As written by Barkley’s foster: 

The pros:  Barkley is one of the smartest pups that we have had come to us (this will also be listed under "cons"... lol).  VERY people oriented, he lives for the words good boy and LOVES to be given a job and or something that he has to think through.  He has a kind nature at heart and wants to be friends with almost everything.  Things that he is unfamiliar with might get a woof/chuff but once convinced that whatever it is is friend, not foe, he moves on and places it firmly on the "accepted" list.  Easily redirected if you know how to do it well.   This is usually a simple snap of the fingers or a vocal command.  The "not usually" part of that last sentence will be addressed below.  He plays well with other dogs.  At least, he has played exceptionally well with our own dog. And is happy to do the tag game and to share ownership of toys in the game of keep away.  No overt guarding of toys and such.   Have I mentioned that smart thing?  His recall is outstanding (though there are moments where he likes to pretend that he has NEVER heard that particular rule at all).  An example:  we have the "line of death" to the kitchen since I don't allow dogs underfoot and begging in that room.  Two times of backing him up, having him sit and he had it.... except when he opts to somehow magically slink forward and you suddenly have him 2 feet closer to the stove ... but in the exact same position that he was in 24 inches ago... he is GOOD at this.  He now responds to hands on hips and an eyebrow raised ... scooting back to spot of origination.  He is a complete cartoon/muppet/comedian of a dog that will bring laughter pretty much wherever he goes, as long as he is in the right hands.  This dog is WICKED athletic.  As in, I would not be at all surprised to see him on tv at the agility nationals someday between his athletic ability and his brain.  If in human form, I have no doubt that he would solve the majority of our world issues.  Give this pup parameters, stick to your guns consistently on them and understand a working dog mentality and he will be the ultimate canine companion.  Thus leading us to ...

The cons: Again, remember that smart comment above?  In the wrong home, Barkley could easily turn into that obnoxious "he never listens", kill the neighbor's chickens, terrorize the local children/cats/mailman/etc., get into the trash, counter surfing, bolt to the next county over dog.    Be inconsistent, leave him to his own devices too long ... you'll be cursing blue blazes because I guarantee you that he WILL find something to do to entertain himself.  While we do now have him cohabitating with our six in-residence cats, it is not without supervision, as he has shown an interest in chasing/cornering/pummeling (read paw thing below).  Not so much the ones that march right up to him and tell him the feline rules of the household but definitely the ones that are more timid around him and put his spidey senses (prey drive) to work.  When we are not in the house and at night when we are in bed, he goes into his crate (which he loves, complete with cushy crate pad to sleep upside down on, his kong and a nylabone chew stick to keep that crate pad in one piece).  He was very free with his paws and has had to learn that punching anything (cats, humans, etc.) is not smiled upon.  Likewise, he arrived as a dog that "gave hugs".  This was actually that he was a bit out of control and jumped up into every person's face.  He also came with the description of "walks on leash" (kites in a hurricane have better control) and had "been in a house with cats" (remember those deep racing stripes on his nose?  we likely know how those came to be).  His manners now are pretty solid for walking on leash, sitting, laying down, kenneling up, leave it and "I don't think so".  He could easily slide back into old habits, though.  So, again, working/always-thinking dog mentality has to be kept in mind.  He is a master thief.  If it gets set down or he can wind it on a counter, it gets considered.  Like, to the point of hearing Mission Impossible music.  And he is the master of the ultimate sneak ... silence ... complete and utter silence ... as he is making his way towards his goal.  And then frozen possum dog when caught in the act, followed immediately by a yawn, which seems to be his go to for guilty dog syndrome.  Pretty comical, actually.  Almost forgot to add in the "not usually" part of the redirect sentence.  When we found that he was waaay over stimulated by the chickens and the typical redirects didn't do squat to break the chicken trance, I went into scary human drive ... dropped the voice an octave, raised the volume A LOT, stomped, waved arms ... essentially scaring the bejeazers out of him as he hit the chain link of the chicken enclosure going after them.  Gave him a moment to reconsider life choices as he sat down to figure it all out (getting a good boy) and we have not had one single issue since.  He simply categorized them as "off limits or the human turns into a loud alien being" and moved on with life.  This instance seems to have also convinced him that the more simplified redirects are the smart pup way to go.

In no way are these "cons" trying to talk anyone out of this dog. They are simply to let folks know that there is an ingenious thinking mind behind those comical/beautiful brown eyes and that  he really is not the dog for everybody.  What I envision as the perfect home?  Activity.  A family that loves to run and/or hike, that will take him along on adventures (on leash).  He positively adores walking our trails and playing in the creek.   He would be great for someone that has an interest in agility ... I cannot stress enough how well this dog would do in this sport.  Definitely someone experienced with working dog breeds and their special needs, both mental and physical.  And love ...lots and lots of love.  This guy thrives on it.  He is happy all. of. the. time.  As long as he gets positive enforcement from the humans.  He greets every single day with huge doggy grin and his clearing-of-the-tables tail wag.  He deserves his perfect match.  

Anyway, there is my small novel about Barkley.  Thanks for reading, if you've gotten this far.  Now, help me to find this phenomenal dog his equally phenomenal forever home, please!  :)

*The adoption fee for this dog is $175

Interested in this animal? The first step is an application, which can be completed at www.cvrrescue.org/adoption-applications/.

The adoption fee helps cover a portion of the care provided for our animals, including spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm testing for dogs, FeLV/FIV combo testing for cats, deworming, age-appropriate vaccines (including rabies vaccine), and any medical care received while in our care. All cats and dogs are on flea/tick and parasite prevention for the duration of foster care.

Notes about puppies: Adopters can expect a new puppy to have accidents, chew things they shouldn't, and have other normal, energetic puppy issues until they are trained, including jumping, mouthing, and general youthful naughtiness. If you experience puppy issues, please feel free to contact us; we’re happy to offer guidance. Also, if a puppy is a mixed breed, we cannot guarantee an adult weight. If your residence has weight restrictions or if you’re looking for a specific adult weight, we don't recommend applying for a mixed-breed puppy.

We also offer rehoming services for pets currently owned by individuals. In these cases, we list the animal as a courtesy to the owner, and the animal is not currently in the care of CVRR, such that we can make no representation or guarantee of the animal’s behavior, demeanor, or health assessment. All information listed for a courtesy-posted animal is provided by the current owner and should be verified by any potential adopter.

CVRR is a nonprofit organization. We have no paid staff, and all applications are reviewed and processed by our volunteers. Please be patient and understand that it may take 7-14 days to process your application, check your references, and gather follow-up info. You can expedite the process by providing accurate phone numbers and email addresses for your vet and landlord references, and by answering each question fully. Once your application is approved, we will schedule a meet-and-greet to see if the animal picks you, too. If it seems the adoption will be a good match for all, we will collect the adoption fee and complete the adoption contract.

CVRR is a NO KILL rescue organization, and we have a LIFETIME COMMITMENT to all of our animals. If for any reason the adoption does not work out, the animal must be returned to CVRR. We will reevaluate the animal and choose a new home based on the best fit for it.