Meet Barry: A Black Rescue Pomeranian’s Journey
Pommy Mommy Amanda, from up north in Canada, shares the heartwarming story of her beloved black rescue Pomeranian, Barry. Rescued from a dog hoarder’s home along with 60 other dogs by the British Columbia SPCA, Barry is what some might call a mis-marked Parti Black Pomeranian due to the distinctive white stripe on his chest. Today, we dive into Barry’s journey from rescue to becoming a cherished member of Amanda’s family.
The Beginning: A Fateful Meeting
It all began in June when Amanda and her family attended a local fair called Pet Lover’s Lane with their two other rescue Pomeranians, Charlie and Brandy. As they wandered through the event, they were suddenly approached by two women from the British Columbia SPCA. One of them abruptly asked, “Do you want a dog?” and led them to a pen where a tiny 4-pound, 4-month-old black Pomeranian sat, waiting for a new home.
Amanda says, “I fell in love with him instantly.” However, there was one issue—her mom didn’t seem as enthusiastic about adopting a third Pomeranian, or at least, that’s what she said at first. Her mom suggested gathering more information about the little Pom, and they would decide later. One of the challenges was the adoption fee, which the SPCA had set at over $300—slightly over their budget.
Making the Decision to Adopt Barry
As they continued to admire the adorable puppy, Amanda noticed two other people showing interest in him. This created a sense of urgency. Without wasting time, her mom called Amanda’s grandma for advice. After a quick conversation, the family agreed that this little black Pomeranian should join their family.
“We decided to adopt him,” Amanda recalls with excitement. They asked the SPCA to hold the puppy while they rushed to the shelter to complete the necessary paperwork. When they arrived at the SPCA shelter, they were informed that the puppy’s name was Westley. But Amanda felt that the name didn’t suit him. Since she had never been able to name any of their previous Pomeranians, she asked her mom if she could name this one. And so, Barry it was.
The Adoption Process
The paperwork for Barry’s adoption felt like it took forever. After what seemed like hours of waiting, Amanda and her family were thrilled to learn that their adoption application had been approved. There was a surprise, though—when they returned to the SPCA to finalize the adoption, the fee had increased from $300 to $420. But that didn’t stop them from bringing Barry the black Pomeranian home.
After completing all the formalities, they drove back to the fair to pick up their new family member. Amanda recalls feeling elated as she held Barry’s tiny body in her arms, walking through the fairgrounds. “I felt like a little celebrity as everyone we passed wanted to pet him. It’s rare to see such a young Pomeranian where I live,” Amanda shares.
Barry’s First Days at Home
When Barry arrived at his new home, not everyone was thrilled about the new addition. Amanda’s other Pomeranians, Charlie and Brandy, were less than welcoming. Brandy often attacked Barry, and Charlie snapped at him, expressing their displeasure at the new “invader.”
Despite the less-than-warm reception from his Pommy siblings, Barry remained a sweet and patient little guy. Amanda says, “Many people who met Barry would exclaim that we hit the jackpot with such a calm puppy.” However, it didn’t take long for Barry to start showing his true playful nature. Like most puppies, he became a little rascal—chewing on everything in sight, tearing up walls, and creating a bit of chaos around the house.
Growing Pains and Mischief
At 9 months old and weighing 7 pounds, Barry has calmed down a bit, but his mischievous side still shines through. Amanda explains, “He still chews on things when we’re not looking.” Adding to his challenges, Barry has been diagnosed with Luxating Patella, a condition where the kneecap dislocates, making certain physical activities difficult for him. As a result, it’s challenging to find activities that help tire him out without putting too much strain on his joints.
Despite his condition, Barry is an enthusiastic little Pomeranian who loves exploring the world around him. Amanda notes that Barry is quick to make friends, whether with other dogs or children, and he continues to grow more confident every day. “It’s so much fun to watch Barry grow and make new friends whenever we go into town,” she says.
A Smart and Quick Learner
Barry the black Pomeranian is not only playful but also very smart. Amanda proudly shares, “He is a quick learner and very smart. He can learn new things in just one day, and sometimes within a few minutes.” This intelligence has made training him relatively easy, and Barry continues to surprise his family with his ability to pick up new commands and tricks.
Over time, Charlie and Brandy have warmed up to Barry, although he knows his boundaries. “Barry knows he can play with Charlie, but only cuddle with Brandy,” Amanda laughs. Despite their initial resistance, the three Pomeranians have formed a bond, and their dynamic continues to evolve.
Barry’s Fascination with the Cats
While Barry has figured out how to interact with his Pommy siblings, he is still trying to figure out the family cats. His fascination with the cats is an ongoing source of amusement in the household. Amanda explains, “The cats are an ongoing mystery to Barry. He’s still trying to figure out how to interact with them.”
Barry’s curiosity extends beyond the cats. Every day, he learns something new, whether it’s experiencing wide-open spaces, watching leaves fall from trees, or encountering his first rainstorm. Amanda reflects on how far Barry has come since his rescue, saying, “Barry is finally learning what it means to be free and live the life of a Pomeranian, not a hoarded item.”
A Happy Ending for Barry
Barry the black Pomeranian’s journey from a rescue Pomeranian living in a hoarder’s home to a beloved family pet is truly inspiring. Despite his rough start in life, Barry has blossomed into a happy, curious, and loving dog. He continues to grow, explore, and enjoy the world around him, supported by a family that adores him.
As Amanda puts it, “Barry may have had a tough start in life, but he’s now free to be the Pomeranian he was always meant to be.” His story is a testament to the resilience of rescue dogs and the incredible transformation that love, patience, and care can bring.
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Final Thoughts
Barry’s story is just one of many heartwarming tales of rescue Pomeranians finding their forever homes. By adopting a rescue Pomeranian like Barry, you not only provide a loving home for a Pomeranian in need but also gain a loyal and affectionate companion for life.
Amanda’s journey with Barry shows that with a little patience, even the most challenging beginnings can lead to the happiest of endings. If you’re considering adding a Pomeranian to your family, remember that rescues like Barry are waiting for their chance to be loved, cared for, and cherished.
As Amanda says, “Here’s to many more adventures with Barry, our sweet, mischievous, and lovable black Pomeranian.”