In an ongoing effort to raise awareness of BARC and all the wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption, volunteers and staff will be welcoming the public and serving free hot dogs and sodas from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. There will be an orientation for new volunteers at 11:00 am. If you've never been to BARC this is a great chance to come and see the facility; meet the people behind the scenes and check out some cute critters. Here are a few of the animals available for adoption right now!

PRINCESS! A silly snuggle-bug, PRINCESS is the proverbial "goof looking for her ball." This Shepherd mix has a fluffy black coat with brown markings and looks like a little bear. She's always happy and looks like she's smiling with her tongue out and her ears up. PRINCESS loves to run and play and she's great with kids. She likes other dogs, too. PRINCESS was dumped at BARC by her previous owner so she's already housebroken. PRINCESS is about 45 pounds and nearly a year old. She's spayed and microchipped, and heartworm negative. If you're looking for a fun and funny playful dog for the family, PRINCESS is your girl! Look for PRINCESS at BARC in South B Ward, I.D. A0987806.

RUDY. Laid back and mellow, RUDY is the kind of dog that will be your best friend and loyal companion. He's a stocky 55-pound Lab-type guy with a shiny chocolate coat. He was picked up as a stray but he's wearing a cool Harley-Davidson collar so he probably once had an owner. That is also evident in his good behavior and the fact that he seems to be housebroken. RUDY will run right up to you but he won't jump. Sit down in the grass and he'll plop down in your lap. RUDY is a cool dude in need of a person to travel with down the road of life. RUDY is low heartworm positive but that can be easily corrected with the right treatment. He's already neutered and microchipped. If you're looking for a dog to couch surf with or cruise around town with, check out RUDY.
Look for RUDY at BARC in B Ward South, I.D. A0988702.

PEANUT! Attention Chihuahua lovers: It's raining Chihuahuas at BARC! PEANUT is just one of many adorable little Chihuahuas available for adoption right now. PEANUT was left at BARC by his owner who said he didn't have time for animals. That's really something to consider before you adopt a new pet because now poor PEANUT is alone and frightened in his cage wondering what he did wrong and how he ended up in such a scary place. PEANUT desperately needs a home but it must be someone familiar with Chihuahuas who understands that these little guys are often nervous and tend to bond with one person, and they do not do well in homes with small children. PEANUT loves to be held and cuddled and he will trot along behind you wherever you go. He's a lap dog looking for a lap! PEANUT is barely 5 pounds, about 6 months old, neutered and heartworm negative. If you'd like a sweet little lap dog and constant companion, hurry to BARC for PEANUT! Look for PEANUT at BARC in B Ward South, I.D. A0990270.

SADE. Toy crazy and super silly, SADE loves to play! She goes and goes and goes just like the Energizer Bunny. SADE is a great dog for kids and she's fine with other dogs and cats. She won't get too big--maybe 35-40 pounds at the most--and she has the most adorable face: Two black circles around her bright eyes and a spotted nose! SADE is a former foster dog so she knows how to be a good girl in the house and do her business outside. She's easy to walk and very lovable. SADE is almost a year old, spayed and microchipped, and heartworm negative. If you'd like a fun family dog that's sure to keep you laughing, SADE is your girl! Look for SADE at BARC in A Ward South, I.D. A0984846.

BRENDA. What a ham! Look at that pose and that movie star face! BRENDA is proof of what gentle and loving dogs pit bulls can be. She's all about the love. Sure, you can toss a frisbee or throw a ball, but BRENDA would much rather cuddle up beside you and share some smooches. BRENDA also has the fastest tail in town: When she gets happy it spins around like a propeller! BRENDA is about 2 years old and 55 pounds. She's been spayed and microchipped and is heartworm negative. If you're looking to put a little more love in your life, come hug BRENDA! Look for BRENDA at BARC in B Ward South, I.D. A0988635.

**To inquire about any of the dogs available at BARC seen in this email contact BONNIE FORD at ford.bonnie@gmail.com or ELIZABETH VITEK at evitek@yahoo.com.**

This week's foster dog is PEACHES! A LITTLE BUNDLE OF ENERGY, PEACHES is a year old Lab mix--heavy on the mix. She's full grown and only weighs 25 pounds! PEACHES gets along well with other dogs, large and small. She loves playing outside and chewing on bones. PEACHES will go in her crate when told to (sometimes with a little prodding) and can use a doggie door, but she still needs a little work with obedience training. PEACHES has lots of energy so she will need an owner who has time for daily walks and lots of activity. She would do great with a doggie companion to work off some of that extra energy. Peaches is current on all her shots, spayed and microchipped, and heartworm negative. If you'd like an active dog with lots of energy come play with PEACHES! For more information on PEACHES, contact her foster mom Kelly by email at kellykm22@yahoo.com, or by phone at 281-974-9232

And, here are the pretty kitties!

KRYSTAL. Soft and snowy white, KRYSTAL just begs to be petted. Eight-year-old KRYSTAL was dumped at BARC by her previous owner who says that KRYSTAL is deaf. That's okay, though, because you don't have to hear to know this girl can really purr! KRYSTAL has also been declawed so she must be an indoor only cat which is best for any cat considering all the trouble they can get into outside. KRYSTAL is a sweet and friendly girl that is very outgoing and loves to be held. She's already spayed and ready to go to her new home today! Look for KRYSTAL at BARC on the South Bay Dock, I.D. A0989441.

GEORGE. Everybody loves an Orange Tabby! Look at those gorgeous eyes, the same color as his stripes. If you don't notice him, GEORGE will reach out a paw to get your attention. GEORGE is a two-year-old tabby cat that was also left at BARC by his owner. He doesn't let it get him down, though. He's a pretty cool dude, curious and eager to make new friends. Being petted really gets his motor running! GEORGE is already neutered and ready to go explore his new home. Look for GEORGE at BARC on the South Bay Dock, I.D. A0984818.

THIS WEEK'S "HAPPY TAILS":

TOPAZ, BARC's longest resident, was officially ADOPTED after being saved from BARC by a wonderful foster. Congratulations, Topaz!!

GEISEL, the funny-looking little terrier whoozit, was taken in by SHAGGY DOG RESCUE. He is now known as FLETCHER and can be found here: www.houstonshaggydogrescue.org

LIBBY & ISA, the Siamese kitties were adopted TOGETHER by a wonderful person at the Highland Village adoption site. Special thanks for keeping these two friends together!

SPARKLE, the white kitty with the two different colored eyes, was saved by one of our rescue friends.

LULA, Friends of BARC volunteer Ria's foster dog was adopted by a nice young man from Porter, Texas. Ria tells us it was love at first sight!

THE ADOPTION FEE AT BARC IS ONLY $55 -- THAT'S THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN!
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 at: www.houstontx.gov/health/BARC/index.html

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:

May 16: Wags to Whiskers at BARC, 11:30am - 4pm, 3200 Carr Street, Houston, TX 77026, 713-229-7300

May 16: PetSmart Northwest, 13830 NW Freeway, Houston, TX 77040, 713-690-0575

May 16 & 17: PetSmart West Loop, 5415 West Loop S, Houston TX, 77081, 713-661-5585

May 16 & 17: Highland Village Pet Adoptions, 4056 Westheimer next to Williams Sonoma