Welcoming Yentl!

Meet Yentl! Yentl joined the CARF family last weekend. With the help of one of our volunteers, the family who previously adopted CARFIES Bob and Allessandra were able to catch her. They had been feeding her for about a month to gain her trust, and this weekend their efforts paid off.
Yentl is very sweet and seems grateful to be off the streets. Our vet will take a closer look at her shortly. Stay tuned for updates on this pretty lady!

If you are interested in fostering and/or adopting Yently (or any of our other dogs), please feel free to send us an email at stichtingcarf@gmail.com.


(NL) CARF Organiseert Paas Adoptie Event in Dominguito

Maandag, 21 maart 2016 - Op donderdag 24 maart organiseert Curaçao Animal Rights Foundation (CARF) een Meet & Greet waar geinteresseerden kennis kunnen maken met verschillende geredde straathonden die geadopteerd kunnen worden.
CARF nodigt iedereen uit die overweegt een hond aan te schaffen. Ook mensen die interesse hebben in de werkzaamheden van CARF, of die een donatie willen langsbrengen in de vorm van geld of goederen zoals hondenvoer, handdoeken en speeltjes, zullen warm worden ontvangen.

De Meet & Greet zal plaatsvinden tussen 5:30 en 7:00 uur ‘s avonds aan de Beshiweg 1, achter Supermarkt Vreugdenhil in Dominguito. Er zullen honden van verschillende leeftijden, groottes en achtergronden aanwezig zijn. Alle aanwezige honden zijn door een dierenarts gezond verklaard. Ook zijn de honden ingeënt en gechipt. Het steriliseren/castreren is inbegrepen in de adoptie vergoeding van Naf. 150,- per hond.

“Middels deze Meet & Greet hopen wij zo veel mogelijk honden in een nieuw huis te kunnen plaatsen zodat er weer ruimte vrij komt voor andere hulpbehoevende straathonden.” zegt Christina Sieperda, vrijwilliger bij CARF. “Het is altijd fijn als onze honden en de personen die hen adopteren de tijd hebben om aan elkaar te wennen. Zo’n lang weekend is daar voor veel mensen ideaal voor. Door dit evenement net voor pasen te organiseren, hopen wij mensen de mogelijk te bieden om ruim de tijd te nemen voor het introduceren van hun adoptie hond in een nieuwe omgeving.”

Stichting CARF werd in 2008 opgericht en is de oudste ‘no-kill’ stichting op Curaçao. CARF heeft meer dan honderdveertig verwaarloosde en voormalige zwerfhonden onder hun hoede, maar draait nog altijd volledig op donaties en vrijwilligers. Voor meer informatie kunt u de Facebook pagina ‘CARF Curacao’ raadplegen, de website www.carfdogrescue.com bezoeken, bellen naar 526-7986 of mailen naar stichtingcarf@gmail.com.


Art for CARF at Landhuis Chobolobo

What are your plans this Sunday? Local artist Rachna Blom will present her first solo exhibition at Landhuis Chobolobo and during this event she will be creating awareness and raising funds for CARF Curaçao. What an awesome gesture and a wonderful example of how you can make a difference in different ways!
‘Starting out’ includes 30-35 never before seen art pieces - both paintings and drawings. Rachna Blom is a self-taught artist whose work is personal, intuitive and responsive without being over-thought. Although Rachna started off at a early age – inspired by an artistic mother – she has only recently rekindled her passion for painting.

The work in the exhibition ‘Starting out’ forms an complete insight into rediscovering a passion that lies close to each of us -  each art piece a snapshot of a small step, conversation, place, time or mood in Rachna’s newly discovered passion. If you want to hear more about her personal journey - join us for the official toast and speech at 11.00

Enjoy a lazy yet elegant Sunday vibe – start with a free (bubbly) welcome drink and wander the courtyard enjoying the exhibition. During or afterwards – sit-down and relax – take in these historic surroundings while soaking up the last rays of sunshine and enjoying the finer sides of life.

Come and support local talent and a local charity! We hope to see you all there. Thanks Rachna!

