Cali joined Linda & Stephen in 2020 as an 8-week-old puppy through the Cheristone Guardian Programme. Six years later, she’s completed her litters and is now happily retired – living permanently at home with the family who have loved her from day one.
Life with Cali
Cali joined Linda and Stephen in Devon as an eight-week-old puppy. From the beginning she settled beautifully into family life and quickly became a much-loved member of the household.
Over the years she has enjoyed a full and active life with them – long countryside walks, beach days at Exmouth and Lyme Regis, holidays and family visits, and plenty of trips out in the car, which she absolutely loves. She is always the first waiting by the tailgate ready for her next adventure.
Cali has an exceptionally gentle and sociable nature. She is wonderful with people of all ages, including young grandchildren, and is equally relaxed around other dogs. Friends and family often visit with their own dogs and Cali has always been calm, friendly and easy-going with them.
She accompanies Linda and Stephen to pubs, restaurants and even the golf course, where she keeps Stephen company while he plays. Wherever she goes she receives plenty of attention and compliments on her beautiful coat and colouring.
Whether travelling on long car journeys, visiting family around the country, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, Cali is known for her calm temperament and affectionate nature. As Linda and Stephen often say, she is truly “one of the family”.
Cali as a mum
When Cali came to Cheristone for her litters she settled in easily each time. She was a calm, attentive and devoted mother who clearly loved caring for her puppies.
She enjoyed playing with them as they grew and patiently looked after them until they were ready to leave for their new homes. Cali also enjoyed meeting the visiting families who came to meet the puppies and happily accepted plenty of tummy rubs and attention.
While staying at Cheristone she joined the other household dogs for walks and always fitted in effortlessly. Her calm, wise presence and friendly nature made her a pleasure to have in the house.
Before returning home to Devon she would enjoy a groom and then happily head back to Linda and Stephen, quickly settling straight back into her normal routine. Linda and Stephen stayed closely involved throughout Cali’s journey. They visited Cali when she had her litters and were able to see her with her puppies – special moments they describe as a real joy.
Now that Cali has completed her four litters, she has officially retired and will spend the rest of her life exactly where she belongs – at home with Linda and Stephen.
“We couldn’t wish for a more loving, gentle dog than Cali – she’s brilliant company”
The guardian home programme
Your guardian dog lives with you full-time as your family dog
You’re supported throughout the programme
You can remain involved during litters (including visiting)
The programme has a clear end point
Retirement means the dog stays with you permanently
You get the joy of raising a wonderful dog, while helping bring future Cheristone puppies into the world
Linda & Stephen visiting Cali and her puppies
“Dear Becky,
We would like to thank you for allowing us such a wonderful opportunity with Cali as part of the Cheristone Guardian Programme. It’s been an amazing journey which we have thoroughly enjoyed. From the very start, you have been incredible with the way you have supported us and Cali all the way through.
The last five years have flown by. We have enjoyed every minute of it and, if slightly younger, would have no hesitation in doing it all over again.
It’s been an absolute joy being able to look after Cali and to be with her when she has brought her beautiful, healthy puppies into the world.
We have cherished every moment of the programme and now look forward to being with our beloved Cali during the next chapter of her life with us and our family.
Wishing you and the Cheristone family many more adorable and beautiful puppies in the future.
Lots of love”
Thank you to Linda and Stephen for the wonderful care they have given Cali over the past five years, and for sharing their experience of the guardian programme.
Could you be a guardian family?
If you love the idea of welcoming a Cheristone dog into your family and being part of something special, I’d love to hear from you.