Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Callie


Callie is a DINOS.  Dog In Need Of Space.  She is one of those dogs that doesn't always interact well with other dogs (especially outside of the home) and prefers to do her own thing by herself.  After having just read that statement on a blog titled acd6pack, you might be thinking, "what?"   

How is it that Callie lives with six other dogs and the occasional foster dog?  Control.  I've learned over the years what sets her off and know the little signs of her getting antsy which can lead to a snap or worse.  It's just a matter of not allowing her to be in those particular situations.  For example, when the rowdy ones (Forest, Brook, Azule and Breeze) are playing chase and wrestling, Callie is not allowed.  She stays in the house or her crate since that type of play gets her very, very agitated and bossy. She would want to stop the chasing and wrestling.  Typical stubborn and strong personality Australian Cattle Dog!


Callie is happiest being the only dog on an adventure.  That being said though, she goes camping and backpacking with others. She does have her own tent (yes, there are two tents) and that really works for her. Callie doesn't miss out on any of the fun, she has fun by herself but she can and does share!

Even though Hiker is blind, she loves to swim and follows Callie.



Callie really enjoys playing frisbee and Jolly Ball which none of the others will play, we've tried many times.  So, out go the group for their play time and when they come in, out goes Callie.  Same thing when it comes to wandering the wilderness.  It's just easier and less stressful for Callie to go on a walk/hike by herself.  The worst thing on a hike is an off-leash dog with poor recall.  So many times there has been a dog running towards us as the owner tries to call it back with no luck and then they yell the ever famous, "My dog is friendly!"  To which I respond, "Mine is not friendly!"  Let me tell ya, that gets ya a dirty look.  A leashed dog walking past is almost no problem.

Our pack is often the pack and Callie.  It works for us.  There are people we know of who have two separate groups in their homes, groups who cannot even look at each other without attempting to fight.  We don't have that.  There is daily interaction between Callie and the others, in a calm/controlled situation.


There have been a few people who have asked if it wouldn't be easier to re-home Callie.  Comments have also been made about how much Callie has changed things and shouldn't she adapt instead of being accommodated.  Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and my opinion is that when I adopted her (and the others), it was forever.  I look at it this way - none of my dogs came looking for me, none of them asked to live with me - I chose them and promised to take care of them forever and I will. 

It may seem obvious that a group of dogs will involve different personalities but living with that group and their little quirks, likes and dislikes can be a bit of a juggling act sometimes but it is most definitely, without a doubt, worth it!

14 comments:

  1. It would be really great if all adopters took on your attitude! Not everyone sees it that way and they prefer the easy way out by trying to unload their responsibility on someone else. So thank you for sticking with Callie. You make it work!

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    1. Thanks! You know how people are said to resemble their pets? Maybe I have some stubborn Cattle Dog in me!

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  2. I so love your attitude...your pack is just like a human family we've all got quirks!! Would those that think you should rehome Callie give up that "different" child?? Probably not!! They shouldn't judge. Bless you and your quirky pack :)

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. I do find it frustrating how some people will easily give up a pet. You're so right, we all have our quirks, issues and baggage.

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  3. I know people with that attitude. And I'm so happy you have kept her, because she loves you and she shouldn't have to leave her home. So many people opt for doing what's easiest, instead of working with their dog's issues.

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    1. As I wrote, she didn't ask to live with us, I chose her. We make it work!

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  4. Callie lives in a pack where she is understood. So many people would just give up.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  5. My Emma's a bit like that - she's never even close to being aggressive (she's quite timid), but she always likes her own space. When the other two dogs and I head upstairs, we pass her on the stairs, heading down to be by herself. And when we head down, she heads up. The other two sleep upstairs with me; she chooses to sleep downstairs alone. It's weird, but it works, though I do feel guilty that she doesn't get nearly as much attention as the other two...

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    1. Isn't it interesting how different dogs can be? Callie acts depressed if she's not with us. She is quite happy in the XL living room crate when we're watching television. I sometimes think Callie has it best since she gets so much one on one attention!

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  6. It sounds like you are a master of management, and through it, you've figured out how to give Callie a great life!

    I feel the same way about adopting a dog. When I adopt, it's forever, no matter what. In fact, I have a talk with each of them, telling them that I promise to love them forever and always do my very best for them. I did have a small crisis of confidence when I discovered that Shyla was *completely* unsocialized when she arrived, and I wasn't sure if I had the skills and knowledge to handle her rehabilitation. But, by sticking to my promise and getting professional help, it is in the process of working out.

    I love your attitude!

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    1. I know that talk - I do that too! Usually the first time is on the long car ride home since I seem to drive for hours and hours to rescue a dog. You're right, it is a promise that we make, whether we tell them or not, we have to help them and give them the life they deserve.

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  7. You are doing an incredible job of managing everyone and giving all dogs what they need. Its not an easy job and I applaud you!

    My old cattle dog Tashi was never nuts about other dogs...though fortunately she loved my boy Lamar from the moment I brought him home and she tolerated all my foster dogs once I started bringing them home. When a dog is grumpy about the presence of others, I just try to give that dog the best of everything...treats, massage, alone time with me...to make it easier. It sounds like you are doing the same and doing an amazing job of it!

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    1. I find it interesting that Callie is the one of the pack that Breeze can't get enough of. She will constantly go to Callie and be super submissive and Callie just gets annoyed at her and nips and growls.

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