Stories of Rescue

Dalia

April 27, 2021 // by Kim// 2 Comments

UPDATE: DALIA HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!!!!

MEET DALIA.

MARCH 18 1:30 PM UPDATE: A FOSTER PLAN IS IN PROGRESS. THANK YOU #TeamCalWEAR FOR THE RESPONSE!!!!!

11 years old. Abandoned. Sick.

Incoming to CalWEAR and needs a hospice home (with no other dogs) to keep her comfortable.

The ideal foster will understand that:

1. Dalia needs TLC

2. Her time may be limited

3. She may require multiple trips to the vet

In exchange, DALIA will know that going forward, she will be SAFE, and we’ll always take care of her.

Please reach out to us if you can help.

– With love and gratitude, Team CalWEAR

APRIL 10 UPDATE:

Remember the sweet yet emaciated 11-year-old girl abandoned by her owner? We are happy to report she’s settling in nicely at her foster mom’s home. Here is her update:

“We are pleased to report that Dalia is thriving. She has gone from being a dog who would nip if you touched anywhere besides her head, to one who leans super hard into your legs for vigorous pets on her sides. Watch out–she also likes to run right through your legs when she gets excited In the last few days, she has started playing and trying to roughhouse a bit. She even let us give her a pretty full bath! Dalia is selective about her walks and does her best scampering down the beach. So far, she has been very curious about the cats and dogs she sees around the neighborhood. Dalia is a true velcro dog and insists on being at the center of everything. She is shaping up to be a very affectionate, silly girl. “

APRIL 25 UPDATE:

Hi friends! We are still looking for an adopter or foster to adopt for our sweet old girl, Dalia. Her current foster mom is doing a great job rehabilitating her and getting to know her but she’s getting ready to move to a multi-level abode which will not serve Ms. Dalia well as her hind legs can be a little weak at times.

She loves being scratched, loved on and petted!! She can be a little sensitive having her feet touched but even that is much better. She’ll need a household who understands she’s still learning to be a pampered house dog and give her time, space and grace to heal. For this reason we suggest no kids unless gentle teens. Finally, we have a little sensitive tummy but it could be she went without food or nutrition for so long that she’s still getting used to regular meals. Oh, and her preferred bed is a cushy yoga mat which is a must even over most of the comfy dog beds. Dalia has proven gentle and curious about cats in the yard so may cohabitate well with a slow introduction.

Recap, ideal home would be:

Single story home or home with living/sleeping area on ground floor

Savvy dog owner who knows how to help an old gal realize her full potential as a pampered indoor Weim

Another older dog would probably be great as a companion

Home that understands this sweet girl is her golden years and is ready to spoil her rotten

Does this sweet old girl sound like she could be the center of your world for the time she has left? Fill out an application here.

Zoey

December 23, 2020 // by Kim// 5 Comments

MEET ZOEY.

December 23rd. CalWEAR received a CODE RED message from Riverside County Animal Shelter in the evening for a “Weimaraner” who was mauled by the dogs she lived with. She was found by Animal Control alone and abandoned under a car after neighbors reported a dog fight and then howling and crying. When owners were confronted they said they could not get her medical care and that she would be ok. Due to visible wounds and emaciated condition of the dog, Animal Control told them to get care for her or surrender her.

So, really she ended up being seized by AC. Her name is Zoey, 7 years old and mauled by her brother. Zoey’s mother is a Weimaraner and father unknown. After Vet exam at shelter it was found that Zoey has a right front leg snapped in half, toes broken on left foot and multiple bite wounds, both new and OLD on her body. Shelter staff took immediate action to get her out and into care by a Rescue.

December 24th. CalWEAR Director Deb Thompson picked Zoey up early in the day and got her to an emergency vet. Her estimated bill is staggering. Initial exam shows leg should be amputated. Of course, it is Christmas, so we have to keep her stable until a surgeon becomes available on Monday! We NEED you! Her estimated charges just for this initial care with sedated wound care and bandage changes comes to a whopping $8,000!! Vet estimate attached. Zoey is worth it to us to try to save her. She may not be “grey” (we were surprised on pick up) but she is the sweetest most lovable dog ever. So much so that Animal Control Staff gathered to say goodbye and wish her well when we picked her up! She even gave transporter grateful tiny butterfly kisses while being rushed to ER.

So this is bottom line, if we can get help and save her life so far, WITHOUT THE SURGERY, her fee is $8,000. On Monday when we decide on which surgery to do, amputation or repair, it will escalate many more thousands of dollars. We know it is Covid and many are struggling, but if you can help with just a few dollars we know it will add up. Zoey is worth it. Isn’t she?

PayPal: donate@CalWEAR.org, or click here

Venmo: @CalWEAR

Zelle: 949-278-2981

Snail mail: CalWEAR, PO Box 49, Gorman, CA 93243

December 25th AM POST. Zoey may have had the misfortune of being owned by a monster who left her outside to die, but it’s Christmas, and #teamCalWEAR is one thousand percent committed to taking her in and getting her well.

ZOEY…MEDICAL EMERGENCY! 12/23 late evening we got a code red call from RivCO Animal Shelter of a “Weimaraner” who was mauled by dogs on the property. She was found by AC alone and abandoned under a car after neighbors reported a dog fight and then howling and crying. When owners were confronted they said they could not get her medical care and that she would be ok. Due to visible wounds and emaciated condition of the dog, Animal Control told them to get care for her or surrender her.

NOTE: Later during surgery the Surgeon determined injury was caused by a beating with blunt object such as tire iron or baseball bat and NOT dog bites! THERE IS A PENDING CRUELTY INVESTIGATION.

