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Pagano was crushed, and replacing her wasn’t an option.
But when he met Cali, a 7-month-old pit mix who was found chained to a fence alongside her dead siblings, a sense of hope washed over him.
“My life has been back to normal ever since I got her,” said Pagano of his almost 1-year-old sidekick. “Nothing can ever replace that particular dog… but it’s enriching to have that good energy back in the house again.”
Cali was rescued by Southern Paws, Inc. of Ringwood, founded by Ramsey’s Ashley Gardenier.
"Cali came out of a severe cruelty investigation," Gardenier said. "Three dogs were starved really bad and chained up. Two of the three were dead when officials got there, they had been starved to death."
Cali was the only one still alive.
Pagano met his girl for the first time just before he left for vacation, and he said he knew she was the one the minute he laid eyes on her. They’ve been inseparable ever since he returned and brought her home.
“She’s fantastic off leash,” said Pagano, who takes Cali hiking often. “She’s good with kids and she’s made friends with other dogs in the neighborhood.
“You really couldn’t ask for a better dog.”
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