My name is: Caleb
I came from: Cyprus
Now I live in: York
My favourite things are: Tennis balls, squeaky toys, paddling in water and sunbathing

Caleb’s story

I decided to get a dog after always being around them and having finally bought my own place was missing the company, but it was never a question as to whether I bought or rescued/adopted. Having had a number of friends rescue and seeing their journeys I wanted to offer a dog the same opportunity and I was recommended Eve at Underdog, just a few months later she matched me with Caleb and he arrived in the UK in June 2021.  

Caleb was wagging his tail from the minute he was passed to me, and bar the odd moment, it hasn’t stopped wagging since. He hadn’t experienced the worst start in life, unlike some other Underdogs, but he still needed his own time, space and boundaries to fully settle to his new life. With shorter than average legs Caleb found the big world daunting at first but over time he has taken to new experiences and become trusting of me that I would never put him in danger. In true little boy style, Caleb goes head on in to most things at 100mph, when he isn’t running around, he can be found fast asleep in the nearest sun spot or soft furnishing he can find.  

Caleb has always been great in the car which means weekends and holidays are spent out and about exploring, he has climbed in the Peak District and Lake District, ran the beaches of England/Scotland and Wales, and this summer will be heading on his first camping trip! Luckily, he gets on really well with my sisters Cavapoo and she has been a great influence on him, especially when in busier places such as pubs or shops. He has been to food markets, countryside fairs and even the odd gym class! 

One thing that hasn’t wavered is his loving nature towards me and those around us, once he trusts you, he is the gentlest little dog and appreciates the smallest things with the biggest signs of affection. His cheeky disposition, and one wonky snaggle tooth, has won him many fans! Caleb loves any toy that makes a noise, with squeaks being his favourite so using this to my advantage I have trained his recall to a squeaky tennis ball. He is a clever dog who is always eager to please and will do most things first time to earn his tennis ball.

I have been incredibly lucky with Caleb but his journey has still required a lot of patience and understanding, I took him to puppy classes initially and he passed his Bronze Kennel Club Award. I have found having a good trainer invaluable, even though he has learned so much in the last 2years he still reminds me sometimes when he isn’t quite sure of something or needs help knowing how to deal with a situation. He can still be weary of some people and lead reactive to certain dogs, this is where I always need to be one step ahead of him, helping him to deal with each situation positively. The hoover however remains his nemesis! 

Having the support of Underdog in the early days was very much appreciated as there were some long nights and difficult times but adopting Caleb has been the most rewarding challenge and I wouldn’t change anything about our time together.

- Rachel