KHTS AM-1220 just launched a brand new video feature series in an effort to help Santa Clarita’s rescue pets find their forever homes. The second dog to be featured as the “KHTS Adoptable Pet of the Week” is Barkley, a six-year-old German shepherd/hound mix from New Leash on Life in Newhall.

Photo by That Spunky Monkey Photography.

A sweet, energetic and extremely smart pup, Barkley was rescued from the South L.A. Animal Shelter about two and a half years ago and has been patiently waiting for his forever home ever since.

“We just fell in love with him,” said Briana Fugitt, ranch supervisor at New Leash on Life. “Barkley is pretty much a performer. He is fully obedience trained, he’s super silly and very, very smart.”

Barkley not only knows basic commands, but is also learning agility tricks with his trainers at the ranch and working on becoming what Fugitt called a “scent hound.”

“We’ll hide treats in boxes and he’ll have to go around and find them,” she said. “He’s very smart, always kind of looking for the next thing to do.”

Related: KHTS Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Lucky

Barkley discovered his love for water during his time at New Leash on Life, and splashes around the shallow end of the ranch’s pool whenever he gets the chance. He’s also always up for a game of “try to catch the hose water” with rescue staff and volunteers.

The ideal adopter for Barkley would be someone who has experience with dogs, can spend lots of time with him and would enjoy taking him out for car rides, hiking or biking and throwing around a ball.

“He would probably do best in a home with adults only — he can get a little too rambunctious for younger kids,” Fugitt said. “He loves to travel, he’s great in the car. He’s just a big love bug.”

New Leash on Life is currently holding an adoption special for Barkley, and is offering to waive his $250 adoption fee if his new owners sign up for training classes at the ranch.

“That way you would have a trainer to kind of help you with any concerns or behaviors or whatnot,” Fugitt said. “We really, really would love to find him a forever home. He deserves it — he’s been here way too long.”

About the Adoption Process at New Leash on Life

All the dogs at New Leash on Life are spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccines and microchipped. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $250, which helps cover the cost of all the dogs’ care and veterinary expenses, as well as the day-to-day operation of the facility.

The first step in the adoption process is to submit an adoption application online.

“The reason we ask for applications is just to get an idea of what an adopter is looking for in a dog, and it helps us match that dog to their environment and vice versa,” Fugitt explained. “We want to make sure that both parties are going to be a good fit for each other.”

Next is the “meet-and-greet” with the potential adopters and the dog. If that goes well, the adopters can fill out an adoption contract and take their new companion home.

“We’re basically here to offer any assistance after the dog goes homes,” Fugitt said. “We have trainers — in-home training, on-site training — and we’re just pretty much here every step of the way.”

To find out more about Barkley or the adoption process at New Leash on Life, call 661-255-0097, email adopt@nlol.org or click here. 

Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto 

Cinema Veterinary Centre

23460 Cinema Drive

Valencia, CA 91355

661-253-9300