I got this email from Cal's new mama Lisa-

 "Great day to spend in the yard.I got Cal some smaller balls and they seem to work better in his mouth. He is doing great!!! everyone that meets him falls in love.... surprise!!!!  I gave up on the blog....still couldn't get into it. He goes out with Quigly and follows him around for the most part. He does stay in the yard but loves to explore! 

Hope all is well"

I was thrilled! He looks so, so happy. What a long way he has come in the last 3 months- from a tree in TN, suffering and in pain, to a happy, healthy dog who feels safe and loved. This is why we rescue!

Cal Ripken Jr has been adopted! By a lovely couple, Lisa and Joe, who live on a peaceful farm in NH. I am so happy for him- they are both experienced rescuers, and know that there will be an adjustment period- but are committed to giving Cal the life he deserves. YAY for Cal! And YAY for Lisa and Joe for caring enough about Cal to map sure that he last years of his life are the best ones. But I miss him already!

I took Cal Ripken Jr to Petsmart today and couldn't resist the clown wig! He looks mortified doesn't he! I hope he doesn't officially hate me.... And I'm spending every minute I can with him today, because tomorrow he is going to his new home in NH. he's a very different dog than the frail old man I met 9 weeks ago. Healthy, energetic and much more relaxed. I lost my sweet blind Boston Terrier girl 4 weeks ago, and having Cal here to dote on really helped my husband and I deal with her passing. I'm so happy for him, and really couldn't have chosen a better home than the one he's going to but I have to admit that I'm going to miss him terribly!

Cal is NOT wild about baths! He gives me that "awww did ya really have to" look that always makes me feel kinda guilty....he's a VERY good boy with baths, ear cleaning, nail trims and such, but clearly would rather be anywhere else!

And I have great news- it looks like Cal is going to be adopted! By a lovely couple in NH, both experienced rescuers who can provide Cal with the sort of life I want for him. The adoption process is underway, and he'll likely go to his home next weekend. Paws crossed!!!!! !

One of the many many things that I love about Cal is how well he gets along with other dogs. He's met puppies, blind dogs, dogs with physical issues, big dogs and tiny dogs and has gotten along beautifully with all of them. I have not yet seen him show a bit of aggression of any kind- he is frisky and playful with the ones that want to play, and respects and gives space to the ones that don't. I have absolutely no concerns about him being adopted into a home with friendly dogs or even cats. He's curious about cats, but doesn't bother them.
And after a long day of playing with his friends he likes nothing better than to curl up in a soft place for a long nap!

I don't think Cal Ripken Jr has ever worn clothes before- and I'm not so sure he likes to! He looked a little mortified, but was a good sport about trying on his Celtics jersey....he's a good sport about everything! He looks amazng compared to 6 weeks ago- his weight is normal, and he goes right to the back door like a good boy when he needs to relieve himself. He's seeking affection now, and loves to be petted and loved. He so deserves a loving home where he's pampered and spoiled royally.

We took Cal out to dinner tonight to a nice restaurant with a patio. It was a beautiful night to eat outside and Cal was an angel. He seemed a little nervous at first, but then relaxed and loved the attention he received- it's so nice to have a foster that I can take anywhere! He's so gentle and well behaved, and is looking so handsome these days. What a good boy!