Guard dogs are a common sight around the world. Often seen as intimidating, they’re meant to protect. But when people encountered Cala, a guard dog in San Jose, Costa Rica, fear wasn’t the feeling they walked away with—it was heartbreak.
Cala was kept at a car dealership, tied to a post with a chain so short she couldn’t even lay her head down to rest. Her owner barely fed her, never took her to the vet when she got sick, and left her suffering in silence. The chain dug into her skin, and her body became so frail that she couldn’t stand anymore. Her head hung helplessly from the chain, and her breathing became labored. Her situation was dire—without help, Cala would have died.
But then, a neighbor noticed her declining condition and decided to act. They contacted the authorities, who reached out to a local rescue group, Territorio de Zaguates. That call would change Cala’s life forever.
A Heartbreaking Rescue
When Lya Battle, founder of Territorio de Zaguates, first saw Cala, the image burned into her memory. “I felt desperately sad and frustrated,” she told The Dodo. “She looked like a creature robbed of dignity, her spirit broken, just waiting for life to end.”
The rescue team and police removed Cala from the property and rushed her to a vet. Her neck was covered in deep wounds from the chain, and her body was weak from starvation and neglect. But she was finally in good hands.
After initial treatment, Cala moved into the sanctuary, where she began the long journey to heal—physically and emotionally. Trust didn’t come easy. She seemed to hate other dogs and avoided them entirely. Some volunteers even suspected she had been trained to attack. No one knew for sure.
But day by day, Cala changed.
Slowly, she began warming up to the other dogs and the shelter staff. Her confidence grew, and her playful, sweet personality began to shine through. “She went from fearing humans to trusting them—and even demanding attention,” Lya shared.
A Survivor in Every Sense
Just when it seemed like Cala was safe, tragedy struck again. In June, intruders broke into the shelter and poisoned food meant for the dogs. Sixteen animals died. Cala had eaten one of the poisoned sausages, but miraculously survived—likely due to her size and the small amount she ingested. The incident left her with neurological issues for a while, but true to her resilient nature, Cala fought through once more.
After years of suffering, Cala had become a symbol of survival and hope. Her journey—from abuse and near death to recovery and love—has touched thousands.
Today, Cala lives happily with a foster family who showers her with the affection she always deserved. As for Lya Battle, she continues to save countless dogs, but says Cala’s story will forever hold a special place in her heart.
