Guardian Programme Case Study
A real guardian home journey – 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
From the very beginning, Cali settled happily into life with Linda and Stephen in Devon. As a guardian dog she lived with them full-time as their much-loved family companion, enjoying the same life any family dog would.
She joined them on walks, family visits and holidays, and loved trips to the local beach near their home. Cali was also a regular visitor to the pub and even the golf course, where she enjoyed being out and about with Linda and Stephen.
Throughout the programme she was their dog, living a full and happy family life.
Linda & Stephen visiting Cali and her puppies
Support and involvement
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.
A message from Linda & Stephen
“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”
Summary
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
Quick questions people often ask
Q: Can we name the dog?
A: Yes. Guardian families choose their dog’s call name – the name you use every day at home. The dog may also have a registered name used for breeding records and paperwork.
Q: Do guardian dogs live with me full-time?
A: Yes – they live with you as your family dog. They only return to Cheristone for breeding-related visits (usually around a 1-week stay) and when they come to raise their puppies (around an 8–9 week stay).
Q: What happens after the final litter?
A: Your dog retires and stays with you permanently as your family dog. Ownership is transferred to you and the guardian contract ends.
Q: Can we still go on holiday and live normally?
A: Yes – guardian dogs are family dogs and can join you on normal activities and holidays. You can use dog sitters if needed, and if the dog is pregnant Cheristone will usually provide holiday boarding. Cali’s story is a good example – she enjoyed holidays, family visits, pub trips and beach days.
Q: Can we visit our dog when she has puppies?
A: Yes, you’re very welcome to – many guardian families do. We also include you in the weekly updates so you can follow the puppies’ milestones and activities.
Q: Could my guardian dog ever be taken away permanently?
A: Guardian dogs live with their families for life. A dog would only ever be removed permanently in exceptional circumstances where the guardian agreement was seriously breached or the dog was not being properly cared for. In normal circumstances this does not happen – guardian dogs retire and remain with their families permanently.
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.