A Decade of Loving Oliver

July 28, 2025

    

Nearly a decade ago, a little pup named Chico arrived at the Humane Society of Ventura County looking for a new home. Longtime shelter volunteer Kali was completing her social media internship with HSVC at the time. Neither knew it then, but both Kali and Chico's lives were about to change forever!

As an intern, Kali spent her days visiting kennels, snapping photos of adoptable animals to help them find their forever homes. She hadn’t met Chico yet, but Kali spotted him sitting quietly with one of our longtime volunteers. She walked up to the kennel to say hello, and the sweet 3-month-old Chihuahua immediately started whimpering for attention. Kali took a quick photo and headed home, where she shared her usual post-volunteer day photo dump with her parents. 

Her family was in the market for a new furry addition to their family. They had even recently visited another shelter to meet a dog, though he turned out not to be the right fit. Ironically, Kali's parents didn't want a male dog or a young puppy. However, as soon as they laid eyes on Chico's photo, they knew they had to come meet him. 

Just a few days later, Kali and her family came to meet Chico in person. They stepped into a larger play yard to get to know the sweet pup better. Their first interaction was nothing short of magical! “He immediately went over to my dad, sat on his lap, and placed his head on his chest,” Kali says. “We took him home less than three hours after meeting him.”

   

Fast forward nearly 10 years, and what a decade it’s been for Chico! Now named Oliver, the senior dog has grown into the best boy and perfect dog for Kali's family. “He’s been the best guy. He's smart, sweet, great with kids and other dogs, and an enthusiastic bird chaser. But above all, he’s been a true companion through every season of life,” Kali says. “He got me through a lot of my college years. I would come home after being homesick, and he would lay his head on my chest and sigh. He’s a really good friend.”

From unexpected beginnings to a decade of love, cuddles, and joy, all of us at HSVC wish you a happy Gotcha Day, Oliver!

Ready to find your own four-legged soulmate? Visit the HSVC (402 Bryant St. in Ojai, CA) any time Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm to meet our adoptable animals. Each one is as lovable as the next, and each one is longing for a family of their own! 

Reminder! HSVC is celebrating Clear the Shelter this August, joining hundreds of shelters nationwide to help pets find their forever homes. From August 1st to August 31st, adoption fees will be determined by our Wheel of Adoption, back by popular demand! Those looking to adopt can spin the wheel and take home their new furry family member for a reduced adoption fee. Fees range from $10 to half-price, and all dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens are eligible! Excludes horses.

As if our "spin the wheel" adoption promo wasn't enough fun, there's more! To help as many pets as possible start their next chapter, we're offering FEE-WAIVED ADOPTIONS on Saturday, August 23rd, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Enjoy free giveaways, kids crafts, HSVC swag, sweet treats, and information about all things HSVC. All are invited to join us at the shelter, located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai, to participate in the fun! We'll see you there!

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