BUG(?): Barbas Not "Missing" From Clavicus Vile Shrine

[Higgles]

I never did the Clavicus Vile quest the last time I played, so when I found the shrine while randomly exploring I wondered why I couldn't interact with the statue to get a quest. A quick search later, I read that Vile's dog, Barbas. is supposed to be "missing" from the statue...but he's not. He's right there. Is the dog not supposed to be missing until AFTER I start the quest? (Reading about the quest on UESP suggests no, the dog should always be missing from the statue until you complete the quest.)

Anyway, after a ton of searching, I can't find any more on this potential bug anywhere. The only thing I could think might be causing it is that I have all of the Unofficial Patches (minus Dragonborn as I don't have it yet) installed. Or possibly Interesting NPCs?

Also I'm only level 12 and aside from the tutorial this is the first I've ventured outside of the Whiterun area, so I can't imagine it has anything to do with something happening to Lod or Barbas.

Any ideas? Is this even a bug?

Thanks.

[lanlyn]

Do you have a quest in your journal for finding a dog? You receive the Clavicus Vile quest by hearing a guard mention seeing a dog.

http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/A_Daedra%27s_Best_Friend

[Higgles]

No, as I mentioned, I have not left the Whiterun area and I do not have the quest.

[lanlyn]

The dog will probably still be on the statue until you receive the quest. See if you can trigger the quest.

"The quest can be obtained once the player reaches level 10. A guard or Lod himself (whether "Some Light Theft" quest is completed or not) will say he has been looking for a dog and spotted one near the entrance of the city. Lod can be persuaded for half payment (25 GoldIcon can be received) or the task can be taken. "

"In the DLC Dawnguard, you may come across Barbas and the statue at Haemar's Shame. He may still be there depending if you have done this quest. During the Dawnguard mission, if Barbas is still alive he will try to kill the Vampires you are fighting. He never dies and, therefore, provides good help."

[Higgles]

Guess I'l take a quick trip to Falkreath and see what happens. Was confused because in searching for info on how to trigger the quest, every description of the dungeon made it seem like the dog should always be missing until the quest is completed, regardless of whether or not it's been initiated. Thanks!

[lanlyn]

Hard to tell with these quests sometimes. I'd try to start the quest and see if it goes ok. Hopefully it's not a bug. Good luck!

[Higgles]

Well, you were absolutely right. Started the quest just fine and fast-traveled back to the shrine and no dog. Thanks! :)

[lanlyn]

Good to know. Have fun with Barbas!

[Mofuji]

It's one of those quest specific things, like how certain NPCs will only spawn (much to my annoyance) when you start a relevant quest.