Exhibition Details
Date: Sunday, March 20th 2016
Time: 10:00 – 17.00_
Official Toast: 11.00 (sharp)
Location: Landhuis Chobolobo
Entrance: Free

Landhuis Chobolobo
Elias RA Moreno Boulevard
Salina Ariba, Willemstad
Curaçao
Telephone: 465-3169 / 689-4824
Email: info@chobolobo.com
www.curacaoliqueur.com


From Trash (Literally) To Treasure

From Trash (Literally) To Treasure

From Trash to Treasure

At the beginning of this week we welcomed a new puppy to the ever-growing CARF family. This 12-week old boy was found on the landfill. Thrown away like he is trash. He had been spotted a while back but it was a huge task to secure him. This little puppy is practically feral and he wouldn't let anyone near.

Until now, he had never known the kindness of a cuddle or a gentle pat on his head. As you can see, his mange condition is quite advanced. Just imagine how much he must have suffered out there, resorting to scavenging the landfill for a scrap of whatever he could find to survive. As of now, this fella will never go hungry again. Plus, he will be getting the best medical attention available!

Please find it in your hearts to donate towards our cause of 'Fostering Second Chances' and providing much needed medical assistance to so many, too many, sick and injured street dogs. We have our hands full. It is hard to keep up with our financial commitments to our suppliers (dog food, medicines, cleaning supplies, etc). It is a pity a handful of animal advocates and supporters have to do a job that in our humble opinion should be the responsibility of our government...

Support CARF Curaçao

Maduro & Curiel's Bank: 21199501
Banco di Caribe: 301647 500 001 100 01

All donations, no matter how big or small, are appreciated. Help us change the look of distrust and fear in his eyes into one of health and happiness...


Support CARF, Shop At PiDiS!

Earlier this week, our friends of PiDiS Pet Department Store Curacao at the Dr. Maalweg have placed a donation box for CARF on their counter. If you haven't checked out their store yet, you are in for a treat!
PiDiS does not sell any pets (thumbs up!), but they do carry a wide range of high-quality, all-natural/holistic pet food brands as well as a variety of supplies and accessories for your pets.

PiDiS is not just for dog lovers though, you can also find food and other products for cats, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, birds, fish, turtles, and iguanas. They also sell gift certificates in case you would like to surprise your pet-loving friends or family members with a unique gift. And you can have personalized tags made on the spot. Just select the tag(s) that you like and they can be engraved while you wait. Definitely worth the visit!

PiDiS Pet Department Store
Dr. Maalweg 21-A
Willemstad, Curaçao
+5999 465 0861

Monday-Friday
9:00 am - 1:30 pm
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Saturday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

You can also find PiDiS on Instagram and Facebook. Our donation jars were made by and graciously offered to us by 2ndLife Curaçao.


Make A Difference In March

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all the kind and supportive friends and followers who have been so gracious in helping us with our dog food this month by either making a monetary donation or by dropping off kibble for our rescues.
Thank you to Elfried, Adele and her lovely kids, Stephanie, Monika & Tobias, Nina, Evelien, and Nathania. Our apologies if we left anyone out because we could not match the bank transfer to a name. If your name isn't mentioned, please contact us at stichtingcarf@gmail.com and we will gladly add your name to this page.

We would also wish to take this opportunity to thank all those who send us monthly standing orders, sponsor a specific CARFIE or a project like a spay and neuter or puppy formula etc. This is by all means a team effort and we are very fortunate to have such caring friends who won't hesitate to step up to help.

You can still make a difference in March‬! If you would you like to make a donation, either online or in person, by offering food, supplies or money, please use the PayPal button on this website or contact us at stichtingcarf@gmail.com. Every donation, no matter how small, goes directly to help CARFIES and is gratefully received!


Een Familie voor Maxim | Curaçao Animal Rights Foundation

We love hearing about our adopted dogs, especially the ones like Maxim. Maxim stole many hearts and brought so much joy into his adoptive family's home. His adoption family sent us the following update.

Hoi allemaal,

Mijn naam is Maxim. De meesten van jullie kennen mij nadat ik ben opgevangen door mijn CARF familie. In korte tijd bloeide ik van een verdrietige pup tot een zeer blij hondje.

