CARF CURAÇAO: 11 YEARS OF RESCUING & REHOMING DOGS

Today is a very special day for us as it marks our 11th Anniversary ― but not just our organization's founding. Because CARF is Curaçao's first hands-on, no-kill rescue organization, this milestone marks the very origins of dog rescue on our island!

Since May 29th, 2008, we have rescued unwanted, abandoned, neglected, stray, injured and sick dogs wherever we were needed. Today, we look back on 11 years of rescuing and re-homing thousands of dogs.

But we also want to take this moment to thank you for loyally following us on Facebook and Instagram, for cheering with us through our successes, and mourn with us through our heartbreaks. Your support has allowed us to rescue, vet, spay, neuter and adopt countless dogs who would have otherwise never known love. We couldn't do any of this without our tremendous donors, sponsors, and fellow animal advocates. This day is as much about you as it is about us. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU.

Our biggest wish remains that one day we won't be needed anymore. Until then, we hope that we can continue to count on your support. Whether it’s through an adoption, a one-time donation, a recurring monthly donation, or simply by helping us to spread the word ― every little bit helps.

Warm regards and a paw shake,

Team CARF Curaçao
Fostering Second Chances Since 2008.


Year In Review: Looking Back on 2018

As the year is coming to an end, we look back on 2018 with mixed feelings. In the past 12 months, we've seen horrific cases of animal abuse, neglect and abandonment. But we've also seen dogs make amazing recoveries ― both physically and mentally.
We've shed tears of despair, disappointment and grief. 
But we've also shed tears of joy, relief and extreme gratitude.

2018 marked our 10th anniversary in dog rescue. Since 2008, we have been rescuing and socializing dogs in Curaçao and re-homing them on the island and abroad. Although our work may be far from done, we have accomplished a lot. Especially taken into consideration the fact that we're all volunteers and receive zero government funding.

Sometimes, dog rescue is challenging.
Sometimes, dog rescue is exhausting.
Sometimes, dog rescue is overwhelming.
Sometimes, dog rescue is emotionally draining.
Sometimes, dog rescue is a very discouraging job.

It's your words of encouragement and your donations that keep us strong and remind us every day that we are making a difference... together. We may not change the world but we can change the world for a dog. And that's worth a lot.

We want to thank each and everyone of you who have our backs. Whether you support us through adoptions, fostering, volunteering, donations of money or supplies, or simply by sharing our social media posts and helping us reach a broader audience.

We wish you nothing but the best for 2019 and hope that we can continue counting on your support!

Feel free to contact us at stichtingcarf@gmail.com for more info or click here to see some of the amazing recoveries we witnessed in the last year. For donations, no matter how small, click here.


Why adopting a rescued dog is awesome

10 Reasons Why Adopting A CARF Dog Is Awesome

Adopting a rescued dog is a noble task. By offering your heart and home to a rescued dog, you’ll not only be enriching your own life — you will also be saving theirs! We have made a list with 10 reasons why adopting a CARFIE is awesome.

Why adopting a rescued dog is awesome

1. You will save a life by adopting a rescued dog

By adopting a CARFIE, you’re ensuring he or she stands a chance at enjoying their life to the fullest. We have seen dogs blossom and become treasured, forever companions to their new families. After a life of neglect and mistreatment, being adopted into a loving family is the best thing that can happen to these dogs. By adopting from us, you’ll not only be making a friend for life — you’ll be saving one.​

2. You will make space for another dog in need

Actually… by adopting a CARFIE, you are not saving one life but two lives! Every time a CARFIE is adopted to a forever home, a spot opens up for another dog. So when you take your new best friend home, we’ll be able to start the rescue cycle over again with another dog in need.

3. You’ll find your perfect match

We know our dogs through and through and are open about any potential specific issues. Most of our dogs are cared for by dedicated foster carers until their forever home is found. Our fosterers provide great insight into the dog’s personality so that we can help you find the paw-fect candidate for your home, lifestyle and family needs. You can think of us as matchmakers! Our ultimate aim is to find loving and permanent homes for our dogs. Instead of choosing a dog based on breed or looks, you can choose a CARFIE based on the connection between the two of you.