We picked her up early 12/24 and got her to an emergency vet. Her estimated bill is staggering. Initial exam shows leg should be amputated. Of course, it is Christmas, so we have to keep her stable until a surgeon becomes available on Monday! We NEED you! Her estimated charges just for this initial care with sedated wound care and bandage changes comes to a whopping $8,000!! Vet estimate attached. Zoey is worth it to us to try to save her. She may not be “grey”(we were surprised on pick up) but she is the sweetest most lovable dog ever. So much so that Animal Control Staff gathered to say goodbye and wish her well when we picked her up! She even gave transporter grateful tiny butterfly kisses while being rushed to ER.

– Deborah/Team CalWEAR

– – –

December 25th PM POST. Zoey may have had the misfortune of being owned by a monster who left her outside to die, but it’s Christmas, and #teamCalWEAR is one thousand percent committed to taking her in and getting her well.

An anonymous donor just came forward this morning to match dollar for dollar what we are able to raise for Zoey by tomorrow evening. This includes all donations we’ve received in the last 24 hours, so please consider that for every dollar you are able to donate, Zoey will get TWO.

– With love and gratitude, Team CalWEAR

December 25th PM POST. ZOEY MATCH ends in one hour. We are currently north of $10,000. Let’s do this, FOR ZOEY!!!!!!!!

December 28th. Monday day 7 update! sad news. We all were so hopeful that Miss Zoey would go home today, however bandage change is showing some additional oozing with necrotic tissue. They need to keep her until Wednesday… maybe removing a staple that might be contributing to the discharge. Please.. say a prayer! This is a little set back but we want a good surgical result so feel we have to be careful and follow Vets advice. There is a photo of the leg today during bandage change that is not for the faint of heart. Ck photos below. In spite of it all Zoey is in good spirits and finally getting assisted out for little potty breaks. She’s a trooper!!

Post Op Day 7 Monday 1/4/21 WE ARE GOING HOME!!!!! Zoey has actually been up and out for potty walks. Going to pick her up in an hour or so. Her wound still infected but seems managed. She will have to return for bandage changes but now she gets to go experience a REAL family and some REAL love! Foster Desiree get ready..here we come!! Watch fro freedom pictures later today! WE LOVE OUR FANS!! This is all possible because of YOU!

Post Op Day 6 Sunday 1/3/21 It has been a tiring, horrific journey for Zoey. Unfortunately her right leg is experiencing some fluid discharge from infected wounds and is needing extra care and bandage changes. Her left leg seems to be healing a little better. Good news is that cultures finally came back after Holiday backlog and the bacteria is being treated with the right antibiotics, which was a worry. Yesterday she was actually pretty alert and getting restless wanting to get up. She is eating and drinking really well. Today we are waiting for the bandage change on both legs to determine if she can go home to foster tomorrow. All paws crossed that the oozing is at a minimal and show infection finally healing. We DO have a foster standing by to take her in so a huge thank you goes out to Desiree and her family for stepping up and opening their home to her.

We also have to sincerely thank you ALL for your support in her care. Much much more to come but without you, our extended family and team. we could not have gotten her this far. She deserves this!!

Post Op Day 4 New Years Day Zoey is starting out the New Year with a much better prognosis! Surgeon says she is healing a tiny tiny bit every day. Yesterday under sedation they debrided her left leg and sutured up the bite wounds as well as they could with skin available. Today’s bandage changes showed normal discharge from her left leg but right had quite a bit of infected discharge, more than expected for one day of bandaging. They will continue with daily sedated bandage changes through her planned discharge on Sunday evening or Monday morning. The plus is that even a TINY bit of healing is much better than none…the right direction. It is still a bit too early to tell if she can keep the right leg but Surgeon is hopeful. What they DO know is that Zoey has endured many more attacks than when AC picked her up…wounds very old and very new on all four limbs. See cuddly fund on timeline for Vet impression statement for AC. Without your help none of this was possible. Thank you for helping Zoey get the care she finally deserves!! Due to Holiday Staffing we don’t have updated photos but will get some soon.

Post Op day 1 PM. Zoey has bandage change today and repair incision looks good. A little less swollen and she is awake and alert. Tomorrow she will be put under yet again to address wounds on left leg that are gaping. They will be seen shut as much as possible and re-evaluated. New splint will be in place. For now we will let her rest. New update tomorrow.

Post Op day 1

Zoey woke up bright and alert and even ate small breakfast. A tiny setback in the night when a fever spiked but thankfully went down in a few hours. Blood work looks good. Scheduled for bandage change later today…which is a big deal and done daily. AND GREAT NEWS…we have had a wonderful local family step up to medically foster when Zoey gets released hopefully Monday! God is being good right now…but keep the prayers coming that the infection goes away and she can keep her leg! We’ve added a few post op photos below. PRAY!! Just after I posted this I got word that Zoey stood up! We are like a newborn family waiting for each new life event! Such a huge step in the right direction!

Surgical update…. Surgeon called CalWear many hours after surgery started telling us the sad news that Zoey’s broken leg was the worse he’s ever seen. Fragmented bones inside necrotic infected tissue. The most heartbreaking revelation was that the fracture was much older than a week or even 2 weeks old!!! This means this poor girl suffered without her owners care much longer than the fight the day before Christmas Eve. He said there are old bite wounds all over all four of her legs… old and new. That the fracture did not look like a bite fracture and was ”Suspicious”. The fracture WAS repaired with a plate and 12 screws. The surgeon is mostly worried about the infection that he said has also been there awhile. If they can’t clear up infection it’s still possible that leg will have to be amputated. We are devastated to learn that this sweetheart of a girl has suffered so much at hands of owner. So prayer warriors… lift Zoey up tonight and pray she heals. The fracture itself is the lesser of two worries. Thank you all for helping us to help her.

