My beautiful little Callie Cal

Written and photography by Tracy Maher

I’d been following Retreat 2 Eden for some time because I love the work that they do for German Shepherds, a breed that’s been my life-time passion.

On this particular day I saw the story of the three girls, who’d recently arrived from Johannesburg.

They spent their days in cages

Founders Johann and Lynne had their work cut out for them as they had no human interaction and were understandably frightened. Says Lynne, “Callie arrived at Retreat 2 Eden from a very sad situation. She and two other female German Shepherds were surrendered to Uzwela Animal Rescue at 16 months old.

“The dogs had spent their lives in cages during the day and were only let out at night. They had little to no interaction with people or other dogs so weren’t suitable to be adopted out at that stage. The organisation was looking for someone with an understanding of German Shepherds who could assist with rehabilitating them to a point where they can be adopted to a loving home. Retreat 2 Eden was suggested.”

The one for me

Eventually the three dogs came up for adoption. Carrie was homed first; Alzena and Carlyn were available.

I looked at Carlyn’s picture and that was me done. I filled in and returned the adoption papers straight away. Being 10 hours away from Retreat 2 Eden, I couldn't meet her – I just knew she was perfect for me as well as for my pack. (At that stage I had two German Shepherds, Braxx Bear and Marci, a Husky rescue, Kayla, and a Husky-cross rescue named Baloo.)

After a virtual home check and a long telephone interview with Lynne, I was approved. Yaaaay! Carlyn – now Callie – was coming home.

A reliable pet travel company was booked and soon Callie arrived. The introduction didn’t go as planned – quite the opposite, in fact! – but the steadiness of my pack of kids settled her so fast. She slept for the rest of the first day and, by the late afternoon, after dinner she was playing on the lawn with the others.

An incredible blessing

She slotted into our lives as though she’d been here from a puppy.

I changed her name to Callie and she’s a gentle darling living her best life. She’s delicate and sensitive, but really the most incredible blessing to me. She learnt about the dam and swims like an otter; runs and plays and is just so carefree. She’s been with me for 18 months now and is the easiest, most uncomplicated dog we do life with.

Retreat 2 Eden, you really set these dogs up for success. Their integration into pack life bodes so well in their new home.

Thank you for allowing me to be her lifetime guardian. I absolutely adore her! Tracy and Callie happy ever after!