And remember throughout the month of April at BARC the regular adoption fee of $55 is HALF PRICE so $27.50 gets you a fully-vetted, spayed or neutered, microchipped, gently used pet.

MISS SUSIE WILL BRIGHTEN YOUR LIFE BETTER THAN A HOUSEFUL OF ECO-FRIENDLY CFL LIGHT BULBS. This little girl appears on the recommendation of volunteer Nela, which is remarkable because everyone knows Nela as BARC's "Cat Lady." SUSIE must be pretty special to catch The Cat Lady's eye! Indeed, SUSIE is completely charming. She's nearly full grown at a year old but she's only about 30 pounds. That means Susie will be a medium-sized dog, just right for snuggling up with on the couch. As you can see, SUSIE really enjoys having her tummy rubbed and is a very friendly, affectionate girl. She's a little timid at BARC, but wouldn't you be too if you were in her predicament? SUSIE is spayed and microchipped and all ready to go to her new home. Look for Susie at BARC in C Ward South, I.D. A0987643.

CHANCE HAS MORE ENERGY THAN THAN 2 DOZEN WIND TURBINES. CHANCE is a very handsome young Flat-Coated Retriever but he is misunderstood at BARC. He jumps and barks at his kennel door which makes people think he's crazy, but he's just trying to get someone's attention so they will take him out and play with him. CHANCE could light up all of Pasadena with the energy he has so he's going to need a home where he will get lots of attention and plenty of play time. In the picture he's got water on his face from diving into the drinking bucket. CHANCE is a real pro at fetch and will probably enjoy water sports, too. CHANCE is only 6 months old and will grow to be a big boy. He's neutered, microchipped and heartworm negative. All he needs now is a big yard, lots of love and an unlimited supply of tennis balls! Ask for CHANCE at BARC, I.D. A0984779.

LYLE SAYS JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING IS OLD THAT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S NOT STILL GOOD. LYLE is four years old, which is considered positively ancient in the shelter world. The good news about older dogs is they have outgrown all that puppy madness and know how to behave like a grown-up. You know how big they are going to be and how they will look. LYLE, for example, seems to be already housebroken. He's a medium-to-large dog of around 40 pounds with handsome brindle markings and cool white socks. LYLE likes to play and has plenty of energy, but he also likes to share a little affection and he gives great kisses. LYLE can come right into your home without much muss or fuss. He's neutered, current on his shots, microchipped and heartworm negative. Look for LYLE at BARC in C Ward South, I.D. A0982912.

LENA SAYS VOLUNTEERING WITH ANIMALS IS A GREAT WAY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. LENA is a new arrival at BARC that could probably use a foster or a rescue. She's a Great Dane mix and she's only about 8 months old so she is going to be a big dog. Great big dogs have it harder at BARC for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the amount of space they need. Shy dogs are also at risk at BARC and LENA is so terrified that upon arrival she had to be carried to her kennel. LENA deserves a chance to feel happy and safe, and the good news is she's not too scared to trust again. On this day she let volunteer Elizabeth walk her outside. She let Elizabeth hug her and pet her and she seemed genuinely interested in playing with the other dogs. LENA needs an understanding, patient human to work with her and teach her not all people are bad. She has not been spayed yet so she cannot be adopted, but she can be transferred to a rescue group for free during them month of April, and she can be fostered by a qualified individual. She shows no signs of aggression and she is heartworm negative. Ask about LENA at BARC, I.D. A0987441.

GEORGE REMINDS YOU ANIMALS ARE NOT DISPOSABLE. Who knows what horrors GEORGE has lived through in his short life? Badly scarred, frightened and starved, GEORGE has no reason to trust people, yet he does. Oh, he might growl and bark at you when he first sees you, but once he gets to know you he will shower you will love and kisses. GEORGE is just not sure whom to trust. He seems to be housebroken and knows basic obedience. He's a very handsome guy--possibly a Weimaraner mix--with beautiful golden eyes that match his coat. The cards are stacked against him, though. It has already been said that if he doesn't start to gain weight he will be euthanized (like it's George's fault he only gets one measly bowl of dry kibble per day). GEORGE will probably need the help of a rescue group to make it out of BARC alive, and if there's ever been a dog in need of rescuing it's GEORGE! He is not yet neutered but he appears to be healthy and is heartworm free. Ask about GEORGE at BARC, I.D. A0986877.

SADLY, our friends from last week's BARC STARZ post are still waiting for homes. Please take another look and see if there is room in your home or rescue group for these wonderful dogs.

REMEMBER, FOR APRIL ONLY ADOPTIONS AT BARC ARE HALF PRICE!

That means you pay only $27.50, and that includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and the first year's city license if the animal will reside in the City of Houston. For more information please visit BARC's website.

BARC is the City of Houston Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care. The shelter is located at 3200 Carr Street, Houston, Texas 77026. Adoption hours are 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. You may also Contact BARC by phone at 713-229-7300.

To see more BARC animals available for adoption on the Web, please visit these other sites:

www.friendsofbarc.org
www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX779.html
www.cooperanimalclinic.com/ShiningStars.html
www.petharbor.com (Enter your zip code, then click on City of Houston, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care)

...and on Facebook: Friends of BARC.

Meet BARC animals in person at these upcoming events:

April 25: PetSmart Northwest, 13830 NW Freeway, Houston, TX 77040, 713-690-0575

April 25 & 26: PetSmart West Loop, 5415 West Loop S, Houston TX, 77081, 713-661-5585

April 25 & 26: Highland Village Pet Adoptions, 4056 Westheimer next to Williams Sonoma