Mijn CARF familie, Lisette en Dr. Claus hebben heel goed voor mij gezorgd. Telkens weer genoot ik van alle aandacht die ik ook van jullie, mijn Facebook vriendjes, kreeg. En toen was er een familie die verliefd op me werd en mij graag een warm nest bood. En deze heb ik inmiddels en ben ik zeer blij mee.

In het begin was het natuurlijk wennen, maar ohhh... wat ben ik blij. Ik heb een grote tuin om in te spelen met al mijn speeltjes, we gaan zwemmen in het weekend en ik ben inmiddels het zonnetje in huis. Ik heb hele lieve baasjes die mij ontzettend verwennen. Met mijn pootje gaat het ook erg goed, bijna helemaal genezen. 

Ik wil jullie nogmaals bedanken voor alle liefde die ik van een ieder van jullie heb mogen ontvangen.

Wat ik jullie als laatste wil vragen: wees niet bang voor "ons": straathondjes, verwaarloosde hondjes, etc. Wij zijn, en zullen er altijd voor onze baasjes zijn. En aan liefde zal het jullie niet ontbreken. Ik heb veel geluk gehad (en nog steeds heb ik deze), maar er zijn nog meer hondjes die net als ik dat stukje geluk verdienen. Help ze, adopteer ze, bied ze een warme nest. We all want to be happy... And we want you to be happy.

Een dushi avond van mij en tot snel.

Een dikke knuffel,

​Maxim.


Kelly Theunissen: "Helping Needy Animals Makes Me Feel Alive"

Support from the local community is crucial to carry out our mission. One of our supporters is Kelly Theunissen, who you might know as 1st Runner Up Miss Curaçao Teenager 2015. But Kelly is not just pretty on the outside, she's the kind of beautiful that's on the inside and shines right out.

Kelly has a big heart and feels a great sense of joy and fulfillment from helping others, especially animals. That is why, in her free time, you can find Kelly supporting CARF. We had the opportunity to sit down with Kelly and ask her some questions.

First of all, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
"My name is Kelly Theunissen and I am 18 years young. I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Curaçao where I still live with my family. I am the youngest of three siblings, I have one brother and one sister. At the moment I am in my last year of high school, I'm working hard to finish my study successfully."

"I am jolly and spontaneous person who likes to have fun and help others where I can. Growing up with bunnies, different types of birds, fish, turtles, guinea pigs, and of course dogs, I developed a love for animals early on."

Do you have any dogs of your own?

"Yes, I do. I have a three year old Chihuahua called Baby that I love very much. I am currently also taking care of my sister's dog because she is studying abroad. My family also has two bigger dogs that help guard our home. I don't think Baby would scare many people, haha."

How did you first learn about CARF?
"I first read about CARF when I was having dinner at a local sushi restaurant named Chopstix. One of the items on their menu is the so-called 'CARF Roll', which caught my eye. For every CARF roll they sell, part of the proceeds are donated to CARF. When I got back home after we had finished our dinner, I went online to search for more information about CARF. That is when I first found out who they are and what they stand for."

What inspired you to become a volunteer for CARF?
“I volunteer because I can’t handle seeing any animal suffer or in distress. It absolutely breaks my heart. Like I said before, I absolutely love animals. Helping them makes me feel worthwhile, alive even. Last year, when I participated in Miss Curaçao Teenager, I was encouraged to do volunteer work and contribute to the community around me. I immediately knew that I wanted to choose a project which would allow me to help animals and I choose CARF as my charity of choice. It was always in my plans to volunteer for CARF or another animal related foundation and this was a good opportunity for me to get started. I enjoy helping the ones without a voice, helping the animals."

Why do you think it's important to volunteer?
"I personally think that it's important to help others who can't help themselves, whether it's other people or animals. Animals can't defend themselves or speak for themselves. They're at our mercy. It's up to all of us to be their voice."

