Lost in Paradise: The Dogs Of Curaçao

Curaçao is known for its pristine beaches, shady palm trees and tourist hospitality. Behind the clock of perfection, however, lies a big tragedy. In "Lost in Paradise: The Dogs of Curaçao", Karen Soeters visits Curaçao to see for herself what life is like for the homeless, abandoned, and neglected dogs on the island. Unfortunately, there's more to Curaçao than what you'll see from your beach towel...
“Lost in Paradise: The Dogs of Curaçao” was made by Monique van Dijk Armor and Karen Soeters and is a production of Animals Today and Cherry Blossom Productions. The documentary debuted on January 18th, 2018 at Perdu in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

by Cassandra Bowers

[NL] CARF Organiseert Puppy Meet & Greet

Curaçao Animal Rights Foundation (CARF) organiseert op zaterdag 27 januari een puppy adoptie evenement aan de Beshiweg 1 in Dominguito. Iedereen die overweegt een hond aan te schaffen is tussen 10 uur ‘s ochtends en kwart voor 12 ‘s middags van harte welkom om kennis te komen maken met de honden van CARF en de vrijwilligers die hen verzorgen. ​

“Wij hebben de afgelopen maanden veel puppy’s gered. Sommige waren overduidelijk gedumpt door hun baasjes, van andere puppy’s weten wij niet of zij ooit een baasje hebben gehad. Alle honden die zaterdag aanwezig zijn, zijn behandeld en gezond verklaard door een erkend dierenarts. De focus tijdens deze Meet & Greet ligt echt op onze puppy's, wij hopen dat zoveel mogelijk van hen dit weekend een nieuw liefdevol thuis vinden. Ze verdienen het!” zegt Sylvia Minten, zelf al meerdere jaren vrijwilliger bij CARF.

Wie tijdens de Puppy Meet & Greet 'verliefd' wordt op een hond, kan tijdens het evenement om meer informatie vragen over de desbetreffende hond. Wanneer er interesse is om een specifieke hond te adopteren wordt er een vervolgafspraak gemaakt voor een zogenaamde home check. Het team van CARF begeleidt de adoptie intensief zodat elke hond bij het juiste baasje terecht komt.

Ook dierenliefhebbers die geen hond kunnen of willen adopteren zijn zaterdag welkom. Zij kunnen met de puppy's knuffelen, informatie vergaren over stichting CARF, zich aanmelden als vrijwilliger of een donatie langsbrengen. Naast monetaire donaties heeft CARF altijd behoefte aan hondenvoer van Purina ProPlan, fleece dekentjes, oude handdoeken en speeltjes voor de honden.

Voor meer info, zie www.facebook.com/carfcuracao. Emails kunnen gestuurd worden naar stichtingcarf@gmail.com.

Over Curaçao Animal Rights Foundation (CARF)
CARF is de oudste rescue organisatie op Curaçao die een no-kill beleid hanteert. De stichting heeft bijna tien jaar ervaring met het herplaatsen van honden en heeft de afgelopen jaren al meer dan duizend dieren kunnen redden. CARF ontvangt geen overheidssubsidie en is afhankelijk van donaties en vrijwilligers. Op 29 mei 2018 zal CARF haar tienjarig jubileum vieren.

by Cassandra Bowers

CARFIE Of The Week: Pups, Pups, Pups

​Pups, pups and more pups. We are overloaded with extremely cute puppies. Fluffy or short-haired, we have them in all colors and sizes. They are all patiently waiting to be picked up by their forever families.
Thinking about adopting a four-legged friend? Our pups are fully vetted, they are chipped, and when they are 6 months old they'll be called back for spaying/neutering.

​Will you give one of these sweet, social puppies a forever home? Feel free to contact us for a meet and greet! And of course, if you are interested in adopting an adult dog, you may contact us as well. In addition to our puppies, we also have lots of mature and even senior dogs in our care who would love to be adopted.

Send an email to stichtingcarf@gmail.com for more information.

by Cassandra Bowers

Pupdate: The Seven Mahuma-Pups

We have received many requests for portrait photos of our Mahuma-puppies. All seven puppies are feeling (and looking!) much better, and have blossomed into the cutest little dogs (pictures in the article). They will soon be ready for adoption. Can you open up your home and heart to one of our puppies?
Thank you for giving these innocent souls their second chance. In case you don't quite remember what they looked like when they were first found, click here.