4. You can still be picky.

But with over hundred dogs in our care, we still have a wide variety of dogs to choose from when adopting a rescued dog. Whether you want to adopt a puppy, a more mature dog, or a senior dog, we can help you. We usually have small, medium-sized and larger dogs, dogs with short hair or longer hair, female and male dogs… you name it, we got it! And like we said before, we will gladly help you find your perfect pet.

Why adopting a rescued dog is awesome

5. You’ll adopt a healthy pet

All of our CARFIES are vetted, up-to-date on their shots and preventives, they have been spayed or neutered*, and they are already microchipped as well — all of which is included in the adoption fee. This doesn’t mean your dog will never have issues, but at least you’ll be starting with a clean slate. When you adopt your dog, you will receive their health record and information about continued care.​
If you adopt your CARFIE before they reach the age of six months, we will contact you when it’s time for them to be spayed or neutered. Costs for this procedure are already included in the adoption fee.

6. You’ll receive eternal gratitude

Unfortunately, many of our dogs have been through a lot prior to being rescued by us. They may have been abandoned by their owners, they made have been traded in for a puppy, they may have lived with someone who didn’t see the value in them, or they made have been hurt and abused. Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen first-hand how well dogs can bounce back and regain their trust in people. Our CARFIES appreciate all the love and happiness that you provide them with and they have proven to be super loyal, loveable and grateful.

You'll receive eternal gratitude

7. You’ll always have a support system

We love to stay in touch with the adoptive families of our CARFIES. Receiving an occasional picture, video or update to see how you and your dog are doing can really make our day. On the other hand, if anything changes or isn’t working as you had hoped, we’re here to listen, assist and advice. We also have a behaviorist on our team who is happy to help work through any issues with you, whether it is a week or a year after the adoption.

8. CARFIES make a great addition to any family

Our dogs are incredibly sweet and we also have some serious smarty pants. Our dogs are great with kids (and adults too) and with just some TLC, you’ll end up with a dog who’ll be the most popular pet on the block!

Foster a CARF Dog

9. Your adoption fee goes back into helping more dogs

Our CARFIES are just as sweet, smart and watchful as purebred dogs at just a fraction of the cost. That’s right, we keep our adoption fee low at just Nafl. 150 per dog. As if the low adoption fees weren’t enticing enough, our adoptable CARFIES are already vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped — all of which is included in the adoption fee. Your fee goes straight to rescuing more disadvantaged animals and allows us to continue doing more amazing work for our community. You can’t get a better deal than that!

10. You’ll be a hero

Really, you would be. After all, it’s not every day that you save someone’s life, is it?
​Oh, and selfies with your rescue dog: priceless.

Why adopting a rescued dog is awesome

For more information about our adoption process and/or our adoptable dogs, please send an email to stichtingcarf@gmail.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible and answer any questions you might have. If you’re not in a position to commit to (virtually) adopting an animal, consider temporary foster care. You can enjoy the company of a rescue animal — and save a life! In the meantime, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and Instagram for your daily dose of #CARFIELOVE.


Animal Rescue, A Never-Ending Story...

Owning a dog is not just a privilege - it's a responsibility. It's a long-term emotional and financial commitment. If you can't feed them... don't breed them! Once again, we found out the hard way that some people still don't have a clue, or simply don't care, when it comes to animal welfare. We introduce you to our latest rescues: Bill, Sherry, and Fritz...
Bill
This is common, all too common on this island. We can only speculate what your prior life must have been like. We wonder how many saw you roaming the streets and just passed by because you're a "simple mutt". Luckily, a kind couple stopped for you and brought you to us. We are bursting at the seams, can hardly keep out heads above water caring for 135+ dogs, but we could not refuse you help. It will be a while before you will trust a human again and before you become the stud muffin you were meant to be. We got your back and we'll fight for you, Bill.

Do you want to donate towards Bill's medical bills? Contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com or donate money to Maduro & Curiel's Bank 21199501 or Banco di Caribe ​301647 500 001 100 01. Our PayPal link can be found here.

Sherry
Sherry was found tied up in an abandoned house, with no food and no water. Think about that for a brief second. That's right, someone just left here there to die a slow death. We don't and will never-ever understand why and how someone could do something as cruel as this. And we don't even want to think about what would have happened to Sherry if help would have come too late. Click here and here for the videos of our first time meeting Sherry (Warning: these videos might be considered shocking).