We know you are all wondering about little Zoey and how she’s doing. She is being prepped for surgery right now, this minute to TRY TO SAVE HER LEG!! This is awesome news for us…a little more expensive due to implanted hardware…but also made possible by all of your wonderful donations. She rested over the weekend with IV antibiotics/pain management and had her surgical consult this morning. PLEASE keep her in your prayers for a good result. She will then have a cast on her right leg and a splint on her left for the healing broken toes. As you can see from the photos, she is in great care and staff at VCA Vet LOVE her! We will soon need a medical foster to help with her rehab. It will take a special person to help her through this. Could it be you? If interested please let us know by email at hello@calwear.org. You must have a foster application filled out to be approved. You can find it at www.calwear.org

December 30th. Notes from Dr. Arnold:

Zoey presented to the surgery service for wound management of both forelimbs and fracture repair on the right forearm.

Initial exam of Zoey revealed, poor body condition score, unthrifty, underweight, chronic wounds and scratches on distal portion of all limbs, and significant lacerations on the left forearm.

Radiographs

Right forearm – Highly comminuted open radius and ulna fracture with significant soft tissue swelling and subcutaneous emphysema. The appearance of the fracture seemed to be older than one week and is unlikely to have been caused by a bite.

Left forearm – Ulnar fracture (bone is already healing; this takes more than a week to see a radiographic evidence of bone healing), 3rd displaced metacarpal fracture, and significant soft tissue swelling.

Surgical exploration of the left radius and ulnar fracture revealed significant soft tissue swelling, marked oozing out of the fracture site, moderate fibrosis indicating chronicity of the fracture, high degree of fracture comminution suggesting a trauma caused with a high velocity object.

Surgical exploration of the right antebrachium revealed, multiple deep necrotic lacerations all over the antebrachium. Numerous smaller lacerations all over the distal portion of the limb.

Dr. Arnold

January 5th. We need a prayer chain!

We’ve gotten an update on little Zoey and things aren’t looking too good. We’re trying to stay positive and hopeful but this poor girl’s body is not cooperating right now. During bandage changes today the Surgeon found the wound had opened even more exposing the reconstructive plate. There is more necrotic tissue that had to be cut away. (GRAPHIC PICTURES BELOW.) Tendons are exposed. They are going to consult with other Specialty Surgeons to formulate a new plan. Bottom line… it will be extensive wound management with possible “wound vac” which involves several WEEKS of treatment and hospitalization. They think it might still lead to amputation but our problem is she also has fractures in left leg making it non weight bearing. Healing prayers are desperately needed!!!

Our CalWear fans are her army! Please help her fight! Share her story. Vet says Zoey is so sweet and so humble that she is very thankful for all of us giving this sweetheart a chance.

So many of you have already helped with donations we are so thankful for. She would not be here if not for you. Here are easy ways to donate for friends and family if she pulls at their heart strings. Her full story is in our news feed.

PayPal: donate@CalWEAR.org

Venmo: @CalWEAR

Zelle: 949-278-2981

Facebook: https://cuddly.com/donate/4528548/zoey

Snail mail: CalWEAR, PO Box 49, Gorman, CA 93243

– With love and gratitude, Team CalWEAR

January 6th. WE GOT TO VISIT!! Today was huge for us. We got to visit with Zoey and take her fosters to meet her. They have been patiently standing by waiting for Zoey to be discharged.

Good news is, fosters fell in love with her! Bad news is that the news is not good. Her wounds are still wide open so now is big decision making time. We have had several recommendations none of which has a guarantee of working. Her Specialty Surgeon who knows her case is now out ill…so here we are with BIG things to think about. Things that will cost double what we’ve spent already with no promises of working. An amputation with no guarantee her other leg will be viable enough to help her stand. Ideally she would simply start to heal with the plate intact so we’ve opted for another culture to be sure current antibiotics are the correct ones.

We’ve added some photos of Zoey enjoying a visit with us today. We are trying to look ahead in a positive way. Say some more prayers!

January 8th. As we move through Zoey’s horrific journey started by a monster who mistreated her…she remains unchanged in that her fractured leg is NOT healing. Coupled with the fact that her Specialty Surgeon from VCA went out ill we are now forced to transfer her care to the VCA Vet in Monterey Bay, CA. Honestly, a few Veterinarians have taken an interest in her case so we remain hopeful that she will keep the limb. Her current charges through Sunday are huge. We plan on a transporting her from SoCal to Monterey on Sunday sometime and these fees are what will be due. We are so appreciative in all of the support Zoey has been getting from her fans! It is so heartwarming to see how many people care about her. She deserves it..even in her pain and discomfort the Vet has had to wrap the tip of her natural tail because she wags it SO much that she developed a sore on it from it banging on things! She is SO HAPPY!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU to all who have shared, donated, and simply said prayers for Zoey! You are all her army! Team CalWear

# As an update…..animal control will be going forward with her cruelty case on January 11. It is going to take a lot of time and red tape but we pray the previous owners get what they deserve.

January 10th. As of 10:00 am Zoey has been discharged from VCA Murietta and on her way to Monterey . She is in really good hands and will continue her care with VCA Monterey who’s Vet actually drove the entire way to pick her up! We are blessed to have her in Zoey’s life! NOTHING with her wound has changed as of last nights bandage changes and we are praying things get better for her. When she gets in and settled we will give you information as we get it. Zoey is a LUCKY little girl. See new exit photos.

January 11th. We know you all are so anxious to hear how Zoey is now. Right?! She made it to Monterey without a hitch. She got settled in and they decided to let her rest yesterday..so today was a huge day for her. The dreaded exam!! As for the troubled right leg we actually got a bit of hopeful news. Plate is in place and bone looks healthy and healing. Wound is large but doesn’t appear infected. So plan is to have light bandaging with several daily cleanings and debridement wrapping overnight until healed. The current Vet found a few foxtails in her left ear and removed and is running head to toe tests on her! Zoey is one lucky girl to have gotten the attention of this wonderful Veterinarian who is caring for her. Going to upload new photos and, again, I warn you they are graphic so not for the squeamish.