​We couldn't have helped them if it wasn't for your trust and support. May we introduce you to... Babs, Banjer, Becky, Belinda, Blossom, Brenna, and Brooke!

Mahuma puppy Babs ​♀
Mahuma puppy Banjer ​♂
Mahuma puppy Becky ​♀
Mahuma puppy Belinda ​♀
Mahuma puppy ​Blossom ​♀
Mahuma puppy ​Brenna ​♀
Mahuma puppy ​Brooke ​♀
Would you like to (virtually) adopt your own CARFIE? You can contact us at stichtingcarf@gmail.com or check out our adoptable CARFIES here.

by Cassandra Bowers

Hurray... Marnix is Adopted!

Who remembers Marnix? That's right. Not too long ago, Marnix was our CARFIE Of The Week. Well, we have some good news. Because Marnix is officially off the market!
We're not sure where Marnix came from but for some reason he choose local school Marnix College as his new hang-out spot. Despite all the students who enjoyed Marnix's presence, some parents decided that Marnix had to go. That's how Marnix ended up with CARF. We took him in and he quickly charmed all volunteers... and his new family!

Marnix is now living a happy life with his very own humans. He was hoping for a loving home where he would be part of the family and he got exactly that! We couldn't be more thrilled for him. Have a long and wonderful life, sweet Marnix!

Are you interested to (virtually) adopt your own CARFIE? You can contact us at stichtingcarf@gmail.com or check out our adoptable CARFIES here.

by Cassandra Bowers

The Incredible Story of Invictus

* WARNING, GRAPHIC IMAGES * When Invictus was found, we were at a complete loss for words. The huge gaping wound on his back (image in article) was not caused by an infection but allegedly inflected upon him by human hands. Human hands using a machete.
When we first found Invictus in late March, well... just see for yourself. He was in the most horrible shape. 
▽​ March 27, 2017: Our sweet boy had a little bit of food and a few sips of water this morning but he is sleeping a lot. He is still very critical due to potential complications that may arise from walking around, we suspect for 2 or 3 days, with this horrible injury. Our vet Pieter Claus of Claus Clinic spent three hours (!) removing maggots and debris and flushing the wound.
▽ March 30th, 2017: Getting some fresh air this morning. Invictus is still critical but he has a hell of a fighting spirit. He sends his love and gratitude to all his fans and supporters who have donated to his medical expenses and sent him positive thoughts. Thank you. What a fighting spirit... Go Invictus!
▽ April 7th, 2017: We knew this might happen and unfortunately, it did. Invictus' wound has burst open due to the rejection of dead tissue. The excessive tension on the edges of the wound made it impossible to stitch the wound back together. ​Fortunately, our vet Pieter Claus of Claus Clinic offered a solution.
▽​ April 11th, 2017: Invictus is an amazing dog! He is very friendly, easy-going, and very happy to be alive. Every day is just the best day ever... again. He is incredibly strong both physically and mentally and reacts very well to his treatment. Just scroll down for his before-picture and his today-picture! He eats like a lion, takes his meds, and allows us to groom him without problems. Even the weird construction on his back does not bother him that much. He is incredible! He can't wait to join the other dogs and fool around, but obviously he has to wait a bit for that. Soon Vic, soon!
May 9th, 2017: Invictus in his foster family. What a sweet soul.
June 5th, 2017: Our wonder boy Invictus out and about. We have the best fosters, the best vet, and the best supporters! Without you all, this would not have been possible.
Fast forward to September 2017: Look how stunning Invictus is today! All thanks to your trust, your generosity, his amazing foster, and vet Pieter Claus and his dedicated team at Claus Clinic.
For more information about Invictus (or one of our other CARFIES), please feel free to contact us at stichtingcarf@gmail.com. We will reply to your message as soon as possible.

by Cassandra Bowers

Yippee... Alenna Found Her Home!

Alenna's story starts at the landing strip of Hato International Airport. At least, that is where we start her story. We never found out where exactly she came from, but she was first spotted wandering at the airport. The people there were unable to catch her and we were told that if we didn't pick her up, it might end bad for her.

Curaçao Airport is not the best place for a stray dog to wander around. Fortunately, we were able to capture Alenna and bring her to safety. Fast forward to December and Alenna found her forever home right in time for Christmas! We simply couldn't be happier for her.

