We first met Callie over 2 years ago, in early 2021. She came in through our Diekman Regional Rescue Program from one of our shelter partners in the Central Valley. Callie had 7 puppies with her. She was sent to a foster home for a few weeks to finish nursing her puppies. Her foster family noted that Callie could sometimes be shy with new people, but warmed up when she was given patience, treats, and affection. She had a calm, gentle temperament and loved to spend time with her people. Once Callie finished nursing her puppies, they returned to our Oates/Detkin Animal Community Center and quickly found homes.
The next time we met Callie, her shy and nervous behaviors had increased dramatically. In her adopted home, she wasn’t given space and time to gradually adjust to visitors and new people, and her fear of strangers became worse and worse over time. Callie was brought back to us, and it became clear our staff would have to work hard to regain her trust and make her feel safe again.
Our Behavior staff, Darci and Gee, quickly made it their mission to help Callie open up again. She was given a quiet room away from major foot traffic, and Gee and Darci worked with her daily to gain her trust by giving her time to warm up at her pace. Over time, more staff and volunteers were introduced to Callie until she had a large circle of friends that loved and adored her.
Once someone was added to Callie’s ever-widening circle of friends, she showed them her true personality. A quiet dog, she preferred laying near her people. She would get small bursts of energy, running after toys in the park and bringing them back to her person. She loved her walks, and even made friends with a few dogs along the way. Thanks to the dedicated time of our staff and volunteers, Callie was improving and truly blossoming.
Time passed by, and Callie still had not found a new family to take her home. We did what we could to make our shelter as home-like as possible for her in the meantime. She went on day trips and outings with staff.
We celebrated her birthday.
And while Callie was happy getting tons of love and attention from her circle, we knew it was no replacement for a home and family of her own. We searched and searched for a family that would understand Callie’s need for patience when meeting new people and adjusting to new situations. She had lots of interest, but no one felt ready to take on the commitment that would be necessary to take Callie home.
Until, finally, Callie met with a potential family. She was nervous, just like she always was when meeting new people. But they understood it would take time, and came back to see her again and again. Each time, Callie warmed up more and more. Our Behavior team talked them through the logistics of how they could make Callie comfortable if they decided to take her home. It would take her time to adjust, but we would be there every step of the way. After meeting at our shelter a few times, our staff began bringing Callie to the family’s home for short visits to get her comfortable with their space and help her transition easier. The process was slow, but the family was patient and determined not to give up on her. Finally, they knew it was time. Callie was their dog, and they were ready to take her home forever.
Some of Callie’s friends loaded up the car with treats, toys, and comfort items from all the people who had loved her so much. At her send off, there were tears, both happy and sad.
Just a few days ago, Callie came back to HSSV – not to be returned, but to visit all her friends and show them how happy she was now that she had her forever people. Callie is thriving with the family who never gave up on her and who continued to see the big heart behind the nervous, scared dog. It’s a new chapter for her, and one that we know will be filled with the kind of love she’s always deserved.
Callie wouldn’t be where she is now without the incredible dedication, time, support, and pure love from a very special group of people. Callie’s circle of friends poured their hearts and souls into teaching Callie to trust the world again and finding a home for her where a bright future would be possible. Thank you to everyone who supported this special girl along her journey – from her circle of friends to those who watched and rooted for her from afar. So many of you helped make a difference in this sweet girl’s life and we are all so grateful for her happy ending!
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19 Comments on “Callie’s Next Chapter”
I am so happy that Callie found her new forever home!
Wasn’t mentioned in this article but Adoptions Supervisor Mel and Behavior staff Darci worked closely with the adopters the months leading up to her adoption and through her trial adoption. Thank you Mel for all you support behavior adoptions and marketing worked as a team. The end result Callie is now the most spoiled loved dog on the planet
Happy tears for Callie!! I’ve been watching her for so long. I’m so happy you found your home you beautiful girl 😘❤️
One of her buddies at HSSV was Amy W who is a true advocate for sheltered animals. Thank you, Amy!
