History:
Barney originally came to us in April 2022 after he was sold on Gumtree and then given up by the people that bought him. He was a scared little boy on arrival at SSC, but soon blossomed and was rehomed later that year.
He was a very much-loved part of the family, but unfortunately was returned to us in October 2024 as his owners were struggling to cope with his anxiety around people when out on walks.
Current:
Barney is a sensitive little boy, but has gained in confidence since arriving back with us.
He is very affectionate, gives out lots of Staffy face washes and loves to sit on your lap for a cuddle.
He’s playful and likes chasing after a toy, especially a ball, but he also likes having fun destuffing soft toys too!
Barney loves his treats and will sit and give paw on cue. He also enjoys doing treat puzzles and snuffle boxes etc.
Walking:
Barney walks well on the lead without pulling and loves snuffling around for the best smells.
He is reactive to other dogs and can vocalise when he sees them. We have worked on keeping him focused on us and we can now easily redirect his attention if he gets to the point of reacting.
He can be worried by people when on walks. On occasion in his previous home, he was reported to have lurched at people walking very close by him, if taken by surprise. This did lead to minor contact on one occasion, but not out of aggression. This happened very rarely, but we will happily discuss this with anyone interested in adopting him. He is currently walked by his Auntie who he looks to for reassurance when out and about on his walks and, with her calming reassurance when passing people, we have not had any repeat of this behaviour since he has come back into our care.
Even with the ongoing work to improve his confidence, he would not suit being rehomed in a busy area and would need space from both dogs and people when out on walks, so would suggest a more rural location.
Travelling:
Barney travels well with just a few whines. He is happy sitting on the backseat of the car and looking out of the window.
Vets:
Barney has seen our vets for a check-up and bloods. He was very well-behaved for his examination and was no trouble for his blood draw.
He does react to other dogs, so would prefer to wait outside rather than in a busy waiting room.
Health:
Barney's blood tests all came back completely normal.
We have seen signs of pain in his hips/back legs, so have started him on a painkiller trial.
Ideal home:
Barney needs a quiet calm home - Barney is a sensitive little soul who just wants a quiet life.
He could be worried by visitors in his previous home and would bark, but would settle quite quickly and remember them on any future visits and then not bark at them.
He would need a home without lots of visitors and with someone who is prepared to have management in place (a baby gate, for example) for Barney first meeting people in the home.
He could live with older children 12 years plus and would be OK with occasionally visiting younger children.
He cannot live with any other pets as he becomes anxious around them.
Barney suffers from separation anxiety, so needs a home where someone would be around for most of the time and can work with him to feel more comfortable with being left.
We would ask any potential adopters to not be put off by his anxiety. With a calm influence and the right measures in place when out and about, he will flourish in his forever home and any potential adoptee will never need to wash their face again!
Standard information:
Barney is neutered, fully vaccinated and microchipped.
He is currently in kennels in Stoke, but he can be rehomed anywhere in the UK, pending a successful home visit. However, any adopter should be willing to travel to meet him at least twice where he is now.
There is a non refundable adoption donation of £120 for Barney and all money donated goes directly to helping all the Senior Staffies in our care.
If you think you could offer Barney a new home, please complete the application form below.
We aim to acknowledge your application within 48 hours.