​Go Alenna, we wish you a very happy life with lots of treats and love!

Would you like to (virtually) adopt your own CARFIE? You can contact us at stichtingcarf@gmail.com or check out our adoptable CARFIES here.

by Cassandra Bowers

CARFIE Of The Week: Marnix ♂

Marnix is what we call the perfect family dog. He is gentle, loyal and loves cuddles. Marnix is easy going with other dogs and is a real gentleman with children. He is approximately 5 years old and fully vetted. Marnix is looking for a loving home where he will be part of the family. 
For more information about Marnix (or one of our other CARFIES) or to set up a Meet & Greet, contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com. 

by Cassandra Bowers

Donations Needed To Help Care For Abandoned Puppies

These puppies were dumped yesterday. Left in the wild, left to survive... but would they? They are small, sick, and weak. It would be just a matter of time for them to die... we couldn’t let that happen.
UPDATE: Click here to see what our Mahuma-puppies now look like (December 19, 2017).
So we picked them up and brought them to the vet, as we speak. We will do our utmost best to take care of them, but we need your help. So please help and donate whatever you can. We are stressed out and completely overstretched. There is a huge vet bill awaiting us with the rescue of these little ones...

How is it possible the authorities keep turning a blind eye to this dumping epidemic?

Monetary donations can be made through PayPal or through the following bank accounts:

  • Maduro & Curiel's Bank: 21199501. Address: Beshiweg #1
  • Banco di Caribe: 301647 500 001 100 01. Address: Beshiweg #1
  • For donations from The Netherlands, we have a Dutch account. Please contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com or send us a message on Facebook.

by Cassandra Bowers

fELIS dIA dI paIS Kòrsou!

Today, 7 years ago, Curaçao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of The Netherlands. CARFIE Pippa is proudly showing off our country's flag this morning and would like to wish everyone a 'felis dia di pais Kòrsou!'

by Cassandra Bowers

CARFIE Of The Week: Pippa

​Pippa was found wondering around all by herself; no momma dog or siblings to be found. Over the last few weeks she has transformed from a sick and scared stray to a healthy and happy puppy. She would love a family to call her own where she can further grow into the dog she was meant to be!
Pippa is about 16 weeks old. She came in to CARF very insecure but has made a ton of progress gaining confidence with her foster mom. She now loves to play, run around with her teddy bear, wrestle with doggie friends, and chase the water from the garden hose. She enjoys being around people but being picked up can still be a bit scary for her sometimes. Treats are the fastest way to her heart!

Pippa has had her first vaccination and is microchipped. She will need someone committed to continuing to socialize her and working with her on training so that she knows that her human is in charge and she doesn't need to worry one bit. She feels comfortable around other dogs and always tries to play with them or copy their behavior. 

For more information about Pippa or to set up a Meet & Greet, contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com. 

by Cassandra Bowers

CARF viert Werelddierendag middels adoptie-evenement

Op zaterdag 30 september viert Curaçao Animal Rights Foundation (CARF) Werelddierendag middels een adoptie-evenement. Tijdens deze Meet & Greet kunnen mensen kennismaken met voormalige straathonden die geadopteerd kunnen worden. Werelddierendag wordt jaarlijks op 4 oktober gevierd maar wordt door CARF in het weekend voor Dierendag gevierd. Men is welkom tussen 10.00 en 11.45 uur ‘s ochtends aan Kaya Semikok B3, een zijstraat van de Cas Coraweg.
Alle aanwezige honden zijn onderzocht, behandeld en gezond verklaard door een erkend dierenarts. Ook zijn alle honden gevaccineerd en gechipt. Honden van zes maanden en ouder zijn reeds gecastreerd/gesteriliseerd. De adoptiekosten zijn Nafl. 150,- per hond, dit is inclusief de castratie-/sterilisatie kosten.

Tijdens de Meet & Greet zullen vrijwilligers van CARF aanwezig zijn om vragen over de stichting en het adoptieproces te beantwoorden. Ook kunnen zij meer vertellen over de persoonlijkheden van de honden. Ook mensen die geen hond willen adopteren maar meer te weten willen komen over CARF, of een donatie willen langsbrengen, zijn van harte welkom.

