If you have ever visited a dog shelter, you know how overwhelming it can feel seeing so many hopeful eyes peeking through the kennel bars, each pup longing for a little attention.
The dogs spend their days wishing someone will notice them and offer kindness.
One pup at the Brooklyn ACC shelter, however, figured out a clever way to make sure people stopped by her kennel.
Barbie, a six-month-old beauty inside and out, quickly captured the hearts of everyone who met her.
Barbie’s Clever Trick
At the Animal Care Center (ACC) in Brooklyn, New York, Barbie found herself looking for a family after being surrendered. Her previous owners gave her up due to a landlord’s complaint and the challenge of caring for two puppies of the same age.
According to shelter notes, her old family described her as “friendly, affectionate, sometimes fearful, and high energy.”
Barbie did not let her circumstances discourage her. Instead, she came up with a playful way to get noticed.
The smart pup would reach her little paws through the kennel bars, charming visitors into stopping to play. It became her signature move.
The shelter’s Instagram page, Boroughbred in Brooklyn, shared, “Barbie greets me in her kennel with her butt in the air, tippy tapping, and hoping it’s her turn to get a break from her kennel (…) She stretches her paws through the kennel bars to play pattycake, and that seals the deal.”
It did not take long for Barbie to win the hearts of both staff and volunteers.
Manisha Shah, a volunteer at ACC, told The Dodo, “She loved hopping around in the yard, pouncing on balls and stuffed toys, being snuggly with us on the bench, and we loved how curious she was about everything.”
Barbie’s sweet face and bright personality gave everyone confidence that she would not be waiting long for a family.
A Happy Ending
Boroughbred in Brooklyn shared a video on Instagram showing Barbie’s unique way of pawing through the kennel bars to ask for attention.
The clip quickly went viral, and adoption applications poured in.
Shah shared with The Dodo, “She was adopted fast! One of our followers saw our post and went to the shelter and adopted her quickly!”
Barbie officially left the shelter and started a new life in New York City with her forever family. Now, she spends her days being loved, pampered, and cared for just as she deserves.
Her new parents even created an Instagram account for her, @barbie_berry_cute, where they share updates on her adventures. They chose to keep her name Barbie, as it suited her perfectly and she responded to it best.
From her first birthday celebration to her playful daily moments, Barbie’s new life is filled with joy, and her fans can follow every step of her journey online.