I hope this letter finds you well, safe, secure, and happily anticipating the coming holidays. Please allow me to share some of the adventures CARL has experienced this past year.
Canaan Dogs are the official dog of Israel. They also happen to be the breed most often euthanized in their shelters. The breed has avoided extinction by surviving in the Negev desert, for thousands of years. In July, Wings of Rescue, a group of committed, compassionate pilots transported a group of Canaan Dogs to LAX (a 16 hour flight). They were brought to our kennel/sanctuary for some respite before completing their journey to Oregon where they were adopted. In September CARL offered sanctuary to another group of 6 Canaan Dog mix pups and they became part of the CARL family.
I know some will question the wisdom of rescuing dogs from outside Ventura County. However, a rescue organization, in need, reached out for help and we responded. A dog adopted is a dog saved and adopted. It’s relatively easy to place, in loving homes, the small, cute, fluffy dogs. Many of CARL’s “furries” are not small nor fluffy. They are handsome rather than cute (well, maybe a little cute). They often have special needs because of advanced age, medical, or behavioral issues. We believe they are no less deserving of safe, secure, loving homes than “the fluffies,” and are committed to finding them those homes.
Halloween night, the Maria fire raged in Santa Paula. 80 dogs were sheltering at our boarding kennel/sanctuary in the midst of the fire. Smoke billowed about, ash and soot rained down. Kennel staff, volunteers, and CARL supporters determined it was time to go. Dogs were crated and the kennel evacuated. But where to go??? There was “no room at the Inn.” The night was spent In Santa Paula’s Kmart parking lot.
Friday morning saw many of the dogs back at the kennel. THEN came the mandatory evacuation notice. Again dogs were crated and loaded. This time The National Search Dog Foundation offered us shelter, so we caravanned up Wheeler Canyon to safety.
Saturday afternoon the mandatory evacuation order was lifted and our dogs returned home. They endured this disruption in their lives with good humor, patience, co-operation and trusted we would continue to care for and protect them. Their response and trust is a lesson for us all.
I know this is the time of year we are all overwhelmed by appeals for help; All of them worthy. Daily they arrive in our mail-electronic and “snail mail.” I apologize in advance for adding to that list. If it weren’t for the continued well being of the dogs, I wouldn’t ask. We “CARL care takers” are committed to providing the best care possible for our beloved dogs, who give all the love and loyalty they possess, yet ask little in return. They make the quality of our lives better.
On behalf of the dogs and the rest of the CARL family I want to thank you in advance for any help and support you are able to share with CARL. May the holidays and coming year be filled with health and happiness for you and those close to you.
