Cali❤️

We have always been “dog people”.  Beyond being “dog people”, we’ve always been “Black Lab people”.  The experience of adopting a rescue, though, was totally foreign to us.

I had a lot of opinions about adding another dog to our family, and specifically about adopting a rescue. Even though my husband and three sons were on board, I resisted for YEARS. I thought it would be too much work (it isn’t).  I was nervous and afraid the dogs wouldn’t get along (they do).  I had no experience with adopting, and didn’t know how adding an adult dog that we didn’t train would work with our family (spoiler alert: BEST. DECISION. EVER.)

So this spring, in the middle of a pandemic, we were definitely not “in the market” for another dog.  But, when I saw a picture of the sweetest black lab mix that one of my friends who is a Sweet Paws volunteer was fostering, I was sold.  Like 100%, all in. And then, after hearing more about that dog, I realized she wasn’t the dog for us.  And I felt like a monster who just rejected this creature who just needed love.  But Cynthia and Melissa assured me that not only would that dog find her perfect family, but that our dog was out there, too.  They were so right.

Because of Covid, and the nature of the adoption process, we never met Cali before the day we pulled up to the Sweet Paws building. We had no idea what to expect. She hopped right in the car, snuggled up on one of my sons and stayed like that the whole ride.

Before going home, we met up with the rest of our family at a park (including our seven year old lab, Rebel) and fed Rebel and Cali ridiculous amounts of Roast Beef while they got to know one another.  You’d be surprised how smooth things go when deli meat is involved!!!

After the introductions, we headed home.  Cali was definitely on edge, skittish, and shell shocked.  We made sure to give her some space, and soon she was able to relax enough to get some rest.  Our girl was exhausted. 

At first, Cali was timid, and it took her a while to learn to trust us.  We were consistent with our schedule, and she warmed up and adjusted really fast.  Within about a week, she went from cowering and running outside when she saw her leash to sitting by the door waiting for walks when she saw it.  She has stopped growling every time she sees her reflection in the mirror and now sleeps in front of one (Way to learn to love yourself, Queen!)  She always liked a pat on the head, but now she flops down for us to give her belly rubs.  And simply tolerating Rebel gave way to hours and hours of playing together.

Cali has been such a gift to our family. She is the perfect blend of calm and playful.  She is sweet and smart and has the best silly dance when she is excited. Everywhere we go, people comment on her, saying we “won the lottery” with her.  It seems so corny and so cliché, but I really do believe that this is what happens when the right dog is matched with the right family.  It is magic. 

I am so grateful to Sweet Paws for all the work they do; rescuing so many dogs and cats, puppies and kittens, and bringing so much happiness to people.  I’m especially thankful to Melissa, whose emotional stories of fostering helped to open my eyes, mind, and heart to adopting a rescue, to my adoption coordinator Cynthia, who made the process a breeze and fun; and to Alex for fostering, caring for, and loving Cali before us.

After holding out for so long, I now can’t imagine life without our Cali (Cals, Cali-girl, Cookoo).