A blind St Bernard who spent almost a year in rescue has found his forever home after a social media campaign helped transform his chances of being adopted.
Four-year-old Barry had been living at Saving Saints Rescue since October 2025 after his owner was jailed for drug offences.
Despite being described by rescuers as affectionate, cuddly and playful, Barry struggled to attract potential adopters because of his size and blindness.
His fortunes changed after he was featured by vet and TV personality Dr Scott Miller as part of Agria Pet Insurance’s Rescue a Rescue campaign.
Barry and Dr Scott Miller / Saving St Bernards
The campaign aims to shine a spotlight on animals who have struggled to find homes, with Barry’s story helping him catch the attention of his new owner, Rachel Cowie from Kirkcaldy.
Rachel, who has previously rescued three St Bernards, said she immediately felt a connection with Barry.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for giant dog breeds,” she said.
“I’ve rescued three St Bernards before, and I knew I had space in my heart for another. I came across Barry at Saving Saints, and I just knew straight away that he was meant for me.”
When the pair eventually met, Rachel said Barry’s reaction confirmed her decision.
“He came bounding up to me, showering me in kisses with his tail going a mile a minute. That sealed the deal!”
Rachel has since been preparing her home for Barry’s arrival, adapting his surroundings to help him navigate despite his blindness.
She has created a dedicated space for him, added different textures near doorways and plans to use a clicker during walks so he can stay aware of where she is.
“Barry’s blindness has never put me off,” she said.
“I’ve researched blind dog support groups, and where I couldn’t find the answers to my questions, I’ve just tried to see the world through his eyes instead.”
She has also prepared toys, treats and scent games to help keep him mentally stimulated.
“Knowing he’s waited 11 months for someone to love, I honestly cannot wait to bring Barry home,” she added.
Barry’s blindness has not stopped him enjoying life, with rescuers describing him as playful, food-motivated and fond of toys and scent games.
He can, however, be reactive towards men, which the rescue believes may be linked to his past and the possibility that he was used by his former owner to intimidate others.
Dr Scott Miller, an Agria Brand Ambassador, said Barry simply needed the right person to give him the support and training he needed.
“Barry is a fabulous big lad, and I’m delighted that after being surrendered to kennels for so long, he’s finally found the home he deserves,” he said.
“There can be some misconception about the difficulties of looking after a blind dog, but Barry is a delightful and intelligent dog who just needed a patient handler to continue his training and give him a safe, fun forever home.”
Barry’s new chapter has also helped raise money for the rescue that cared for him.
As part of the Rescue a Rescue campaign, Agria is donating £1,000 to Saving Saints Rescue to support its ongoing rehoming work.
A further 11 animal rescue centres across the UK are also taking part, with Agria splitting a total donation of £12,000 between the organisations.
Other animals being highlighted through the campaign include an 18-year-old cat who was returned to the rescue where she was born, an eight-year-old rescue dog from Cyprus and a thoroughbred horse.
For Barry, however, the campaign has already delivered the outcome his rescuers had been hoping for — a permanent home and a new start after 11 months in rescue.