January 14th. Quick update..Zoey is still needing lots of prayers ..she is getting bandage changes several times a day. Still trying to get things under control so it will be several WEEKS before we know much new. On a high note…Zoey received a beautiful gift yesterday from Fur Angel Blessing Blanketeers. It is a Christian Organization that makes blankets for the ill and injured and fills the blanket with blessings and prayers…just what is needed for her now. When Zoey receives the blanket (has to be shipped to her) we will get a new photo of her with it. Her right leg is about the same..the bone is still alive so treatments will continue as long as it is still viable. That’s where your prayers come in!

January 17th. ZOEY enjoying some of the many donations all of her well wishers have been sending her. The beautiful blanket was made especially for her by Fur Angel Blessing Blanketeers. Many toys and treats are arriving making her jail time more tolerable. As you can see her left leg swelling has gone down considerably. The right is looking no worse and is healing by the millimeter….better than not, right?

Anything in the positive direction for her is a plus! Her nose, you ask? Because I know you will! lol She developed a little ringworm so it is the medication you see. Still need the prayers and support of all of you! Don’t forget about her!

January 22nd. Is anyone wondering about Zoey?? Well, we have really good news!! The Vet up in Monterey did a little research because of Zoey’s horrific wound and how it kept getting larger. She found a relatively new treatment using “fish skin bandages”. She immediately called the company last Friday and ordered some to be shipped expedited. (FAST!) Not realizing Monday was Holiday MLK Day, she anxiously waited with baited breath (pun intended!) praying it would come anyway. IT DID! She rushed Zoey into the clinic and applied the skins. So today we got news that the wound is slightly closing! It is doing a tiny bit better which is better than a tiny bit worse.. The Vet is cautiously optimistic that this just might work! Please keep sending prayers and positive thoughts her way.

WITH ALL OF OUR LOVE AND GRATITUDE! We posted a couple videos to show how HAPPY she is!

– Team CalWEAR

These photos show the progress from just 1/18 to today! Amazing!

February 1st. TODAY IS February 7, 2021. Zoey was first taken in by CalWear on Christmas Eve…count it…45 days!!! That is a very long time…yet very short to have gone through several surgeries, fish skin bandaging and now bone grafts. She is hanging in there and has been put on a new antibiotic after new cultures came back. Vet is still very cautious at promises but optimistic. So, to MAKE YOUR DAY….Zoey is a thief! YES! Believe it! She actually got up off the bed from the floor, got onto the couch and ate our wonderful Vets Bagel!!!! SHE IS A WEIM AFTER ALL!!! LOL She still needs our prayers and will for probably many more months so please don’t forget about her! She needs loads of positive vibes!! Scroll though photos for one dated today.

It’s a brand new month and we have good news and bad news and good to prayers needed type news. We got a report from Zoeys Vet and the very good news is that the wound is healing! Barely any metal or bone is showing so they are getting prepared for closure! The dreaded and need REAL prayers news is that the actual bone FX is not healed, or is extremely slow or stubbornly not healing at all. The prayers are needed as she will go in on Wednesday for yet another surgery to do some bone grafts that might promote healing. PLEASE PLEASE say a few prayers for her. She is desperately in need of your healing power! As always, her photos are disturbing but it shows the improvement in the wound at least.

February 16th. NEVER FEAR a Zoey UPDATE is here! Do we sound excited? Yes, because the wound is healing….gradually. Slowly. At an infinitely snail pace. But any tiny bit of tissue appearing each day is a step in the right direction! The downside is that we don’t know yet how the bone inside is doing. It will be a few more weeks of PRAYING for Zoey to see if she can keep the leg…YES after all this there is still that chance. Here are a couple progression photos from her attending Veterinarian who has so selflessly taken her into her home to treat.

News from her Vet…Zoey is in great spirits. She is exploring a little more and is even acting in true Weim velcro fashion and stealing a spot on the bed! How many Weims do you know that get to sleep with their Vet? lol

PRAYERS PRAYERS PRAYERS that the inside is healing as well as the outside!

February 28th. With new dogs in need every day we have not forgotten Zoey! She is STILL in treatment and unsure of the fate of her leg. It is a trying time for her, resting and undergoing therapy while we move on to other dogs that need our help. Things are healing, still on the outside. Waiting for the inside bone to catch up. She has become quite the character challenging her Vet caretaker…Weim antics are starting to evolve. So the good news is she is definitely a Weim…the bad news is that we are still unsure she will keep that leg. There is still a tiny spot on the top of the wound that is oozing and resistant to antibiotics. A new xray will be done this week and if all looks good she still will need the plate removed and a final course of antibiotics. A prayer rally needed. Let’s pray she is on the downside of this and keeps the leg….and HOPEFULLY her Vet has fallen in love and maybe she can keep this spot on this huge (expensive) dog bed that Zoey has decided is hers!

Bella Barely Makes it to CalWEAR

June 23, 2019 // by Kim// 1 Comment

We almost missed pickup # 3 today due to a misunderstanding.

The WEIMBUS was running late this morning (due to LA trafffic, what else?! ) so we alerted BELLA’S owner that 10:30 am in San Clemente would be more like 11:30 am.

The response we got back was, “My daughter brought her up in her car but has already left.”

Well, crap!

We felt awful, because we knew this was an urgent situation and were already warned that if we couldn’t get Bella today, she’d be going to the shelter.

With a pretty full bus, we left a message asking what shelter Bella was being dropped off at so we could go get her. If we didn’t hear back, we decided that two pickups were good enough for a day’s work and headed back north towards LA.

Then the phone rang.

Bella’s owner clarified that he was sitting in the Carl’s Jr. parking lot with Bella. And they were still waiting for us. It turns out that the family was leaving for Arizona, today, and that since the father didn’t have room for Bella in his own vehicle, his daughter drove separately, dropped off the dog, and departed for AZ. Dad waited for us with his dog, her beds, and crate, on the asphalt.

We arrived just before 2:00 pm. Dad was grateful we showed up. Our hearts hurt for him because we could see the anguish in his face about leaving his girl. Dad has lost his job and sold his house. His entire life was packed up in his car, and after this, he was headed off to someplace temporary.