As a volunteer, what's the most rewarding experience you've had so far?
"Last year, I had to honor to help CARF raise money to buy Heartgard, a monthly oral pet med used in dogs and puppies as a heartworm preventive. Together we organized a special Meet & Greet event at Hofi Cas Cora with the aim to not only raise money to purchase Heartgard but also to educate the public on how to take care of dogs and be a responsible pet owner. We arranged a bouncer for the children, and offered our adult guests the possibility to buy snacks, drinks and even some decorations and accessories for their homes. Visitors could discover and enjoy the beautiful environment of Hofi Cas Cora and there were even some CARFIES attending the event, so people could not only meet with the people behind CARF but also some of the adoptable dogs. It was a successful day, we raised a total of Nafl. 1200,- which allowed us to buy 14 packages of Heartgard as each package costs around Nafl. 85,- With the number of CARFIES at that point of time, this was enough to provide all CARFIES with Heartgard for three months. This was definitely a very fulfilling day and a rewarding team effort."

Would you recommend others to volunteer, and why? 
"Absolutely. It's such a rewarding experience, both for the animals you are helping, and for yourself. You learn so much, you meet new people who share the same goals as you, and you do good to others. Why would you not want to volunteer?"

Do you have any particular hopes for the future of the animals on Curaçao?
"Personally, I hope that in the future there will be no more homeless, abandoned or neglected dogs, or any other animals, on Curaçao. I wish that one day everyone knows what the responsibilities are of owning an animal and the commitment that come with adding a pet to the family."

If you find some free time in your busy schedule, what do you enjoy doing most?
"Sleeping! Haha. I have a very busy schedule so I enjoy the free moments at home with my family and dogs around me. On the days that I don't have any responsibilities, I like to give them extra attention. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, they are always there for me and they supported me for hundred per cent during and after my participation in the Miss Curaçao Teenager competition. Their friendship is very important to me.  I also try to exercise regularly if my schedule allows it. Eating fresh food and living a healthy lifestyle is something I have been extremely passionate about. Not only does it make me feel good, it also helps me to focus better on school."

You sound very busy! Where can we expect to see you the following months?
"First of all, I'll be spending much time at school, working on final projects and preparing for my final exams. This is my key for future success. Secondly, I will continue with my commitments as Miss Curaçao Teenager First Runner Up. One of them is do good to others. All the International Beauty & Fashion Foundation (IBFF) queens are part of the group "Beauty For The Community". Together we organize several community projects for the less fortunates. Other projects that I'll be busy with the upcoming months are modeling events for several clothing stores, a TV promotion, carnaval campaigns, and of course you can expect to see me at upcoming CARF events as I will keep working as a volunteer to support CARF!"

For more information about Kelly and to stay up-to-date about her whereabouts, like her page on Facebook. If you feel inspired after reading this interview and you would like to become a volunteer as well, please send us a message at stichtingcarf@gmail.com.


(NL) Puppies Knuffelen Tijdens CARF Meet & Greet in Dominguito

Dinsdag, 16 februari 2016 - Op zaterdag 20 februari organiseert Curaçao Animal Rights Foundation (CARF) een Meet & Greet waar allerlei puppies bijeen worden gebracht die geadopteerd kunnen worden.
Mensen die overwegen een huisdier aan te schaffen zijn welkom om deel te nemen aan dit gratis evenement waar zij kennis kunnen maken met verschillende puppies en jonge honden die momenteel door CARF worden verzorgd. Ook mensen die interesse hebben in de werkzaamheden van CARF zullen warm worden ontvangen.

De Meet & Greet zal plaatsvinden tussen 10:00 en 11:45 s'ochtends aan de Beshiweg 1, achter Supermarkt Vreugdenhil in Dominguito. Er zullen jonge honden van verschillende leeftijden, groottes en achtergronden aanwezig zijn. Tijdens het evenement zullen vrijwilligers vragen over de verschillende honden beantwoorden en eventueel kunnen helpen met het maken van weloverwogen keuzes. De honden zijn allemaal gezond, ingeënt en gechipt en ook het steriliseren/castreren is inbegrepen in de adoptie vergoeding van Naf. 150,- per hond.

