Harlequin knows sit, paw, and stay, and she's eager to please. She's not particularly interested in toys yet, but she's perfectly happy enjoying a car ride, a trail adventure, a treat puzzle...

Harlequin is a gentle giant with an enormous heart, and every week in foster care gives us another glimpse of just how wonderful this 87-pound sweetheart really is.

Her former family described Harlequin as a true princess-a calm, affectionate girl who adored people, children, and other animals. She lived with children and was incredibly patient and tolerant, happily participating in everything from being dressed up to having her nails painted. Most of all, she simply wanted to be near her family. If she couldn't join the kids in another room or outside, she would wait patiently by the door because being included in their lives meant everything to her.

Her foster family is seeing that same loving personality shine through. Harlequin is happiest when she's with her people and loves snuggling, relaxing nearby, and soaking up affection. She has a wonderfully calm presence and is content to simply hang out with her humans. She's also quite the adventurer when the opportunity arises! She loves car rides and recently enjoyed a trail walk at Cromwell Valley Park, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors.

Harlequin is an absolute star on leash. She generally walks beautifully, although she may break into an adorable little trot when she's excited. She's interested in other dogs she encounters and has remained calm even when reactive dogs have passed by. Squirrels are another story-they definitely catch her attention and may inspire a little pulling, but she's easily redirected. Overall, she's a lovely walking companion who enjoys exploring without making a production out of it.

She's also proving to have excellent house manners. Harlequin is completely housetrained and does very well when left home alone. She typically lounges on the couch, but may wander between the couch, her dog bed, and upstairs while her foster is away. Occasionally she'll bark or howl for a bit, but she settles down and keeps herself occupied with treat puzzles and other activities. She's also comfortable with crate time when needed.

Harlequin has met plenty of new people during her time in foster, and she's showing that she may need a little patience with certain individuals-particularly some men entering the home. With some visitors, she has barked initially but settled within a few minutes and became friendly and welcoming. With others, she's been more cautious, backing away and barking intermittently even when given plenty of space. Importantly, she's able to make progress when people allow her to approach on her own terms. She has taken treats from cautious visitors and eventually sought out pets and attention. Out in public, she's been much more immediately social, happily approaching both men and women at the park for pets when introductions are calm and respectful. Her foster is continuing to help her build confidence and is working on ways to make visitors in the home feel comfortable and predictable for her.

Harlequin knows sit, paw, and stay, and she's eager to please. She's not particularly interested in toys yet, but she's perfectly happy enjoying a car ride, a trail adventure, a treat puzzle, or simply relaxing alongside her favorite people. As she continues to settle in, eat well, and gain some much-needed weight, her foster is seeing her confidence and happiness grow right along with her.

Harlequin came to the shelter with her best friend, Tye, and while she clearly enjoys the company of other calm, respectful dogs, she should meet any potential canine roommates to make sure they're a good match.

The more time Harlequin spends in a foster home, the more her personality comes to life. She's a gentle giant, incredibly loving and calm, with a loyal heart and a genuine desire to be part of her family's everyday life. She's the kind of dog who doesn't need constant entertainment-she's simply happy to be included.

Harlequin is currently in a foster home and ready to meet her forever family. If you're interested in this sweet, devoted girl, please complete an adoption application and email dogfosters@barcs.org for next steps!

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