How To Care

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!

For some the holiday season is their favorite time of the year. Others, including most dogs, would rather skip it all together. Here are some tips to help keep your dog calm, making for an easier New Year's Eve for both of you.

1. Provide A Safe Hiding Place: Make sure your pets are safe and sound by keeping them indoors. Dogs who are fearful of fireworks and left outside might panic and escape a fenced yard. Consider keeping them in a kennel in the quietest room of the house.
2. Make Your Pet Feel Secure: Close the curtains and consider draping a blanket over their kennel to dampen noises from the outside. You can further drown out any fireworks noise with the sound of a radio or television in the same room as the kennel. Never force your dog to go outside.
3. Feed Your Pet On Time: During the fireworks, your pet may become unsettled and not want to eat anything. Try to feed your pet a while before you expect any disturbances, as once the fireworks start your pet may be too anxious to eat.
4. Remain Calm: Try to act and behave as normal, as your pet will pick up on any odd behavior. Remain calm, happy and cheerful as this will send positive signals to your dog.
5. Keep A Collar On Your Dog: Just in case your pet does accidentally escape, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with his/her name and your phone number(s) on it. Make sure they are microchipped too, as if they do escape without a collar on this will ensure you are reunited as quickly as possible.
6. Make Sure You Have Recent Pictures: Just in case your pet does accidentally escape, make sure you have recent pictures of him/her. This way, it will be easier for other people to help find and locate your dog after he/she has ran off.
7. Medication For Dogs: Certain drugs can be useful but must be given early so they take effect before any noise occurs. If you think your dog may benefit from medication during fireworks, talk with a veterinarian to discuss your options.

​In the unfortunate event that your dog does escape and you cannot find him/her, you can post his/her picture and some brief information (name, date and time when he/she escaped, area from where he/she escaped, etc) on the Facebook page of Curaçao Pets Lost & Found.

We wish you and your pet a new year full of joy, happiness and lots of playtime!

Looking for ways to support the neglected, abandoned and dumped dogs on Curaçao? CARF is always in need of supplies and materials. Providing shelter, care, and enrichment for hundreds of needy dogs every year is no easy task, but donations of items from our Christmas Wish List help us meet our dogs needs.

Celebrate the season of giving by helping our CARFIES. ​If you can donate, please contact stichtingcarf@gmail.com. Many thanks!

We've previously mentioned our 'pupsicles', a cool treat that are fun for you to make and even more fun for your dog to enjoy during these hot days. Check out the simple steps in this article.

Once you master the base recipe (and trust us, it really is as simple as can be...), get creative! Try making bigger 'pupsicles' to keep your dog entertained even longer, or add extra-special treats for him to find inside. Instead of water you can also use chicken broth or bouillon.

​ It’s inexpensive, long-lasting fun!

The 'dogs days of summer' are here, which means plenty of sunshine, rising temperatures and, well, uncomfortable sultry days. The dog days of summer can also be hard on your furry friends. So let's go over 5 different ways to keep your pooch cool and comfortable during this heat.

1. Summer or no summer, your dog should have access to a spot in the shade and clean, fresh drinking water at all times. If you want to help your dog cool off, give him cold water but do not offer him ice water. As refreshing as it might seem, ice cold water can actually be dangerous for dogs.
2. If you want to give your dog something to cool off, it is safe to give him homemade 'dogsicles' or 'pupsicles'. Just fill half a cup with dog food from a can, then fill the cup by adding water. Stir, then place the plastic cup in the freezer. Before giving your dog his 'pupsicle', make sure to hold it under the tab first so your dog's tongue won't stick to it. Instead of dog food, you can also use yoghurt or chicken or beef bouillon.
3. What better way to cool down than by taking a jump into the pool? Give your dog his own pool by placing a plastic kiddie pool in your yard and filling it up with water. Fun guaranteed! You can consider placing the kiddie pool in the ground so big dogs can't chew it up or drag it.
4. If your dog isn't too fond of swimming, you can wet a towel and get him to either lie down on it to cool off, or wet his body with it. Dogs sweat from the pads of their food, so don't forget to wet those paws.
5. Regular brushing and combing your dog not only helps to keep his coat and skin healthy, it also helps him shed as much of his undercoat as possible which will leave him more comfortable.

Do you have any other tips? We would love to hear them! Please share them with us by placing your comments below.