Sometimes, life doesn’t go as planned. We’re happy to take care of Bella and find her a WONDERFUL home. We also hope that her former family lands on their feet, and that someday they are able to pay it forward by rescuing another dog and providing her a home that her previous home couldn’t.

So, MEET BELLA. She’s four. She’s great with dogs and kids. And she’s with us tonight through no fault of her own.

The time is now 12:58 AM. We are finally wrapping up our day of driving all over the LA basin, Coastal Orange County, the High Desert, and then back to the LA basin. WE ARE EXHAUSTED.

– Over and out, Team CalWEAR

Florence

April 9, 2019 // by Kim// Leave a Comment

PICKUP # 3 LAST SUNDAY.

MEET FLORENCE. She’s beautiful, she’s kind, she’s smart, she’s gentle, and she’s loving. Whoever used her for breeding over and over and over again, and then dumped her at the Baldwin Park shelter when you were done with her, where she sat around for a week and picked up kennel cough…

YOU’RE NOT A VERY NICE PERSON.

Done with your girl? Just give us a call. We’ll come pick her up, no questions asked. You can even drop her off in one of our foster’s yards at midnight if you want to. Or drop her off with our vet for a spay and don’t come back to pick her up so we have to claim her. Tie her up in front of the grocery store and then send us an anonymous tip to get her. You can even pretend to be a hero. Whatever. Just please, DON’T DUMP HER AT THE SHELTER.

She was frightened. She was depressed. She had her head down staring into the wall when I came up to her door. Thankfully, she perked up when I offered her a salmon treat, and within 30 minutes, I had paid for her exit, signing away that yes, I understood she had been spayed, yes I understood it had been botched, yes I understood what a bleeding vulva was, and yes, I STILL WANT HER.

Florence is home with me now and settling in. But I have to keep her separated from my other girls because she’s recovering from kennel cough. And she’s still bleeding. But that’s okay. She’s on her way to recovery and in a few days she’ll be back to 100%.

And next week, we’re gonna hit the road again because this beautiful girl already has a family from the CalWEAR village who wants to meet her. We’ll go get a mani-pedi for the introduction date if time allows.

– Kim/Team CalWEAR

Meet 2019-164

April 8, 2019 // by Kim// Leave a Comment

PICKUP # 2 YESTERDAY.

Meet “2019-164.”

He’s a sixteen month old boy from “a breeder in Northern California” (don’t worry, it’s not any of the reputable ones) who was turned over with a note of “go ahead and euthanize him if you have to.”

Still just a puppy, our friends at Santa Barbara County Animal Services suspected this was too quick of a judgement, and took it upon themselves to give him a behavioral and temperament assessment.

Once it was determined that he’s “just a puppy,” they worked with CalWEAR to lock in a transport date, and at 5:45 AM yesterday morning, volunteer extraordinaire Patricia Sly-Feighner (please tag yourself because we don’t know how to tag you in!) drove him down to Los Angeles to catch the WEIMBUS.

When CalWEAR intakes a dog with a questionable track record, we go the extra mile to really get to know what we’ve got. Sometimes, we get a tough kiddo we really have to work with for a long time. Other times…

We find a little diamond that someone else overlooked.

We didn’t waste any time getting this boy into a quiet, calm environment. After some initial free time to check out his surroundings, a trainer was brought in for some rudimentary lessons.

Attentiveness, check. Eye contact, check. Responsiveness to light pressure, check. Ability to follow basic commands, check.

Introduction to another dog = Curious, tail wagging. WIN.

Responsive to handler correction for wanting to play too rough = check. WIN.

Taking treat from hand = Very gentle. WIN.

Introduction to (dog savvy) house cat = Curious, playful, responsive to handler correction for wanting to play too rough. WIN.

24 HOUR UPDATE = “THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS DOG.”

So here’s the message, CalWEAR friends and family!!!! PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING A WEIMARANER PUPPY.

1. Little gray puppies will grow into BIG GRAY dogs. They WILL knock a six year old child over, easy. Especially when no one teaches them that they’re not supposed to.

2. Puppies require a lot of time and training. It’s no different than a toddler. You get out of it what you put into it. Invest your energy and you will have an amazing lifetime partner. Skip the work and before you know it, you’ll have a big gray bull in a China shop… and his name will be Wreck-it Ralph.

3. If you ever decide it just ISN’T going to work, please consider reaching out to rescue. If CalWEAR was called first, we could have skipped over the whole shelter portion of his adventure, and got him into a home environment sooner. Thank GOODNESS there were angels in Santa Barbara who didn’t just blindly follow the recommended process of putting him down.

4. Euthanasia is a LAST RESORT and should only be considered in extreme situations and when all other options have been exhauasted.

5. Having problems with your current Weimaraner? Give us a call!!! In addition to rescue and re-homing, we HAVE been successful working with owners to troubleshoot behavioral problems and at the end of the series, the dog stays with the family and everyone’s happy. We call that a win-win.

As for this fella, we’ll take adoption inquiries in case his fosters don’t foster-fail with him first.

An Open Letter to Weimaraner Breeders

April 7, 2019 // by Kim// 2 Comments

PICKUP # 1 TODAY.

A boy whose family purchased from a breeder as an eight week old puppy.

He came to CalWEAR this morning because his family was at a loss of how to keep him under control.

IT’S NOT THEIR FAULT. This family loved him, provided boundaries, and went through all the resources they had available to them.

This dog is just “wired wrong.” We’re going to do the best we can with him, and we go into it knowing full well it will be a long road. Physically and emotionally, he’s going to suck a lot of our resources. But we’re committed to helping him so we’ll do it.

HOW DID WE GET HERE???

1. This dog’s breeder (Pam McBroom of Cozy Acre Farm in Arizona) failed to take responsibility for this dog, and went as far as telling the owner to advertise him on Facebook to re-home him. Take-home message: If anyone out there has one of their puppies from either January 2019 litter, we sincerely hope it works out for you. Forever.