CARF heeft momenteel meer dan honderdveertig verwaarloosde en voormalige zwerfhonden onder hun hoede, maar draait nog altijd volledig op donaties en vrijwilligers. “De opvang adressen van CARF zijn al overvol maar wij ontvangen dagelijks bericht van mensen die ons om hulp vragen om verwaarloosde honden en zwerfhonden op te vangen. Door middel van deze Meet & Greet hopen wij zoveel mogelijk honden van een adoptiegezin te kunnen voorzien zodat er weer ruimte vrij gemaakt kan worden voor andere hulpbehoevende honden.” zegt Christina Sieperda, vrijwilliger bij CARF. “Er zitten zulke geweldige honden in de opvang. Hoe meer er geplaatst worden, hoe meer andere honden gered kunnen worden.”

Stichting CARF werd in 2008 opgericht en is de oudste ‘no-kill’ stichting op Curaçao. CARF draait volledig op donaties en vrijwilligers. Voor meer informatie kunt u de Facebook pagina ‘CARF Curacao’ raadplegen, de website www.carfdogrescue.com bezoeken, bellen naar 526-7986 of mailen naar stichtingcarf@gmail.com.

De pers is welkom om de CARF Puppy Meet & Greet op zaterdag 20 februari van 10.00-11.45 s’ochtends bij te wonen.


(NL) CARF Curaçao Organiseert Meet & Greet In Dominguito

Woensdag, 27 januari 2016 - Op zaterdag, 30 januari organiseert Curaçao Animal Rights Foundation (CARF) een Meet & Greet waar mensen kennis kunnen maken met puppies en jonge volwassen honden die beschikbaar zijn voor adoptie. Tussen 10:00 en 11:45 uur s’ochtends is men welkom aan de Beshiweg 1, achter Supermarkt Vreugdenhil in Dominguito.
De honden die aanwezig zullen zijn bij de Meet & Greet zijn behandeld en gezond verklaard door een erkende dierenarts. Ook zijn alle honden ingeënt en gechipt. De honden van zes maanden en ouder zijn gesteriliseerd of gecastreerd. De jongere puppies zullen alsnog gesteriliseerd/gecastreerd worden wanneer zij de leeftijd van zes maanden bereiken. De kosten hiervoor zijn reeds inbegrepen in de adoptieprijs van Naf. 150,- per hond.

Tijdens de Meet & Greet zullen medewerkers en vrijwilligers van CARF rondlopen die vragen over het adoptieproces kunnen beantwoorden. Ook kunnen zij informatie verschaffen over de verschillende persoonlijkheden en kenmerken van de aanwezige honden.

CARF hoopt middels deze Meet & Greet zoveel mogelijk honden aan een veilig en liefdevol huis te helpen om zo ruimte te maken voor andere zwerfhonden die hulp nodig hebben. Mensen die niet in de mogelijkheid zijn om een hond te adopteren zijn echter ook welkom. "Heeft u oude dekens die u kwijt wilt, stalen voerbakken, (blik)voer, speeltjes of andere dingen die wij goed kunnen gebruiken voor de verzorging van onze honden, dan kunt u die aanstaande zaterdag bij ons af komen geven. Ook mensen die vragen hebben over onze stichting of die meer willen weten over vrijwilligerswerk zullen hartelijk ontvangen worden. Wij zijn vanaf 10.00 uur s'ochtends aanwezig en hopen veel dierenvrienden te verwelkomen," aldus een vaste vrijwilliger bij CARF.

Dit evenement is de tweede Meet & Greet die dit jaar door CARF Curaçao wordt georganiseerd. Stichting CARF werd in 2008 opgericht en draait volledig op donaties en vrijwilligers. Voor meer informatie kunt u de Facebook pagina ‘CARF Curacao’ raadplegen, de website www.carfdogrescue.com bezoeken, bellen naar 526-7986 of mailen naar stichtingcarf@gmail.com.

* Inhoud van dit persbericht mag gebruikt worden voor publicatie.

