Remembering Cali the Fire Dog

Cali the Fire Dog [Photos from Cali’s Facebook page]

Her human, Yolla Montalbin, wrote that she died “on her bed at home surrounded by her loved ones.”

A mural on 5th and V Street in Eureka captured Cali the Fire Dog and Humboldt Bay Fire.

From a sweet rescue puppy, to an educational whiz, to a cancer survivor, Cali captured the hearts of Humboldt. Cali and her human began working together about 10 years ago to educate school kids on important safety tips. From stop, drop and roll to getting a phone to call 911–she mesmerized classrooms full of children.

Cali the Fire Dog and her human.

“I’ve been a fireman with this department for 13 years, and we show up, and we bring in tools and stuff to show the children—the axes and our helmets and the fire engine,” Montalbin said in an interview with The Farmer’s Dog. “We let them spray water if we have enough time. Everyone thinks the other stuff is cool, but the dog steals the show every time.”

Early in 2020, Cali was diagnosed with a fast-growing pancreatic cancer. The community rallied to raise over $7000 needed for her medical costs. By March she pranced back onto the job. Sadly, the pandemic kept her from teaching school children in person. But, Zoom enabled her to get her message across virtually.

Sadly, Cali weakened and she passed on Tuesday.

In an online tribute, Montalbin said, “Cali always had kind eyes, a wet tongue and a wagging tail for everyone she met. She was my best friend. I am so honored to have as much time with her as I did and witness her life well-lived. I’ll see you when I get there Cali girl… Your Fireman.”