Cal — Emerging Hero and Shelter

Cal’s journey from a war-torn village in Ukraine to a loving home in Hilton Head Island is a heartwarming tale of resilience and dedication. Jeff, a pet groomer and longtime animal volunteer, first met Cal in 2023 while volunteering with an organization helping animals in Ukraine. Cal, a young pup who had lost everything in a missile attack, was found hiding amidst the ruins. After seeing a video of Cal’s plight, Jeff and his wife decided to rescue him, and navigated a complex international adoption process.

In March 2024, Jeff returned home with Cal after a 5,500-mile journey. Cal, now safe and recovering from his past trauma, quickly adapted to his new life, finding joy in beach outings with the family’s other pets. Jeff, inspired by Cal’s strength, is now pursuing a new path in disaster Search and Rescue, with hopes of training Cal as an official search and rescue canine.