Callie

Callie, our precious hospice foster girl, crossed the Rainbow Bridge over the weekend.

Callie came to rescue in January of 2018 after being hit by a car and left in the rain. Her Guardian Angel was watching over her and two Good Samaritans, Laura and Eric, found her in a ditch and brought her to Critter Fixer Animal Hospital in Byron, GA.  She had an open tibial fracture, dislocated elbow, dislocated hips, infections and over time endured four surgeries.  Her road to recovery was long and hard, but she was a tough gal with incredible GSP spirit and with the love of all her forever foster family and fans, she lived another 4 ½ years.

Upon entering rescue, she was scheduled to have her leg amputated but her Surgeon changed course last minute.  With the help of a brace, sling and the support of her forever foster family, she was able to move around as needed.  Callie continued to have challenges like an abscessed tooth, skin not growing back over her wound, pancreatic challenges and other health issues and a year after coming to rescue it was determined she would not be adoptable.  However, she continued to smile and love everyone she met despite her obstacles.  She loved her life at her “forever foster home” with the DeRocher family and they returned that love ten-fold.

A few months ago, Callie was diagnosed with an ulcerated oral melanoma.  The tumor was clearly growing; however, she was too old and fragile for surgery so her family enjoyed every minute they had with her.  From her forever foster mom, Megan, “Callie’s life was filled with trauma but we were so thankful she chose us to be her people in her last years (and to SEGSP Rescue for even giving her the chance). I’ve never met a dog who wanted to be alive as much as she did. She absolutely loved us and being with us. How we earned that love I have no idea. Her life was so bad before, I don’t know how she trusted again. We found out at some point she had been shot as she had bullet fragments in her chest on an X-ray. I can’t imagine what she must have gone through before coming to us.  I’m not sure what I did to earn her loyalty but it was clear she was mine from the first day home. Callie passed away on her porch in the sun listening to the birds on a stunning fall day. It was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. I take so much comfort in knowing her last day was as beautiful as her spirit. Thanks for the adventure sweet girl!” 
 
We are so thankful to the Good Samaritans who found Callie and didn’t keep driving.  And thank you to Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Byron, GA - the doctors and staff for Callie’s initial care and who set up a GoFundMe account to pay for her surgery expenses.  And thank you also to Dr. Wayne Waguespack and his staff at Southeastern Veterinary Surgery Center in Columbus, GA and Dr. Crouch and all who handled her continued care at the Western Carolina Vet Surgery Clinic. Finally, a very special thank you to all that were involved in getting Callie the help she needed, including her supporters who donated to save Callie’s life.  But most of all, we are forever grateful to Callie’s foster family, the DeRochers, who loved and cared for Callie through all her challenges.

Callie will be missed by so many, but her spirit and love will forever be an inspiration to all of us.