CARFIELOVE Makes The World Go Round

We absolutely love our supporters, volunteers and sponsors, as they are the only way CARF Curaçao continues to exist. One of the biggest compliments that we can get is when our work is seen in other countries. We have been getting it more and more, people from all around the world reaching out because they have somehow heard about us and support our cause. We love it when they are holidaying on Curaçao and they make time in their schedules to visit us!
Let's take a look at some of the wonderful people who visited us recently.
Janine and her mother came all the way from Germany to give our CARFIES some ear scratches and lots of snuggle time. We were lucky enough to see them not once but twice during their trip. Isn't it amazing that they made time for our CARFIES? Masha danki, ladies (many thanks)!
Look at this wonderful donation! One of our supports, who would like to remain anonymous, has donated a big pile of treats and toys. Our CARFIES sure are going to love these!
A big 'Thank you!' goes out to our rescue friends from Tennessee for visiting us and showering the CARFIES with love. They also made a generous donation to cover the medical and food costs of our rescued street dogs. As you can see, CARFIE Sol was really grateful and enjoyed all the attention.
When Annelies visited the island earlier this month she didn't travel lightly. During her stay on Curaçao, she made some time to visit us and she did not arrive empty handed! With the help of friends and family back home in The Netherlands, she was able to collect a large amount of leashes, collars and harnesses which she donated to CARF. With over 140 dogs in our care, these will be put to good use. Thanks a million, Annelies and friends!
Robert & Jenna from the USA visited Curaçao for their honeymoon. This lovely couple surely has a lot of love to give, since they visited us not once but twice during their trip! How amazing is that? Many thanks to you Robert and Jenna, we wish you the absolute best in your marriage and hope you have enjoyed your honeymoon as least half as much as our CARFIES enjoyed all of your hugs, cuddles and belly rubs!
Thank you sweet Roos for dropping in with lots of goodies for our CARFIES and practical donations like stainless steel food and water bowls and a much needed new garden hose! 
Earlier this month, one of our supporters from The Netherlands came to visit Maxim, the little puppy with the injured leg. Maxim was a little shy at first, but our supporter gave him praise and treats whenever Maxim would walk which helped to break the ice. With the help of his colleagues back home, our supporter was able to raise a wonderful amount of money to donate to CARF. Many thanks Centrum Oosterwal and Apotheek Pharmacor!
And last but not least, during the first CARF Meet & Greet of 2016, many people came out to meet and play with our puppies. Longtime friend Kelly Theunissen, 1st Runner Up Miss Curacao Teenager 2015 dropped by for some puppy love, and wasn't disappointed as you can see. Thank you for your continued support, Kelly and family! 
   
"The world would be a better place
if everyone had the ability
​to love as unconditionally as a dog."

You Can't Save Them All

Working with dogs is amazing, they are a constant source of positivity and unconditional love. Unfortunately, some harsh realities have to be faced. Compassion fatigue is a real thing, and it washed over us in a hard way this weekend, when we had to come to terms with the fact that you can’t save them all.
Last Friday, we rescued two dogs. One of these dogs was just a puppy and unfortunately he did not make it. He was literally covered in ticks, and his gums were so white that you couldn't tell where his teeth ended and his gums began. We are all so sad that we couldn’t save this pup, and give him the life that he deserved. Rest in peace, little pup.

As we wipe our tears and deal with the feelings of anger, sadness, frustration and disbelief at the cruelty inflicted on this poor puppy, we find comfort in your kind words and moral support. We will continue to roll up our sleeves and for the sake of his brother (who we also rescued and who is visibly affected by the loss of his friend - he felt it coming and was licking him and stayed near him the whole time) and the almost 140 other rescues we are responsible for, we will continue this uphill battle.

When will we see action and consequences against animal abuse? How much longer must we wait? How many more angry letters filled with disgust and disappointment must we continue to receive from tourists? Hasta cuando? Does this country expect a handful of volunteers to continue to clean up the mess? Wake up, Curaçao! You want tourists to visit our island? Well, then we first have to clean up our act.

Please send positive thoughts. All donations - no matter how small - are highly appreciated.


CARF Puppy And Doggy Meet & Greet

On Saturday, January 30th, CARF is hosting its second Meet & Greet of the year. Just in time before the first month of 2016 ends, we would like to invite you to come meet, play, and cuddle with our adoptable rescues.
This time you can expect both adoptable puppies and (young) adult dogs looking for forever homes. The event will take place on Saturday, January 30th, from 10:00-11:45 a.m. at Beshiweg #1 in Dominguito (behind Supermarket Vreugdenhil and near NAPA Car Parts on the Caracasbaaiweg). Feel free to bring along your family, friends, and dog lovers alike.