Callie was the most loved dog at HSSV and all her friends volunteer and staff made such a difference ❤️
SO HAPPY for Callie!!!! We have been following her journey since we got our dog from your shelter last year. ❤️ I remember that I cried leaving because I felt so bad for her, but knew we were the right fit for her!
were not***
So wonderful that she found a furever home! ❤️She was on the adoptions page for way too long!
Aw! Go Callie Go! First I saw Ferdinand get adopted now Callie, what a treat. So glad this family took the time to work with Callie & HSSV. Thank you to everyone involved. Stories like this warm my heart 🫶🏼
Callie deserves all the love and support.. So happy to see her find her forever home
Lots of love to Callie! ❤️❤️❤️
I’m so happy she has finally got her forever home, God Bless people that adopted her. 🙏❤️🙏
This story brought tears to my eyes and warms my heart! I’m so happy to see her with a loving and patient family! Every dog truly deserves to be loved as unconditional as they love us ❤️ Congratulations Callie and family!
WOW. WHAT A TEAR JERKER STORY. I REMEMBER READING ABOUT CALLIE AND FELT SO BAD I COULDNT DO ANYTHING BUT DONATE. WITH 2 DOGS 6 CATS 1 STUNK 3 RACCOONS MY HOME IS FULL BUT AM SO HAPPY TO DONATE KNOWING THAT ALL THE PEOLPE WORKING WITH CALLIE ARE SO DEDICATED TO HELPING ALL THE ANIMALS. REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I READ ABOUT CALLIE. . I PRAYED SO MUCH THAT THINGS WOULD CHANGE FOR HER . MY PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED. SHE TRULY DESERVES A GREAT LIFE WITH A FOREVER FAMILY. THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT HELP HER AND GAVCE SO MUCH TO HER.
Beautiful share! Thanks for all the hard work. It’s apparent Callie knows she’s loved by all of her friends
Beautiful story I visited the shelter often a few months ago I remember seeing this beauty I’m glad she found her family
I’m so happy for Callie! She deserves a great forever home, and all the love she can get! <3
Happy for you Callie!!! ❤️
Hello Everyone!
AN UPDATE: Callie is doing well, IF a bit bossy and demanding sometimes! Especially when it comes to Feeding Time OR “Walkies” Time!
She’s a Sweetheart! She follows Gramma (aka, Grandalf) All the time. She sleeps in my room for awhile, But Not on her bed that I got her. I first used Treats and tried to teach her her “Spot.” She would lay on the comfy foam bed. But after awhile, soon after she got the treat, she’d get up and Leave! What?!? Now she just sleeps on the carpet next to my bed. I am going to ReTrain with the Treat and “Spot” command, and hope it sticks this time. The thick foam bed is SO much Better than just being on the carpet.
She likes rolling around in the grass out back. We have to brush her and remove the ‘stickers’ from her fur. I tell her to “Go outside and play.” But I didn’t mean, come in covered with grass and ‘stickers’! She DOES Enjoy being brushed! She sheds a lot: We have to vacuum every other day!
She did Very well when my sister came to visit awhile ago. She did meet Auntie once, at HSSV, so that might have helped. Gamma and Auntie went Walkies, like we did with Mel and Darci, with Auntie giving her treats. Inside the house, she preferred Auntie sitting on the sofa, feeding her Treats! She brought Callie some extra treats. When Auntie would get up and walk around the house, Callie would Growl at her a bit, and was a bit skittish when she was walking around. But when she was seated, Callie kept approaching her for treats, even when she ran out of them. So, we’re glad she kinda got used to someone new!
Of course, she loves it when we make anything with Chicken or Beef! She also loves the occasional “Take out” Treat. The Highlights of her day are 1) New Food/Treats, and 2) Walkies. She gets so excited to go out walking around the neighborhood. One neighbor she has gotten used to, he comes around to do the yard work and cut the grass. Gramma says when she has walks her, and encounters that neighbor in front of his house, she doesn’t growl at him nor react at all! …But, she did growl and bark at other neighbors she had met the first time.
Yes, she’s spoiled! Or as one of her HSSV Friends said, “She’s not spoiled. She’s well taken care of.” ;-D
PS. I WILL post more pics on her Instagram soon! @callies_club