https://foha.org/pet/barbwire2026/
Meet Barbwire (Barb)!
ABOUT THIS ANIMAL:
Don't let the name fool you-there's nothing prickly about Barbwire. Underneath that tough-sounding name is an incredibly tender little dog who's learning that the world can be a safe place.
Barb came to FOHA from Mexico, where she was rescued from the same hoarding situation as Newt and Kohl's Cash. Approximately 50 dogs had been crowded together in a very small house with intense competition for resources. The dogs were malnourished and arrived with significant skin and dental issues, and ordinary experiences like going for walks, wearing a leash, visiting a veterinarian, and regularly meeting new people were largely unfamiliar.
After months in foster care and a journey across borders-with her very own passport!-Barb is now at FOHA beginning another big adjustment.
And for Barb, new things can be scary.
She's sensitive to noises and sudden movements, and unfamiliar people can make her want to shrink away. Sometimes barking dogs are overwhelming enough that she'll put on the brakes during a walk. Even the statues along our trails have earned a very suspicious review from Barb. She'd currently much rather hang out in the courtyard grass, where she can quietly observe the world from a comfortable distance.
But here's what makes Barb so special: even when she's nervous, she wants connection.
Once she begins trusting you, she'll snuggle into your lap, give little kisses, and ask for more attention if you dare stop petting her. One staff member sat with Barb while she was visibly nervous, and Barb responded by crawling right into their lap for comfort. Another time, when she became overwhelmed while observing a training class, she snuggled against the person she trusted.
Barb isn't looking for someone to push her through her fears. She's looking for someone she can turn to when she's afraid.
HOW AM I WITH DOGS:
I came from a home with many other dogs and later spent time in foster care around other dogs.
At FOHA, we've also noticed that seeing another dog may help give me confidence. On one early walk, I became noticeably more comfortable once I saw another dog and seemed interested in following him.
My friends at FOHA will continue learning about my individual dog preferences and whether having a confident canine friend might benefit me.
HOW AM I WITH CATS:
My history with cats is unknown. Just ask my friends at FOHA about a cat test!
HOW AM I WITH KIDS:
Because I'm currently very sensitive to unfamiliar people, quick movements, and unexpected noises, my friends at FOHA will want to carefully consider whether I'm comfortable with the children in a potential home.
A predictable environment where people understand my body language and respect when I need space will be important for me.
I KNOW THE FOLLOWING COMMANDS:
Right now, my biggest lessons aren't necessarily "sit" and "stay." I'm learning something much more important:
The world is safe, and people can be trusted.
Leashing up and leaving my kennel can initially feel intimidating, particularly when the environment is noisy. Once I'm comfortable with someone and we're underway, though, I really do enjoy getting outside for walks.
Sometimes I'll decide I've gone far enough and turn us right back around-and my friends are listening when I tell them I've reached my limit.
Patient, positive training and opportunities to make choices will help me continue building confidence.
MY HOUSEBREAKING AND/OR CRATING:
My friends at FOHA are still learning more about my current housebreaking and crating habits as I settle in.
My kennel can be an anxious place for me right now, particularly with all the unfamiliar shelter noises around me.
THINGS I LIKE:
Cuddling Sitting in laps Giving little kisses Getting ALL the pets once I trust you Going outside Sitting in the courtyard grass Quietly observing the world Familiar people Gentle affection Following a trusted friend Choosing my own pace
THINGS I'M WORKING ON:
Building confidence with unfamiliar people Adjusting to shelter noises Feeling safer around sudden movements Becoming more comfortable leaving my kennel Exploring unfamiliar places Learning that weird statues aren't actually plotting anything Looking to trusted humans for reassurance when the world feels overwhelming
Barb may need more time than some dogs to decide that you're safe.
At first, you might see the dog who hangs back in her kennel. The dog who trembles when she's overwhelmed. The dog who isn't ready to walk past something scary or meet the stranger approaching her.
Listen to her. Give her time. Let her choose.
Because eventually you'll meet the other Barb-the one her friends at FOHA are already getting glimpses of.
The Barb who crawls into your lap.
The Barb who gives you tiny kisses.
The Barb who snuggles closer when she needs reassurance.
And the Barb who, despite still being a little scared, will pop back up and ask you to please continue those pets.
After a beginning where she had very little control over her own world, Barb deserves a home where she gets to feel safe enough to make choices.
She doesn't need someone to make her brave overnight. She needs someone willing to show her, one little experience at a time, that she doesn't have to be afraid anymore.
FOHA ADOPTION POLICIES AND PROCESS:
Click Here!
ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES:
Spay/neuter, vaccines (rabies, distemper & Bordetella), 1-month access to Petcademy for training and behavior support, slip lead leash, 1 bag starter food, 1 month flea/tick & heartworm preventatives, diagnostic testing, and additional medical procedures as recommended by our vet.
DALE
Domestic Medium Hair
🇺🇸
Aldie, Virginia
male, medium, adult
Domestic Medium Hair
Aldie, Virginia
