Ken’s Comments:
I have been involved in rescue for years. Rescue will always hold a very special place in my heart. Those who have graduated my classes know I constantly plug the animal rescue groups. All my dogs are rescues and they will probably always be rescues. I have had dozens of dogs over the years stay with me for periods of time from various rescues and I still smile whenever I see them. I have not been able to take as many dogs into my home as I used to because quite frankly….they all come back :). I always have extras that are either client’s dogs or former fosters of mine. They all hold a special place in my heart. Barrett is one of these cases.
The first time I met Barrett was in his first foster home. He was described as energetic, difficult to handle, rude with other dogs, and rude walking. I walked into the house, he took one look at me, I took one look at him, he jumped up in my lap and did a great immitation of the perfect dog. He was not rude, walked by my side without a leash, obeyed all the commands I threw at him and licked the skin off my face. He went into a number of foster and trial adoption homes after that…none of which really worked out. Most of them stated he was too wild, and too much to handle. A couple even stated he was too aggressive.
I remember getting the call from Heavenly Creatures after he was returned the last time wondering if it would be better to euthanize him. The trial home he went to stated that he used to snap in the nights, and had bitten at the owners son, perhaps in play, perhaps not. They were wondering if there really was too much of an issue there. After some discussion, it was agreed that Barrett would be placed at Topsailstar Pet Center, I would work with him and attempt to get a handle on all of these reported problems. Barrett was a rockstar in class and on the walks. Sarita did a lot of work with him and within a month or so another family stepped forward…I was overjoyed that they were already clients of mine, and were members of the group. It was a win win for the big guy.
Barrett has since gone on to be a valued member of their family, a graduate of level one, two and three obedience and a regular on the group dog walks. He really is an amazing boy who is readily willing to kiss the face off of anybody who wants to give him some attention. When I walk across the parking lot for the group walks, I see Barrett trembling, waiting for me to pay attention to him. It always makes me smile.
This is his story from Pam and Dwayne
January 2014 our daughter Brittany, who volunteers at Heavenly Creatures, told us about Barrett. At that time, Barrett was living at Topstair Star (where he had been for several months and where he continues to love to go visit). Prior to that, Barrett had been through several foster homes after being relinquished by his original owner. His behaviours were labelled as rude and agressive. We really don't know much more about his story than that. When we met him in January, Barrett was only 14 months old! So far, life had not been easy for him for this young (but BIG, GOOFY, BULL IN A CHINA SHOP) pup.
But, Barrett was a lucky boy because he had found his champian in Ken Reid. Ken was working hard with Barrett, saw all the love and potential he had to offer to the right family, and with the help of his best mate Sarita, he was doing obedience classes. Both Ken and Sarita were looking for his furever home because Barrett's time was running out. Discussion had begun about putting him down.
We had alot to consider. We had Bear, our spoiled rotten 7 year old mutt who had issues of his own, our oldest daughter had been living on her own for a couple years, our youngest daughter was making plans to move out, and we were dreaming of empty nesting. Did we really want to take on such a challenge??? But, then we met Barrett ... and the answer was "yes"!
So, we started with a few group walks which then led to a couple of home visits. We were convinced Barrett needed us, it was just going to take a little while to convince Bear that he needed a little (but much bigger) brother. The decision was made to bring him home on February 8, 2014. We fostered Barrett for 5 weeks and then officially adopted him on March 18, 2014.
Its been a challenging but rewarding year. Barrett had so much to learn about living in our home, meeting our friends, socializing with other dogs and just learning his place in "our pack". We continued with the group walks, did level 2 and level 3 obedience and constantly reinforced what was acceptable behavior. There are times we still struggle to control his enthusiasm. He gets so excited when his sisters come to visit or when I come home from work, and we must insist he not jump up. He loves to see people visit us and he thinks he is a lap dog - at 80 lbs - that is not always welcome. And he hates shovels, vacuum cleaners, brooms! You can not leave him around food. He particularly loves his mom's slippers so whenever I haven't got them on and he wants attention, he runs off with one. He does the same with pillows. And when dad goes out, he hangs off the back of the sofa and whines out the front window. And while he loves toys, he destroys them easily and quickly so Bear has had to live without his stash of treasured stuffed, squeaky toys. But he has made so many friends, both human and fur. He is particularly fond of Mace and Susan, Koby and Lacey, Meeko and Sheila, Lindy and Sandi, Gixxer and Vera, Gauge and Jessica (who we meet weekly to do our own little pack walk). And I will forever treasure the first time I saw Barrett actually play with another dog - it was beautiful Ella - and I will always be grateful to Joanne for allowing the play to occur.
Barrett is a loving, happy boy who has found his furever home with his big (but smaller) brother Bear, his mom and dad. Thank you so much to all who have taken an interest in him and in us, who continue to support us and share the gift of friendship.