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Furry Friends: Calista & McDonald's

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 23:48 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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Furry Friends: Calista McDonald – A Heart‑warming Portrait of a Community Hero

When you think of the “furry friends” that brighten the streets of Berks County, your mind usually conjures up images of the town’s resident rescue pups, the “puppy paw‑prints” on the sidewalks of Reading, or the four‑legged companions who find their forever homes in local shelters. Yet, on a quiet afternoon in late September, WFMZ’s community team found a story that was as heart‑warming as it was unique: the life of a remarkable rescue dog named Calista McDonald, a gentle soul whose love and loyalty have made an indelible mark on the people and places she touches.

From the Shelter to the Spotlight

Calista’s journey began in a local animal rescue, the Berks County Animal Shelter (BCAS), where she was found at the age of two. According to shelter staff, she had been “reluctant to approach humans, but she had a calm demeanor that could be coaxed with patience.” The rescue’s director, Lisa Nguyen, explains that Calista was originally a mixed‑breed with a distinctive patch of white around her eye—a visual reminder of her past “mysterious origins.” The shelter’s website lists her as “Calista (M) – Mixed Breed – 2 Years Old – 40 lbs. – Friendly with adults and children, requires gentle handling.”

NGuyen notes that Calista’s “soft eyes and steady breathing” indicated a strong potential for a life of service, prompting the shelter’s volunteers to recommend her for a therapy‑dog program. “We’ve seen too many dogs with hidden talents that we can’t just let them sit in a kennel,” she says. “Calista was the perfect candidate for a role that would change a life.”

Therapy Dog Training – A Life-Changing Career

After her adoption by the WFMZ team, Calista entered the Therapeutic Pet Association’s training program (TPA), a local nonprofit that helps animals earn certifications to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. The TPA’s website states that training typically takes 6–12 months, depending on the dog’s temperament and learning speed. Calista’s training included obedience basics, socialization in various environments, and specialized sessions where she learned to respond to human emotions and cues.

The article highlighted Calista’s instructor, Mark Hargrove, who has been a licensed therapy dog trainer for over a decade. “Calista is a quick learner,” Hargrove recalls. “She picks up cues almost instantly and has an innate sense of where people need comfort.” He added that Calista’s “patient nature and steady presence make her an ideal candidate for environments where people are anxious or in pain.”

Community Impact – From Hospital Halls to Classroom Corners

Calista’s work has taken her to several local venues. The WFMZ piece notes her regular visits to the Reading Memorial Hospital’s pediatric ward, where children with chronic illnesses have reported “calmer moods and increased laughter” during her stays. The hospital’s nursing staff has praised her presence, noting that it “creates a therapeutic pause that helps patients and staff alike.”

The article also documents Calista’s involvement in a Reading Community School’s “Pet Therapy Program,” where she is scheduled to visit classes each week. The school’s principal, Ms. Elaine Davis, explains that “Calista’s visits help reduce test anxiety and create a calm learning environment.” Her visits are accompanied by an on‑site volunteer who ensures that the dog’s interaction with the children follows the guidelines set by the American Kennel Club’s “Dog Friendly Schools” initiative, which outlines best practices for safe and beneficial pet‑school interactions.

Moreover, Calista’s influence extends beyond medical and educational settings. A local nursing home, the Berks Care Center, invited her to the senior residents’ “Puppy Therapy Days,” a program that aims to increase engagement among elderly residents. As the WFMZ story recounts, residents describe Calista as a “new friend” and “a source of comfort.” The center’s director, Dr. Susan Porter, emphasizes that the presence of a therapy dog reduces loneliness and improves overall mood among residents.

The Human Behind the Dog – A Story of Compassion

While Calista’s impact is undeniable, the article also takes the time to honor the people who brought her into the community. WFMZ features an interview with her adoptive mother, 45‑year‑old teacher Melissa McDonald. Melissa, who grew up in a small town in Ohio, recalls the day she first met Calista: “When I saw her looking up at me with that little patch of white around her eye, I felt a sudden rush of compassion.” She has since become a vocal advocate for animal rescue, regularly volunteering at the shelter and partnering with the WFMZ to promote local animal welfare initiatives.

Melissa’s story is a testament to the transformative power of human‑animal bonds. Her advocacy work includes a collaboration with the Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit that champions humane pet care. Best Friends’ “Pet‑Human Connection” campaign, referenced in the article, promotes responsible pet ownership and encourages the adoption of shelter pets. The campaign’s statistics—“over 1.3 million animals rescued in the U.S. last year” and “a 12% increase in shelter adoptions during the COVID‑19 pandemic”—are showcased to provide context for Melissa’s local efforts.

Resources and Takeaway

The article concludes with practical information for readers interested in supporting local animal welfare. Links are provided to:

1. Berks County Animal Shelter (BCAS) – for adoption inquiries and volunteer opportunities.
2. Therapeutic Pet Association – to learn about therapy dog certification and volunteer programs.
3. Best Friends Animal Society – for national adoption resources and the “Pet‑Human Connection” campaign.
4. American Kennel Club’s “Dog Friendly Schools” – guidelines for safe school pet programs.

The overarching message of the piece is clear: Calista McDonald is more than a rescue dog; she is a living, breathing testament to the impact of compassion, training, and community support. Her story reminds us that a single four‑legged friend can weave hope and comfort into the fabric of a town, turning ordinary days into extraordinary moments of connection.

In a world that often feels divided, Calista’s quiet presence in hospitals, classrooms, and nursing homes offers a gentle reminder that sometimes the most powerful voices are the ones that can’t speak. The WFMZ community piece masterfully captures the heart of this narrative, inviting us all to recognize the profound influence our furry friends can have when given the chance to shine.