The first time Caleb’s luck ran out was in March 2016, when his loving female owner passed away. For some reason, her surviving male partner opted to keep the tweenie dachschund (ie weighing between 12 and 15 pounds and considered between miniature and standard size) and his sister, Sophie, outdoors, until finally surrendering them to Surrey-based Dhana Metta Rescue Society in October.
In a matter of weeks, Caleb’s fortune seemingly turned, and he and Sophie found a new forever home – together – in time for the holidays. But, after just two months, the siblings began to show signs of jealousy toward each other and started to fight for the attention of their new owners. The family decided to return Caleb, rather than Sophie, to Dhana Metta, where he’s been ever since, patiently waiting for his luck to change once more.
“We hope to find Caleb a wonderful home, for the time he has left,” says Dhana Metta founder and director Yuana, of the 10-year-old dog. “He’s been passed around so much in the last year that we’re amazed he isn’t depressed. In fact, he is very affectionate, sweet and loving. He has a few issues, to be sure, but nothing the right owner would find overwhelming.”
Given Caleb’s age, Yuana says his suffering from early-stage liver disease isn’t necessarily unusual, and simply means that he “urinates a little more often than other dogs.” Happily, she adds, Caleb is “fully house trained and will use pee pads religiously if he has to go when no one is around.”
“He’s also fairly energetic for his age, even pulling a little on his leash, but he has responded amazingly to treat training,” she continues. “He’d also be good as a dog that has a large yard to run and play in, if his people aren’t able to walk far, but he is looking for a home where he can be the only ‘child’—no cats and no kids.”
Caleb is also fearful of large dogs, but Dhana Metta is committed to providing the right adopter with guidance and hands-on training, so they can learn how to manage him on walks.
“We’re here to help and support whoever adopts Caleb. We believe in him and we know he has so much to offer,” Yuana says. “He loves his food and treats, and he loves to chill out and watch TV with his human. He’s loving and loyal to a fault, and he has many good years left. We hope someone out there will read this and will open their heart and their home to this wonderful senior wiener!”
• More details on Caleb can be found online at dhanamettarescuesociety.org.
