WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Animal Rights Foundation, better known as CARF, has been in existence for 11 years today. The foundation was founded on May 29, 2008 by local animal lovers who were already busy with stray animals for several years. Once the rescued dogs are healthy and socialized, the CARF volunteers look for a loving family for the dogs.
“It is a great anniversary for a volunteer organization where people are available day and night for the reception of discarded, abused and neglected dogs. It has often been a struggle and hard work, but we can look back with pride on the hundreds of dogs that we have been able to get out of the street for the past eleven years or have saved from miserable conditions, ”says Lisette van der Heijden, one of the regular volunteers from CARF.
Money worries
But taking care of dogs for eleven years is also associated with many financial concerns. CARF is a shelter where animals are not killed, regardless of the length of stay. Every dog from CARF is sterilized or neutered when it has reached the required age. Some dogs have been cared for by CARF for several years and are still waiting for an owner. The foundation is completely dependent on private donations and receives no government subsidy. CARF cannot survive without volunteers, sponsors and donations.
Lack of space
Lack of space is also a recurring theme at the foundation. CARF is eagerly looking for foster families for dogs that they are sheltering. “To make a possible adoption as successful as possible, we try to take care of our dogs in foster families as much as possible. Here they get the time and space to socialize and get used to a domestic life," says van der Heijden. “Being a foster is possibly the most rewarding volunteer work there is. You witness the transformation from an uncertain heap of misery into a grateful and faithful pet.”
Volunteers
People who are interested in supporting the foundation can help in several ways. Of course, CARF benefits from volunteers and foster and adoption families for the approximately 140 dogs that they currently care for. The foundation can also use goods such as bleach, paper kitchen rolls, garbage bags and washing-up liquid. These can be handed in at the Claus Clinic Veterinary Clinic at Anasaweg 7. Naturally, money donations are more than welcome, which are then used for the care of the dogs. Donations can be transferred to the MCB account number 21199501 in the name of CARF Curaçao.
For more information about CARF, you can visit the website (www.carfcuracao.com), like the Facebook page via facebook.com/carfcuracao or follow the foundation's Instagram account via instagram.com/carfcuracao.