2. This dog’s breeder needs to be more selective about their breeding stock. Neurotic, possessive, anxiety ridden dogs who are mouthy should not be bred. Period. Please educate yourself on the proper temperament for the Weimaraner breed and make an effort to breed them better. And stand by every puppy you produce. For the rest of their lives. That’s YOUR responsibility. Alternatively, please consider not breeding.

—-

CalWEAR has a hard enough job taking in dogs from shelters, other humane societies, owners who bought their dogs from a pet store, etc. It kills us to have to take a dog in because the known breeder straight up said “I can’t take him back.” We shouldn’t be in this position.

If there is anyone out there looking for a Weimaraner puppy, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do some homework before you make a commitment. Your breeder should have a proven track record in producing dogs with sound temperament, and it should be documented in a purchase agreement that they will always take the dog back. Always.

Finally, A PLEA TO BREEDERS EVERYWHERE. Especially those of you who won’t take your puppies back. Please consider DONATING your time and dollars to rescue, so you can see what the other side goes through.

– Sincerely, exhaUsted CalWEAR driver of a very full WEIMBUS.

Attention San Bernardino Breeders

April 2, 2019 // by Kim// Leave a Comment

ATTENTION SAN BERNARDINO BREEDERS!!!!

Are you missing one of your breeder girls? Did you forget to put a collar on your dog before you let her out? Any regrets about not getting her microchipped?! Surely, YOU MISS HER??? Maybe you were out of town when she got lost and picked up by Animal Control?

After her five day stray period came up, this little beauty came to CalWEAR. Friendly, sweet, but a little shell-shocked. AND STARVING.

Want her back?! Give us a shout. We love it when Weims are reunited with their people.

Note: Unfortunately, she was spayed at the shelter and would be retired from your breeding program, but she’s still an A+ cuddle dog and family member.

Lucy Makes it into Foster

January 13, 2019 // by Kim// Leave a Comment

A MESSAGE FROM COOPER:

“Everybody loves Lucy! And so do I. The little girlina I got to give her freedom ride to today…sweet as can be…very tired…she was found as a stray on 1/2/19. She tried hard to stay awake on the ride to her fabulous foster home but it was a struggle…she loaded into the back seat very easily but immediately went to the passenger seat-and curled up as close as she could get to me (which is why I drove up to Orange County one-handed-my right hand was securely tucked under her head)…while I’m sure she was well-cared for at the Humane Society, being in a shelter is very hard on the animal.

Now she never has to worry about her next meal and will have the love and care she so deserves…Yep, I love her…when we were settled on the sofa, she lifted her head up, looked at me and gave me a kiss as if to say “thank you”…I had told her on the drive how amazing things were going to be for her and while I know she wanted to believe me, she couldn’t be 100% until she saw for herself…she even has a darling little Yorkie sister and a human sister too!

Note on last photo: she has a couple of very large lipomas which are visible in the pic…and another which is about 1/3 the size of the visible ones (softball sized) which will get taken care of.

I also want to give a huge shout out and thanks to my guy, Michael, who is also part of this freedom ride effort in that he hangs at home with my girlina while I’m gone. It typically takes a few hours and so, Kyla isn’t left alone, and Michael can have as many screens going as possible (tv, laptop, phone) with different sports/games…so, total win-win…seriously, it takes a ‘village’ and I am truly grateful and thankful to be with someone who has such a generous and kind heart …”

On behalf of all of us at CalWEAR, THANK YOU COOPER for transporting this girl, and THANK YOU JUDEE for welcome her as a foster in your home!!!!

First order of business is to get these tumors looked at and taken care of. Second order of business will be find her a deserving forever home because this is one sweet, sweet girl.

State of the Rescue – December 2017

December 31, 2018 // by Kim// Leave a Comment

A message from the CalWEAR front office:

As I transported Rosco (the last intake of 2017) this afternoon, I had some “quiet time” to think about this past year.

The biggest lesson I learned is that folks who find themselves in dire straits never WANT to surrender their animals. We’re usually their very last resort after they’ve checked with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers for places their dogs can stay. So many times this year, and as recent as yesterday, twice, I was on the receiving end of an intake whose owner was reduced to tears after saying goodbye. Not just tears; it was the mascara-running, bleary-vision, tummy-wrenching type that one feels when their heart is being ripped out of their chest. Recently, a family had to downsize the amount of dogs they owned. They had lost their home and the apartment they finally found for their family had a limit of two dogs; they faced eviction if they were caught with all three. Mom tried to be brave and kept her cool with me while she was telling me about her boy’s likes and dislikes, and little quirks she wanted his new owner to know. After pulling out of the parking stall, I looked out my window and caught a glimpse of her buckled over in the front seat, sobbing over her steering wheel.

Tonight, I’m thankful that were in a position to help, and I’m honored to be part of a rescue that doesn’t judge. Good news, it appears the boy will soon have a new home of his own! And I sure hope that if I’m ever in a position where I need to give up my own dogs, there’s an organization out there that would take care of them for me and find them the very best of homes so they would be well taken care of for the rest of their days.

On a brighter note, we had a lot of good times! The t-shirt fundraiser the Hendricks family did for Libby was a smashing success. Beth fostered a Weim she fell in love with and vouched for him to make sure he had a chance. Deborah took in countless dogs off the streets. Shasta’s mom was overjoyed the moment she found out Shasta was hers. (Shasta also broke our record for “most inquiries” in one single dog; we received almost 50 applications for her specifically.) We placed dogs out of state in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. Lost dogs were reunited with their families, others who were never claim were adopted. We even talked a few owners off the ledge of surrendering their dogs and offered training and advice so they could keep them. (Hi, Spirit!) Oh, and remember Scarlett from Summer 2015?! She was a parvo puppy who came into the East LA shelter from the streets, and ultimately taken in by CalWEAR. It took an extraordinary amount of fundraising to save her life, and we received a hefty loan from a private donor to pay her medical bills. Today, Scarlett is happy and healthy, and we FINALLY scrounged up enough dollars to re-pay that loan. Whew!