All our adoptable dogs are up to date with their vaccinations and chipping, spaying/neutering is included in our adoption fee.

When: Saturday, Janaury 30th, 2016
Time: From 10:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Where: Beshiweg #1, Dominguito, Curaçao (see pictures below)

If you can’t adopt, you're still welcome to join. Consider bringing a treat/donation/hugs for our CARFIES and get snuggles and kisses in return!


What Our Fosters Say...

Fosters are a Key Part of Our Rescue and Rehome Process

After we rescue them, our dogs are placed in loving foster homes until they find a home of their own. Fostering is very rewarding. You have the opportunity to directly impact the life a dog who needs a second chance in life. You get to see the changes, experience the growth and best of all, you get to save a life. Rescue is what we are passionate about so we make time for it. Some of our fosters share their experiences:
  • "Pancho kwam bij mij met een verlamde voorpoot. ​Ik kreeg van CARF schoentjes, daarmee konden we voorkomen dat de wonden erger werden. 's Nachts sliep hij binnen zodat het schoentje af kon en de wonden konden luchten. Ik legde een speciaal dekentje op de bank en daar kreeg hij nog een koekje. Dan maakte ik de wonden schoon en kon ik even lekker met hem alleen kroelen. Dat vond hij zo fijn! Pancho was een erg dankbare hond. Ik kreeg altijd een likje van hem als ik in zijn buurt was." (click here to read the full story of Pancho)
  • "Friends often ask me if I am sad when my foster dogs leave. And of course I am. But I am also very grateful to have been able to help save a life. From raising abandoned puppies to caring for sick older dogs, I love being a foster for CARF. No two dogs are the same and I find it interesting to learn every dog's personality. The best part of fostering is getting to see the dogs that you fostered get adopted by someone that will love and spoil them as least as much as you would.​"
  • "We have three dogs of our own, plus we regularly welcome a new foster dog into our home. We are a very busy family, my husband and I both work full-time and we live social lives. But rescuing and fostering dogs is what we are passionate about so we make time for it. We usually foster puppies, they might be a little bit more work but our dogs seem more accepting of puppies than adult dogs. It's wonderful watching puppies grow and help mould them into well behaved pets. I wish I could save them all, I know I can't, but that won't break my spirit. I look forward to helping many more dogs in need."
  • "When I first met my foster dog Buddy I felt so bad for him. He was terrified of every little noise and had clearly never learned to trust humans. He was very skinny and although he was clearly hungry as could be, he wouldn't touch his food until I was at a safe distance. I remember they first time he ate some food from my hand, it was a huge step for him. It took some time, but eventually he would wait for me to come home and jump of excitement whenever he would see me. It was hard to say goodbye when he was ready to move to his forever home, but every once in a while I receive some pictures of him which remind me I did the right thing."

Want to learn more? Make sure to also read '5 Reasons To Foster A CARF Dog'. Due to the many dogs that we have currently in our care, we are in urgent need of foster homes. If you and your family consider becoming fosters, contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com for more information.


The Story of Pancho

Some dogs ​will remain with us even after they are gone. CARF Volunteer Joline shares with us the story of Pancho, a very special stray-turned-CARFIE who left paw prints on her heart.
In augustus 2013 kwam Pancho bij CARF vrijwillger Joline terecht. Pancho had daarvoor een weekje bij een foster in Sta. Catharina gezeten die hem van straat had gehaald maar daar ontsnapte hij steeds.

"Pancho kwam bij mij met een verlamde voorpoot. Hij kon ook heel slecht plassen, hij moest lang drukken en dan kwam er enkel een miezerig straaltje uit. Verder had hij hartworm en dus dat pootje dat hij door onverklaarbare reden met zich mee sleepte. Dit zorgde weer voor wondjes op de bovenkant van zijn poot."

