Millie’s 30+ Foster Wins!
As the old adage goes, 'Don’t judge a book by its cover,' the same applies to shelter animals. This was the case for Millie, formerly known as Tonks during her stay at BARCS. When Millie first arrived, she was understandably nervous and unsure in the shelter environment. Luckily, her future humans saw past her initial reservations. They realized that Millie just needed someone to believe in her and give her the chance to shine. The…
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Love at First Adoption Event
It's no secret that we face the ongoing challenge of limited kennel space. Every day, we pour our hearts into finding loving homes for the homeless animals of Baltimore City. To assist in this endeavor, we host special adoption events to help our furry friends find their own loving families. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly on these events, fueled by hope and a shared passion for animal welfare. And you know what? It's heartwarmi…
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Pudge's Story
Getting updates from our BARCS alumni-turned-Support Animals through the Ronnie Stanley Foundation always fills us with joy and pride for how wonderful the outcome of a shelter animal can be. Queen Frostine’s journey at BARCS began when she was found as a stray, and soon after, she was chosen by the Ronnie Stanley Foundation to begin her training. And let me tell you, she didn't just excel—she soared! Graduating with flying col…
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Love: It's About Quality, Not Quantity
Imagine spending your golden years at home with your loved ones. You're not a young pup anymore, a bit achy perhaps, but you feel safe and warm. You have your favorite spot by the TV, your cozy blanket, and, of course, your comfy bed, surrounded by the love of your family. This is your life. But one day, things change. You're going somewhere unfamiliar—a shelter—and suddenly, the future is uncertain. This is the …
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Most Beautiful Pup Bride: Miss Pippa!
In celebration of this year’s Dog Wedding adorable bride, Miss Pretty Girl Pippa, let's delve into her heartwarming story. Pippa, previously known as Pretty Girl, arrived at BARCS through no fault of her own when her previous family could no longer care for her. Like many shelter animals, Pippa faced an uncertain future. Feeling tired and unwell, she caught the eye of her now-mom, Kailynn, who decided to foster her. As you might have g…
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Bonds That Last Furever
Once in a while, a heartwarming connection between souls blossoms, and life becomes incomplete without each other. Such is the case for our bonded pairs of animals. Their bond is so strong that they find comfort, safety, affection, and endless companionship in each other and losing their beloved companion affects their entire world. That's why we insist on adopting 'Bonded Pairs' together. It's a special kind of magic—one t…
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Faithed Love: A volunteer's unexpected day!
As an open-admission shelter, we always need the support of kind-hearted volunteers for various areas of the shelter. From dog walking and cat socializing to transporting animals, assisting in the laundry and kitchen, and engaging in enrichment activities—your support matters. We also welcome specialized pet skills, like pet grooming. The following Happy Tail is one that we are particularly proud to highlight. Tracee and Maddy are two v…
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From Foster to Happy Tail Success
We suspect that more than one person will relate to the story in today's Happy Tail post! When considering fostering, some may hesitate, thinking, 'No way! I will get attached to my foster.' As sweet pups Grenadine and Stephanie can attest to this, foster “failing” is more like a foster “win!” “Our plan was to foster. Grenadine had other plans. “This gray beauty quickly wormed her way into my…
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Paws and Labels: The Fluff Behind The Sign
Every one of the 11,000 animals who enter BARCS each year reacts differently to our shelter. Some animals may be confused but curious, eager to get outside for walks and play, while others may need more time to decompress and open up. For these animals, BARCS uses colored signs on their kennels to indicate their behavior or needs. Prospective adopters are still welcome to visit with and meet these special animals; the signs simply give more in…
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From Little Paws to Big Paws: A Family’s Adventure in Adopting a New Pet
We often hear fellow pet lovers proudly identifying as a “cat person,” “small dog enthusiast,” “big dog lover,” or even “bunny aficionado.” Let us share a “Happy Tail” about a family that initially identified as the “small dog” family, before their cherished Shi-Tzus crossed the rainbow. Once they made the decision to adopt again, they weren’t expecting to have their h…
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