Yesterday, in addition to it being St Patrick's Day, it was also Callie's 5th Gotcha Day!
Five years ago I adopted that red Australian Cattle Dog that had been at the shelter for over a year. Adopted out twice and returned. Admittedly, she was more of a challenge than I was prepared for.
It's surprising how fast that five years has gone. We've been through a lot, good times and not so good times, have seen many fosters come and go to their loving forever homes and seen a few dogs come and stay! We've traveled north, south and east, stayed in hotels when we had to and pitched our tent many, many times while wandering in the wilderness (our favorite activity!).
Callie was a challenge in the beginning, so much of a challenge that a rescue I contacted for assistance suggested that it might be better if she was euthanized. All that did was make me more determined to work with Callie and to learn with her.
It hasn't always been easy but there is no way I will ever give up on her. We make it work.
Happy Gotcha Day Callie!
Happy Gotcha Day to Callie! So glad you didn't put her to sleep and instead, worked to overcome the difficulties that come with owning a dog. I'm worried about the other dogs the rescue person gives advice to. Yeesh.
ReplyDeleteSome people say that I have the same stubborn attitude that ACDs are known for!
DeleteI'm so glad you didn't give up on her! Anyone who could suggest euthanasia of an ACD just doesn't understand that unique hold those things can have on your heart. My old girl Tashi caused me unbelievable grief her first few years, but she was firmly lodged in my heart for the next 14 years!
ReplyDeleteI could never give up. Being told that just made me more determined to figure things out. Callie is a real sweetheart.
DeleteWooHoo!! Congratulations to you and Callie!! Five years is an amazing run!! I'm so happy that you decided to help the girl out, adopt her, and prove those shelter peoples wrong!! The more work = the more love!!! ;-D Enjoy your day Callie!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to many, many more years with Callie (and all the others too!)
DeleteHappy gotcha day to you and Callie! May you have many more years together! What a wonderful thing it is that she found you. What would life be without challenges? :-)
ReplyDeleteSusan and Wrigs
What would life be without challenges? It'd be boring! : )
DeleteExactly! By the way, I LOVE that first photo! It's just a beautiful shot.
DeleteThanks! That's as close to mountains as we get. It's near Elliot Lake, Ontario at one of my all time favorite provincial parks.
DeleteHappy Gotcha day, Callie. Looks like you've found the right family.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
Thanks Daisy, Bella and Roxy - we think we found the right dog! (one of many of course)
DeleteHappy Gotcha Day Callie
ReplyDeleteCertainly seems like you found the right family to call your own and it sounds like you been on many pawesome adventures during the last five years
From Milo & Jet
Oh yes, many, many adventures! Callie is proof that although not always easy, it is worth it!
DeleteCongratulations on showing those rescue people how a real rescue is done! May you and Callie walk many more happy trails together.
ReplyDeleteThank you! We certainly are looking forward to more adventures (if this snow ever stops).
DeleteThank you for hanging in there and working with her! Wasn't it worth it? I think when we adopt a "difficult" dog and look back after a few years and see how far they have come - it just makes us love them even more. The bond between human and dog is even stronger. Happy Gotcha Day Callie!!!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is worth it! Callie is (as they all are) very special. We have an understanding and a modified routine that works great for all of us.
DeleteI can't believe a rescue would recommend that! So glad she had you who wouldn't give up.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Gotcha Day Callie!
I'm too stubborn to give up! Granted, not all rescues work out and I get that but what we were dealing with was more of a training issue for Callie and I both. It's been a struggle but I think we know what we're doing now!
DeleteHappy Gotcha Day, Callie! Congratulations are definitely in order for persevering!
ReplyDeleteStumpy was a last chance rescue/rehab. The first year was hell. She's a foster failure (Oh! Wait! I'm the failure!) She'll always be a little too freaky for most homes.
She's my girl,though! That's all that matters!
I think that some of us ACD people are about as stubborn as the breed!
DeleteI'd like to hear about Stumpy's background if you ever have time to share. I am always interested in what others have dealt with. I know that I have been extremely lucky with my pack and the fosters we have had.
Happy B-day, lucky girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteHappy belated Gotcha Day, Callie! And hooray for you for not giving up on her!
ReplyDeleteThanks! A few people did think that I was crazy for being so stubborn and making it work, but I knew it was the right thing to do.
DeleteOh my gosh, I had no idea you had struggled with her so much initially. I must read up and learn!
ReplyDeleteEach of our pups has tested us in different ways and each situation has made us stronger dog owners.
Happy Gotcha Day beautiful Callie!
There really isn't much here about the initial struggles with Callie. It was a combination of dominance and aggression issues. That is why I often note in my posts that Callie is doing whatever in "her room". It's a room off the kitchen which allows her full view of the yard and line of sight through the kitchen into the living room. it works very well for us when the young rowdy ones are being, well, rowdy!
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