“Het adopteren van een hond is niet iets wat je zomaar even doet. Vanzelfsprekend wil je een hond die je aanspreekt en die het beste bij jou en je situatie past,” zegt Sylvia Minten, vrijwilligster bij CARF. “Tijdens dit adoptie-evenement kunnen mensen geheel vrijblijvend komen kijken of zij één van onze honden willen adopteren. Wij verzorgen ruim honderd honden dus er zit eigenlijk altijd wel een geschikt hondje tussen!”

CARF is de oudste no-kill rescue organisatie van Curaçao. Sinds de oprichting in 2008 heeft de stichting al meer dan duizend dieren kunnen opvangen, socialiseren en succesvol kunnen herplaatsen.

Voor meer informatie, kunt u onze Facebook event page raadplegen of een email sturen naar stichtingcarf@gmail.com.

by Cassandra Bowers

CARFIE Of The Week: Presto ♂

Soulful eyes, puppy playfulness, gentle kisses... those are just some of the amazing qualities that will bulldoze your heart when you meet our boy Presto.
Presto is one-and-a-half years old and his favorite hobby is sitting by your feet to get pets and scratches. He also really enjoys going for walks. He has lived with other dogs and was fine. He is very social towards other dogs and loves humans.

This is what our volunteers have to say about him: "Presto is so calm and easy going. He's friendly with everyone he meets and he's just kinda a go-with-the-flow type of dog. The family who gets to adopt him will be very lucky!"

Presto has been neutered and is fully vetted. Will you be his new human friend?

by Cassandra Bowers

CARFIE Of The Week: Grey Friend & Diabolo

Meet Grey Friend and Diabolo! These two seniors are a bonded pair and they rarely leave each other's side. They are incredible loyal, they have a long history together, and they are best friends. They must be adopted together.
Diabolo and Grey Friend are 10+ years and just want a house where they can enjoy their 'golden years'. They don't ask for much; a safe spot, good food and some love will do. If you can't adopt but would like to offer them a (temporarily) warm home, these two would also be happy to live with a foster family for a while.

Come see if these two are a good fit for you! Contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com for more information or to set up a Meet & Greet.

by Cassandra Bowers

Your Photo Shoot Will Save Lives

​With who would you like to have a photo shoot? Your family? Your friends? Your pets? Your (grand)children? Our friend and long-time supporter Nestor Zavarce is now offering professional photo shoots at a location of your choice. Part of the profits will be donated to CARF.
Last year, we organized a Pet Photo Shoot with Nestor. During the day, people brought their pets to a central location where Nestor was shooting pictures. Proceeds were donated to CARF.

Due to the success of last year's event, we decided to host another photo shoot with Nestor. This year, we're doing it a little different though:

  • You can pick the date and time. The offer is valid from September 15th - December 15th, and scheduling a place and time will be done together with Nestor.
  • You can pick the location. Whether you want to do a photo shoot on your favorite beach, your home, or elsewhere, you decide.
  • You can pick the models. Last year, we hosted a pet photo shoot, this year you can choose to have a family photo shoot, a pregnancy photo shoot, a friends photo shoot... you name it! With or without pets, everyone is welcome.

Each photo shoot will take 60 minutes. For every photo shoot booked, Nestor will donate part of the profits to CARF, to help us take care of our 120+ rescued dogs.

Costs
200 ANG from Mondays - Fridays (OB incl).
300 ANG in the weekends and holidays (OB incl).

After the photo shoot, you will receive the best images (edited, and in high resolution) by a Dropbox link. You will receive 15-30 images per shoot.

Make Reservations
To book your photo shoot, contact Nestor G. Zavarce Photography by sending an email to nestor.zavarce@gmail.com. Make sure to mention CARF to make use of this special offer!

* This offer is valid from September 15th, 2017 - December 15th, 2017.

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Do a photo shoot with friends! This could also be a fun idea for a birthday or goodbye party.
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Capture your (grand)children or puppies while they're still young!
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Family picture with or without your pets.

by Cassandra Bowers

CARFIE Of The WEek: Tasha

Who will give Tasha her well-deserved forever home? Tasha is a very gentle and friendly female who has been patiently waiting for someone to come and adopt her. She might not be the prettiest, but she is so much fun to have around.
She is low maintenance (but expecting lots of love!) and she has been waiting to nestle into a family for all of her days to come.

For more info about Tasha or to set up a meet & greet, please contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com. We will reply to your email as soon as possible.

by Cassandra Bowers