, and full of joy. With her soft eyes, wiggly excitement, and strong desire to be close to her people, she's the kind of dog who wins hearts quickly-and then climbs right into your lap to seal the deal.
Maddie's favorite thing in the world? Her ball. She'll proudly trot around with it like it's a prized possession, and she'll chase it again and again with unstoppable enthusiasm. When she's not playing fetch, she's most likely engaging in a serious game of tug-of-war or trying to wedge herself into your lap for some snuggles. She has a strong preference for physical closeness and wants to be touching you as often as possible-if you sit down, she's already halfway into your lap before you've even settled.
Don't let the cuddles fool you-Maddie is also a high-energy athlete! She loves going for runs and makes an excellent jogging partner. On leash walks, she's calm and responsive, and continues to impress with her good manners. Indoors, Maddie is quiet, house-trained, and thrives with routine and structure. She knows several basic commands, including "sit," "lay down," and her favorite, "touch," which she loves to show off.
In her foster home, Maddie has been friendly and gentle with the kids (ages 7 and 11). She sometimes gets bouncy during playtime, but it's all in good fun and easy to redirect. She's also had positive, polite interactions with other dogs-especially those who match her playful but gentle energy-and would be happy to meet potential canine siblings to see if they're a good fit. She's even had brief exposure to cats and handled it like a pro.
Maddie recently joined volunteers on a Dog's Day Out adventure along the BWI trails and was an absolute star. She rode beautifully in the car, hopped up on agility equipment like she'd been training for years, and soaked up every minute of the outing. Whether she's zooming around the yard or curling up next to you for a movie night (preferably while draped across your lap like a weighted blanket), Maddie brings warmth, laughter, and love wherever she goes.
Maddie is currently in a foster home. If you'd like to learn more or meet her, please complete an application and email dogfosters@barcs.org to be connected with her foster family. Maddie is ready to meet her forever person-and she's already saving you a spot on the couch.