Unfortunately, sadness and heartache is a part of rescue. We said goodbye to Kopek this year; he was the very FIRST dog CalWEAR ever placed in 2014. We also bid farewell to Jazz, Winnie, and Sterling, who all knew love and family in their golden years. The most heart-wrenching loss of the year was Libby. She was a dog I had in my own home as a foster. I pulled her out of the Baldwin Park shelter myself and fell in love with her the moment I met her. Libby had previously lived in a garage and was covered from head to toe in oil and grease. Underneath it all, she was perhaps the sweetest dog that has come through CalWEAR. Unfortunately, she passed on the operating table a few days later while our vet was in the middle of removing her cantaloupe-sized tumor. I didn’t see that one coming, and I’m still heartbroken over her loss. We couldn’t save Diesel or Lilly, either. We gave them a chance hoping that their aggression towards people was circumstantial, but we were wrong and feel badly that we couldn’t help them.

Looking forward to 2018, we continue our mission to help those in need. As a foster based outfit, we can’t promise we’ll have room for everyone who needs us, but we’ll do our best. We resolve to get better about fundraising, and we have all sorts of plans to improve our education and outreach efforts.

To our friends and family of adopters, fosters, transporters, well-wishers, angels and donators, a BIG thank you from me on behalf of all of us. Best wishes to you and yours in the year ahead.

– With love and gratitude, Kim/CalWEAR President and Co-Founder

Mary Campilongo

I can’t thank CalWEAR enough for my girlina Kyla. She is the light of our lives.

Elizabeth Peterson

Send Gunner a donation hope he gets better.

Tammy Basile

Thank you for all that you and everyone volunteering with CalWEAR does for these wonderful dogs. Your stories fill me with sadness sometimes but more often with hope that these special dogs are being placed with their forever families. Cheers to a all the grey dogs out there and the humans that help them.

Robin Miller Reid

Scarlett, our sweet, sweet princess. She is the light of our lives (as is Zeke, our other CalWEAR pup) and Ruger. Thank you for giving her a chance at life. We can never repay you for the joy she brings. Happy New Year, CalWEAR! All our love, Bert, Robin, Ryan, Noah, Zeke, Scarlett and Ruger!

Lana Ashleigh

Shasta would like you to know she’s settled in nicely to her role of running the entire house

#divadog

Helen Johnston

No place here just a liquor store.

California Weimaraner Education and Rescue

Hi Helen, that’s our mailbox address. We are a foster based organization, our dogs are in foster homes, not at a facility.

Helen Johnston

Thank you very much for the response.

Myth Burkhart Srsic

Well said, Kim. As Intake for NCWR, I really just listen, and even if I don’t agree with the reason they are giving me for surrendering their dogs, I know I don’t know the whole story. They are so often heartbroken and truly having a hard time. Many of them contact me days later and asking how their dog is doing. I am just thankful that we have a team in place to make it all up to these dogs and give them the best new life possible. Thanks you for what CaWear is doing!

Rani Hunter

We are so thankful you trusted us with Maggie

Laura Scott

Thank you for all you do Kim! Here is my Lucy girl (gray) and Charlie boy (blue). We got Lucy from CalWEAR the summer of 2015 and she has come a long way! We picked her up from Beth and brought her home to Oregon. I just want you all to know she is so loved and is doing great! Lucy has overcome a lot of her separation anxiety and doesn’t nip or jump on people anymore. She loves to run and play and has been fantastic with our son. She is definitely momma’s girl and loves her weim brother Charlie! Thanks for bringing her into our lives! Happy New Year to all of you at CalWEAR!

Catherine Reed

It takes a lot heart and a lot of hours of hard work to make it all happen. Thank you for all your efforts. I am sure you have made a difference for many Weimaraners.

Lisa M. Pelton Woellhof

Thank you for everything you do!!

Julia Pond

Thank you Kim!

Debbie Greg Sanderson

Thank you for everything you do

Thomas J. White

My hard-to-adopt senior pound puppy is the sweetest creature I have ever known. He doesn’t absorb food well; most of his teeth are ground down to the gums; he is going blind and deaf; and he has a gimpy front leg. I have never been happier than since I adopted him, and he is my best friend in the world. I have so much love for all you do, taking in dogs from those crying to give them up, and rescuing senior pound dogs from euthanasia. The way we treat dogs is evidence of our humanity, and y’all at CalWEAR are simply the best.

Bob Chavez

Thank you for what you do. We loss our Seim Sterling this year and our heart is broken. What a spirit and light, she touched so many people.

Shirley Mox

Amazing stories, makes me happy to read about your wonderful work!! What special people u r. We adore our weim, Gunnar

Amy Boring

Michelle Elizabeth

There is nothing like the love from a weimy. My girl has been gone just over a year, lost her at 15. I miss her everyday..

Wendi Swadley Johnston

Wishing you and all at CalWEAR (including our beloved Weims) a happy, healthy 2018! With love, Jeff, Wendi, Bear (a CalWEAR rescue) and Mia (a Mile High Weim Rescue) girl.

Christine Trujillo

You have a big heart Kim. I hope that never changes.

Fernando Garcia

An update on Lena (Lina)

Tricia Bosak

I ring in my New Year to this post. I have three rescue weims and one senior who passed this year. Thank you for this post and for all you do. From Pennsylvania

Wes Carty

Roscoe is having an awesome time here in Newport Beach. Goes to work with us pretty much everyday and we take trips to the dog park daily! He’s basically the perfect dog and love him sooooo much!

Michele Kirkey-Garcia

Thank you for all that you do, and thank you for Lena! She fills our hearts with so much love (

California Weimaraner Education and Rescue

It’s SOOO nice to Lena so happy in her new home! THANK YOU for adopting her.

