Building Community: Misti Short’s ‘Pawsitive’ View for Castro Valley
Misti Short has dedicated her life to caring for others. As a childcare provider and foster parent, she and her husband Brian fostered 86 children, with 83 successfully reuniting with their families. The three children who remained with her, all with autism, found a permanent home through adoption. After years of service to children, Misti sought a new adventure—one that led her to a passion for dogs.
In addition to her work as a provider and founder of Classy Canine’s Wiggle Rumps, she is also president elect of the Castro Valley Rotary and volunteers with various organizations.
Short spoke with the Castro Valley Forum about her path, the importance of creating community through giving without expecting to receive, and how to make Castro Valley more dog (and human) friendly.
“I always have a full heart and a full home,” Short told the Forum. “We have six dogs here now, including a Great Dane and poodles, because my daughter is visiting with her family, but things are always busy here.”
In 2018, Misti and her daughter embarked on a journey into the pet care industry, founding Classy Canine’s Wiggle Rumps. Originally envisioned as a dog daycare and grooming business, space limitations led them to focus on dog grooming. By 2019, they had secured a location on the west end of Castro Valley Boulevard, a community Misti quickly fell in love with. The business has since expanded to include dog training, pet parties, and a specialty pet food store called ReTAIL, cleverly named to incorporate a nod to tails and retail sales.
“Well, when people ask me how I do what I do, I always say that I couldn’t do it without my husband and his support,” Short said. “I still have little ones in the home. I have adult children, and I have grandchildren. My husband helps out tremendously.”
Beyond business, Misti has been a force for good in the community. Four years ago, she partnered with Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputy Ruben Pola for the Dogs and Deputies event, an initiative aimed at fostering positive engagement between law enforcement officers and the community. The first event drew about 100 attendees, with Misty responsible for bringing nearly 90 of them. The following year, she officially partnered with Pola, expanding the event to include seven rescue organizations. Today, the event serves as a bridge between officers and residents and a platform to help rescued dogs find forever homes.
Misti’s philanthropic efforts extend to grooming and making over rescue dogs at no cost, assisting numerous organizations, including Pack Lyfe Rescue. Her team also grooms deputy canines, ensuring they are well cared for without altering their professional appearance.
Her community involvement does not stop at animal welfare. She is an active member of Rotary International, drawn in by the organization’s impact on communities worldwide. She spearheaded participation in the Castro Valley Rodeo Parade, winning first place for her float, and took a leadership course within Rotary to enhance her ability to serve. She remains deeply engaged in various events, including the car show, outdoor activities, and whiskey and wine tastings—all designed to raise funds for community support.
Misti has also contributed to revitalizing Castro Valley’s landscape. After purchasing and renovating three buildings in town, she transformed them into visually appealing storefronts with beautiful murals and artful displays. Even before officially opening one of her stores, she ensured the building’s windows were decorated seasonally to bring beauty to the area.
“I’d love if our community could revisit having a Castro Valley sign and a process that everybody can participate in,” Short said. “I also favor revamping Castro Valley Boulevard’s western and eastern sides. A lot of focus goes into the Village.”
She hopes to see the town become more pet-friendly, with restaurants offering dog-friendly menus, water stations, and waste disposal areas. Inspired by places like Carmel and Danville, she envisions Castro Valley as a destination spot where families and pets feel welcome.
Her message to the community is simple: help when you can. Misti believes collaboration and generosity are key to a thriving community, whether through business, volunteering, or simply lending a hand to a neighbor. Through tireless efforts, she has proven that small actions can create lasting impacts, making Castro Valley a better place for people and pets.