A dog that was recently overlooked at a Kentucky adoption event has found her forever home.
Cali, a Plott hound and pit bull mix, had been returned twice to the Animal Care Society shelter in Kentucky and was struggling to find the right match, needing a pet-free home where she could get lots of attention.
When she was recently the last pet left after an adoption event, her story gained viral attention. But thankfully, it reached the right person and now she has found her forever home.
Austin Jackson had been searching for a canine companion and first learned about Cali when his mom sent him the viral video. “Mom sent it to me because she knew. She knew I was looking for a dog,” he told Newsweek.
Instantly drawn in by Cali’s story and her loving nature, Jackson reached out to the shelter, learned she was still available, and soon made the trip to Louisville with his mother to meet her in person. When they met, it was love at first sight. “She’s a sweetheart. She’s super excited, jumping, wagging her tail. I mean just super happy,” Jackson said.
Shelter staff knew Cali needed an owner who could dedicate time and attention to her. After spending an hour with Cali and her trainer—and learning some of the nine commands she already knows—Jackson knew they were the perfect fit. “I signed the paperwork and brought her back home with me, and since then she’s been an angel,” he said.
Cali is currently with Jackson as foster-to-adopt, giving them both a three week trial before fully adopting to ensure things go well.
Clay Bishop, animal care specialist at ACS, shared the emotional farewell from staff. “Our staff is incredibly happy knowing that Cali is finally going to have a warm, loving home. She’s been through so much, and yet she greets every day with love and joy,” he told Newsweek.
In her new home, Cali, who is just two years old, is set to enjoy adventures, companionship, and plenty of love. “I want her to be able to grow with somebody. Every dog deserves that in my opinion,” Jackson said. “I want her to experience life with me.”
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