Cali

From her foster:  One day, I came across an urgent plea from Old Dog Haven, asking if someone would open their home and heart to a senior pit. I was told Cali might be a short-term hospice foster because she potentially had cancer. We agreed to take her into our home and the vet found that she did have numerous cancerous mast cell tumors that needed to be removed. Cali soon underwent surgery and recovered beautifully, and she would undergo two additional removal surgeries over the months that followed, the last being a bit of a rough go. The tumors would be removed and no sooner, new ones would appear. As she ages, further removal is simply too risky.

What was meant to be only a few months with us has turned into three beautiful years! She has filled our home with so much joy and has become the ‘nanny dog’ this breed is known for, guarding and doting on each foster kitten litter that comes to our home. Cali is gentle, goofy and loves everyone she meets- cats, kids, dogs, and people.

My hope is that people will see that the stigma surrounding bullies is so far from who they truly are. On our walks we encounter many who seem cautious and a little nervous on our approach, but Cali’s exuberant smile and helicopter tail wagging open up wonderful dialogues about this bundle of joy on four legs. Her antics keep me laughing and thank goodness for that! As I navigate life with physical and other challenges, she’s always there to offer stability, comfort and support when she senses she’s needed. I thought I was saving her, but she has saved me. While her body may be compromised, her spirit remains one of light and joy. I will be forever grateful to Old Dog Haven for allowing me to be her caretaker and her forever foster home.

Update: After 3 1/2 years with her Old Dog Haven foster mom, Cali was overcome with cancer. She was a very happy dog up to the end. Her foster mom is devasted and will miss her terribly.