Please donate towards Sherry's medical bills if you can (antibiotics, vaccination, blood test, spay, microchip). Contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com or donate money to Maduro & Curiel's Bank 21199501 or Banco di Caribe ​301647 500 001 100 01.

Fritz
Meet Fritz. We are still having a hard time believing this ourselves, but Fritz actually had a "family"/"owner". Despite the fact that someone was responsible for him, Fritz was living a miserable life with little to no food, and zero love or compassion. CARF is not allowed to just take dogs who have a owner – that would be stealing – but this "lovely" owner was more than happy to give up their dog. Fritz is now in good hands, but he has a long way to go...

Please donate towards Fritz' medical and food bills if you can. Contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com or donate money to Maduro & Curiel's Bank 21199501 or Banco di Caribe ​301647 500 001 100 01. Our PayPal link can be found here.

If you would like to help us help these dogs, please do not hesitate to contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com. We are desperate for fosters, funds, and volunteers and all help is appreciated.

Coming Up: Celebrate 8 Years of CARF

 

On Sunday, May 29th, CARF Curaçao celebrates its 8th anniversary at La Palmeraie with a French-style breakfast, a flea market, and a prize raffle. You can also meet some of our adoptable dogs in person! Yes – pet them, play with them, and cuddle them. Stop in early and get your day started off right
The money raised through this event will help to care for and rehome neglected and abandoned dogs on Curaçao, helping to give them a much-needed second chance in life. As CARF receives no central government funding, we rely on the generosity and support of the public to help care for our dogs.Invite your friends, bring your family, and come enjoy your morning with us! Tickets are Nafl. 15,- per person (incl. breakfast) and can be purchased at La Palmeraie (only cash payments at this location), THEA Gifts & MorePiDiS Pet Department Store Curaçao (only cash payments at this location), Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites and our veterinary practice in Dominguito.

La Palmeraie Resort
Kaya Orkidia 58 & 59
Santa Catharina, Curaçao
www.resort-curacao.com


Easter Comes, And Easter Goes (But Rescue Never Stops)

Good morning! It was a hectic and busy Easter weekend with a lot of organizing, coordinating, medical visits, chasing dogs and scrambling to get all the regular daily responsibilities done. Animal rescue does not know any days off.
We will be updating everyone on our rescues of these last few days as we gather all the medical information and take proper pictures. In the meantime, we also work hard to make our rescues feel as comfy as possible.

In the meantime, we'll share with you a little update on CARFIE Awa. Awa is a sweetheart, he does have severe issues with his liver and we are praying the meds will help reverse the damage. He should be having a blood test again shortly to check his values. Fortunately he is playful and active and an absolute volunteer favorite. Please keep little Awa in your thoughts and send him positive energy for his speedy recover.
"Tu du du du, tu du du du, Batman!" (someone should probably tell little Awa that he's a dog, not a bat...)
Little CARFIE Awa.
Top picture: CARFIE Dushi, who was found on the landfill earlier this month.

Did You Know...

So many adoptable dogs are waiting for there fur-ever homes. That is why, on Saturday, October 3rd, CARF is hosting another Meet & Greet where you can come to meet, play and cuddle with some of our CARFIES.
This Saturday come and meet some of our adoptable CARFIES and see if we can help you find a new four-legged friend. There is no pressure whatsoever to make your decision there and then.

Date: Saturday, October 3rd, 2015
Time: From 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Address: Kaya Semikok B3, Curaçao


Did You Know...

With over hundred rescue dogs in our care, we always have a lot of dog food to buy and many bellies to fill. All dogs get their daily breakfast and dinner, some CARFIES are malnourished and have to be fed multiple times a day.
If you would like to make a donation, we can always use dry dog food (preferably Purina Pro Plan) and stainless steel bowls to help feed all of these hungry mouths. 

If you think that you can help us out, please send us a message at stichtingcarf@gmail.com. Together we can set a day and time to drop off/pick up your donations.

Did You Know...

Blankets, bath towels, hand towels, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, bathroom rugs...? Yes please!
We're always in need of (old) linens to provide warmth and comfort to our rescue dogs.

If you would like to donate your old linens to CARF Curaçao, please email us at stichtingcarf@gmail.com to set up a time to drop them off or have us pick them up.