Deborah Thompson

Oh I LOVE this! Lena was in such poor shape when her owner dumped her in my driveway. To be fair, she cried when she left Lena with me but Lena never spent a day indoors. Her owner brought her to me because her husband was beating her for chasing the neighbors chickens. She snuck her out and brought her to me. Look at her now!!!!!!

TY Kim Burnell
for taking her into your wonderful program so last minute and finding this wonderful home for her.

Michele Kirkey-Garcia

Here’s Lina giving a high five during free run at the parkie park. She’s happy!

Loves to pester/play with her brother,

Moses Garcia

. She’s learning to be less afraid of the furnace turning on at night. Loves her warm dog bed so much so, hard to get her out to potty when it’s cold or rainy. Lena will never sleep outside again.

Laura Lou

Miss you guys!! Keep up the fight and thank you for all that you do!

Anita Good

Saige wishes you a very Happy New Year and wants you to know she is loved beyond measure! Thank you for everything you do to help grey dogs in need!

California Weimaraner Education and Rescue

Thank you for giving Saige such a GREAT life!

Stephanie Schuster

Tears of gratitude for the unconditional love shown by the dedicated volunteers of CalWEAR. Such a gift you give to so many. Peace and love and a wonder filled home

Thank You for Helping Thief

June 20, 2018 // by Kim// Leave a Comment

First, THANK YOU for the outpouring of love for this guy. Our utmost gratitude to the folks below for stepping up (either financially and/or physically) to help Thief have a GREAT last day –

– Mary Campilongo

– Michael M. Stahl

– Amy McIntyre

– Victor C. Cantu

– Aimee Fuller

– Ada Saldivar

– Deanna Castaneda

– Jami Price

– Patty Harper Assad

– Lisa Foote Skola

As of this afternoon (6/20), Thief has been released by the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, back to his owner who was located earlier in the day. The owner is in dire straits himself, but aware that the CalWEAR family is here to help Thief should the time come that he can no longer care for him, himself.

Thank you for caring. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your positive outlook. Thank you for not judging. Thank you for offering more than just a day. Thank you for being there.

We love you. – Team CalWEAR

June 19, 2018:

MEET THIEF. Once upon a time, Thief had a home. We know because he’s microchipped. Unfortunately, that family isn’t responding to phone calls or emails from the shelter.

At 10 years of age, Thief has ataxia of the rear legs. He responds well mentally, WAGS HIS TAIL and seems VERY HAPPY, but his hindquarters aren’t working. He also has callouses and sores on his elbows, leading us to think he’s been an outdoor guy for awhile now. He’s exiting his kennel with towel assist because he can’t stand on his own. The veterinarian on staff at the Chula Vista shelter recommends putting him to sleep on Friday, June 22nd, his due out date.

SO HERE’S THE DEAL:

Wouldn’t it be nice to give Thief one last afternoon of freedom and love? Here’s what we need:

1. A volunteer to exit Thief for the afternoon

2. A road trip to the local McDonalds for cheeseburgers and chicken McNuggets

3. Another trip to the park for snuggles

4. A return visit to the shelter

5. Hold his paws and be there with him

***ALL EXPENSES FOR THIEF’S AFTERNOON WILL BE COVERED BY CALWEAR***

We know this isn’t the typical kind of volunteer work, but Thief needs us. Are you available?

Nui

May 26, 2018 // by Kim// Leave a Comment

MEET NUI. Nui comes to us from Good Samaritans Deborah and Kris, who dropped what they were doing and coordinated with one another to get Nui into safety because she was “going to the shelter at noon if I can’t find her a home.”

Kris fostered Nui in her home until CalWEAR was able to pick her up today. Her first birthday was “sometime in May.” Since her former owner didn’t bother to remember, we’re gonna go ahead and say that TODAY is Nui’s first birthday.

Nui unfortunately comes to us with some “burn spots” on her back. The story is vague about how they got there; it really doesn’t matter. We’ll get them treated.

In the days to come, we’ll be getting to know Nui so we can tell you what she’s all about. So far we know she’s great with other dogs, SWEET, potty trained, and doesn’t mind being put in a crate. We’ll also get her up to date on shots and get her an appointment to get her spayed.

We currently have a LONG list of pre-approved applicants who are interested in adopting a young female through CalWEAR; we’ll be reaching out those parties in the next week or two. On the chance we get to the bottom of the list and she’s still available, we’d be happy to review applications dated today forward.

Special thanks to Kris, Nui’s emergency rescuer, for getting Nui to us, and ALSO for her GENEROUS donation to Nui’s medical fund. We’ll be in touch as we learn more! For now, thank you, as always, for your support. We have no doubt Miss Nui will land in a perfect home.

– With love and gratitude, Team CalWEAR

Wally

March 24, 2018 // by Kim// Leave a Comment

Transport # 2 this morning is for a sweet, sweet boy named WALLY. Wally’s mamma held it together pretty well when she gave me his background, and also stayed strong through signing the Owner Release Form. It wasn’t until I was pulling out of the parking lot that I caught a glimpse of her, buckled over on the ground next to her car, shedding tears for a boy she was forced to give up. It’s important for her to know that Wally will end up in a new great home, and we give her our word that we will.

We’ll be spending the next few days getting to know Wally. He’ll be available for adoption once we know enough about him personally to be able to write his story.

Thank you in advance for spreading the word that we have a few great dogs who need and deserve outstanding homes.

– With love and gratitude, Kim/CalWEAR

P.S. Kiefer has been dropped off in his new home and so far, it’s going really well.

Dalia

Zoey

Bella Barely Makes it to CalWEAR

Florence

Meet 2019-164

An Open Letter to Weimaraner Breeders

Attention San Bernardino Breeders

Lucy Makes it into Foster

State of the Rescue – December 2017

Thank You for Helping Thief

Nui

Wally

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