Vanaf het prille begin focust Joline zich volledig op Pancho's herstel en gezondheid; "Hij was te mager en al snel bleek dat hij maar bleef afvallen terwijl ik hem het dubbele aan eten gaf van wat hij mocht hebben. Samen met CARF is toen besloten om zijn bloed te testen, waaruit bleek dat Pancho's lever erg slecht was. Pancho moest dus op een speciaal dieet."

Ondanks dat Pancho problemen had om aan te komen, was dat niet Joline's grootste zorg. "Dat pootje was het lastigst. Mijn tuin bestaat voornamelijk uit diabaas (basaltachtig stollingsgesteente met grove en fijne delen), en Pancho voelde zich niet gehandicapt. Als er iets te blaffen viel, dan stond Pancho vooraan in de rij. De wonden werden hierdoor alleen maar erger. Ik kreeg toen van CARF speciale schoentjes waarmee we konden voorkomen dat de wonden erger werden. s'Nachts sliep Pancho binnen zodat het schoentje af kon en de wonden konden luchten. Ik legde een speciaal dekentje op de bank en gaf hem een koekje, vervolgens maakte ik de wonden schoon en kroelde ik even lekker met hem. Dat vond hij zo fijn! Pancho was een erg dankbare hond. Ik kreeg altijd een likje van hem als ik in zijn buurt was."

​Toen Pancho's lever eindelijk goed was, begon de hartworm behandeling. Dat was ook een flinke pil want Pancho had flink last van de prikken. "Vervolgens moest ik hem weken kennelrust geven. Wat vond ik dat moeilijk. Pancho was zijn vrije leven op straat gewend en nu moest hij in een hok. Maar hij vond het allemaal wel best, zolang hij maar een kauwstaaf kreeg om zichzelf mee te vermaken."

De volgende stap was om Pancho te opereren. Zijn pootje zou geamputeerd worden, hij zou gecastreerd worden, een bultje op zijn rug zou worden verwijderd en hij zou ook meteen gechipt worden. "Ik bracht Pancho s'ochtends naar Dierenartspraktijk Ronde Klip. Pancho liep zo de kennel in. Ik kreeg nog een lik, en toen ben ik weggegaan.  Een paar uur later ging de telefoon. Pancho was tijdens de operatie overleden aan een hartstilstand..."

Joline denkt nog vaak aan haar foster hondje; "Pancho's verhaal heeft geen happy end maar ook dit is de realiteit van het fosteren. Stiekem had ik Pancho nooit meer laten gaan, ik was van plan hem te adopteren. Maar helaas, het had niet zo mogen zijn. Ik heb heel intens met Pancho mee geleefd, we hadden in het begin een koekjes feest als bleek dat hij wat was aangekomen. Ik heb van alles geprobeerd om zijn pootje heel te houden. Uiteindelijk heb ik zelfs een harnas gemaakt van een tuigje, een (skater) polsbeschermer, een keuken sponsje en een riem (zie foto). Hierdoor hing het pootje in de lucht en sleepte hij er niet mee rond."

Pancho is uiteindelijk een half jaar bij Joline geweest. "Ondanks deze verdrietige afloop, zou ik het zo weer doen. Rest in peace, Pancho..."

Due to the many dogs that we have currently in our care, we are in urgent need of foster homes. If you are able to provide a temporarily foster home, please email us at stichtingcarf@gmail.com for more information.


CARF Puppy Meet & Greet

On Saturday, January 9th, CARF will host its first Puppy Meet & Greet of 2016. Come meet, play with, cuddle and fall in love with our adorable adoptable puppies who can't wait to go home with you!
From 10:00 - 11:45am, everyone who is considering adopting a puppy, everyone who is interested in learning more about CARF, and everyone who simply loves dogs, is welcome to join us at Beshiweg 1 in Dominguito.

Our volunteers will be there to answer any questions you might have and give you more information about our adoption proces and our adoptable puppies. All puppies are up to date with their vaccinations and chipping. Spaying/neutering is included in our adoption fee (NAFL 150).

Date: Saturday, January 9th, 2016
Time: 10:00 - 11:45am
Location: Beshiweg 1, Dominguito, Curaçao
More info: Facebook.com/CarfCuracao

Bring your friends or family members and come meet, play, cuddle with our adoptable CARF puppies!