Foster Fail Results in Successful Career

Doberman Cali finds confidence in agility.

This article was originally published in the June 2026 OVERview digital magazine.

Lorry Minor of Rowena, Texas, met the now 12 ½-year-old Doberman, Cali, after losing her partner, Isis, at age 8. The pound told Lorry that Cali was a fence jumper, but Lorry accepted the foster challenge of bringing her home and starting her in sports to redirect her energy. Since then, Cali has done agility, rally, Barn Hunt and Fetch Dog, playing in multiple venues to great success.

“Cali, formerly known as Koda, Kylie and who knows what other name she was born with, is currently the #4 preferred Doberman and trying to finish PACH 5 before her retirement,” Lorry said. “I started her in rally about 10 years ago while she was learning agility. It was a great introduction to being in the rings, around new noises and smells, and crating with others. I was quite nervous
with a rescue like her because she seemed fearful and was always checking behind her, but we both found our confidence in the end!

“What’s nice about rally and agility is all the wonderful people that I have met along my journey who are super encouraging and happy to see us back!” she added.

Despite having some soreness because of her age, Cali still trials with Lorry at least once a month. “She has a chiropractor vet, cardiologist and massage therapist. Most people don’t realize her age because she’s so peppy,” she said. “She has truly inspired me, and I’m glad I took a chance on her all those years ago.”

Lorry and Cali share their home with a tripod Doberman, Ranger, who completed his Novice title in rally just last year. A recently retired UPS store owner, Lorry also spends her time helping with the North Texas Doberman Rescue in Dallas (continuing to foster Dobermans who come and go) and Critter Shack in San Angelo, which hosts a “Mahjong for Mutts” fundraiser to help offset costs for spaying and neutering in the local population.