Meet Hickory! This 49-pound bundle of happiness is a playful, affectionate boy who has quickly made himself at home in his foster family's heart. He's the sweetest Velcro dog and wants nothing more than to be close to his people. Whether he's following you around the house, checking in to see what you're up to, or attempting to crawl into your lap the moment you sit down, Hickory is happiest when he's with his humans. He may be 49 pounds, but he's convinced he's a lap dog!
This goofy boy loves to have fun, and fetch is one of his favorite activities! He enjoys chasing stuffed toys, playing with his Kong, and showing off his playful side. He's even learned "drop" during fetch, making it easier to keep the game going. Hickory gets excited when he knows a walk is coming and occasionally has evening zoomies, but he's generally calm at home. Once he's had some playtime and a chance to explore, he's more than happy to curl up with his favorite people for some quality snuggles.
Hickory is a smart boy who is learning more every day. He's become very responsive to his name and knows "crate," heading right inside when asked. His crate has become one of his favorite places to relax, and he'll sometimes curl up there for a nap even when everyone is home. He's also doing wonderfully with his housetraining! Since his foster family introduced crate training, he hasn't had any accidents and sleeps peacefully through the night. He can comfortably stay in his crate for up to six hours while his family is away, and he keeps himself entertained without getting into mischief.
On walks, Hickory is making great progress with his leash manners. He still pulls sometimes, but considerably less than when he first arrived in his foster home. He can get very excited when he spots other dogs, runners, or squirrels nearby and may try to rush toward them. His foster family describes his reactions as playful excitement, and they've found that spotting distractions early and redirecting him with treats works well. He'll benefit from continued positive training and a family willing to help him navigate exciting situations while keeping everyone comfortable and safe.
Hickory has been making new human friends, too! He recently stayed with another BARCS foster parent for a weekend and absolutely loved her. He also got along well with another foster volunteer after a proper introduction and even let a stranger pet him during a walk. His family has noticed that he seems especially comfortable around people who have dogs of their own, though he's still getting to know different people and situations. He also handled the sounds of a nearby marathon remarkably well while relaxing on his foster sitter's porch!
Hickory has not yet met his foster family's resident cat, so his compatibility with cats is still unknown. They've observed each other through doors, and Hickory has shown interest without becoming overly excited. His family is considering a gradual introduction. When it comes to other dogs, Hickory can become excited by their presence on walks, so thoughtful introductions and continued training will be important when determining whether a canine sibling would be a good fit.
At home, Hickory's affectionate personality is impossible to miss. He loves snuggling at every opportunity and will happily try to climb into your lap whenever you sit down. He's the kind of companion who wants to be involved in whatever you're doing, whether that means playing fetch, enjoying a walk, or simply relaxing together after a busy day. His combination of playful enthusiasm and cozy cuddlebug energy makes him a lovable little shadow.
Hickory is a playful, clever, and deeply affectionate boy who continues to make wonderful progress in his foster home. He'll thrive with a family ready to keep practicing his leash manners, provide opportunities for play and exploration, and give him plenty of love and attention. If you're looking for a fetch-loving, lap-climbing best friend who will happily follow you from room to room and then snuggle up close, Hickory could be your guy!
Hickory is currently in the comfort of a foster home. If you're interested in meeting him, please complete an application and email dogfosters@barcs.org for next steps!
