Barrett

Please Note: The dog in the accompanying photograph is the subject of the story, but the person pictured is probably not the patient in the story.

Barrett is very honored to be asked to be the dog for the Featured Story this month! He hardly knows where to begin to tell his story. Barrett is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Legend has it that King Charles II issued a Royal edict that no King Charles Spaniel could be denied entry to any public place and that only those dogs had the right to run loose in Londons Royal Parks. During heavy storms on the sea, when orders were given to abandon ship, it was said that the captain would say, "Save the dogs and the Duke!"

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the ultimate lap dog. In fact, they were used by kings and queens to keep their laps warm in cold weather. Barrett loves to be on his master’s lap on the sofa, in the hammock, in the car and, of course, in bed. When his master is gone for a length of time, he welcomes her home with a huge hug around her neck. His paws are like little fingers that press into his master’s back with so much love.

Barrett lives at home with his two sisters, Betsy, a Goldendoodle, and Shivers, a Jack Russell/Border Collie mix. Barrett, being the youngest, has been the perfect third child. He gets along with his siblings and keeps them active. He creates fun by chasing them in the yard and keeps them on schedule by knowing when to ask their master for dinner and the evening routine of chasing the ball.

Now Barrett is almost two years old. He was always a good puppy and, although he was a bit young to be trying out for Love On 4 Paws, I knew he was the right dog for the job. He is obedient, easy to train, full of love, and exceptionally beautiful. His big sister, Betsy, was already a Love On 4 Paws volunteer, so why shouldn’t he be one, too. We worked on his behavior and attended dog training classes. Then he was tested by Love On 4 Paws, and he PASSED!

Barrett gets so excited when he knows he is going for a Love On 4 Paws visit. Once he sees me in my Love On 4 Paws shirt, he knows it’s time to go. He flips, he whines, and he runs in circles. Once he is in the car, he is as good as gold. He sits in the front seat and waits for his arrival at the designated location. Once he begins his visit, he knows he is going to be loved and petted and get LOTS of treats. It's all good!