In a "MODEM" World!

 Pebbles & Flinter in their new home. 

Eying the Pretty Green Bird...Food?

No Worries, the Bird knows how to take care of himself. Respect all around!

 “Dogs, for a reason that can only be described as divine, have the ability to forgive, 

let go of the past, and live each day joyously. It’s something the rest of us strive for.”
-Jennifer Skiff

Internet, Modem and Computer problems all wrapped up into one! 

We rely so much on techologie these days, even on an Island. I have had my share of

 *&^$@ with the WWW."F" and I don't mean the World Wide Wrestling Federation !

But I am also busy with meetings and design work to get this moving

forward. So not a loss, these issues get you to unplug & make you focus in other directions 

which is not always a bad thing. 

Well, I have promised a while back a Good story about a recent Adoption. 

a "Double Adoption" to be precise!

I had a little movie made up, but that toO with the computer "glitch" has gone down the drain. 

So I have inserted a sort of photo op of Flinter & Pebbles

A Power Point Presentation without the "Presentation" to follow as a Show, But still...

a Power Point with POWER!

On another note, I think once I get home, my first stop will be "APPLE" 

because all this computer glitches are driving me BANANAS!

But then again this is First World Problems. 

The animals on this Island are way more important and so.. 

Please check out the Photo story below. 

I introduce to you 

Flinter & Pebbles

aka 

Bambam & Pebbles

Purple Lemons & Red Dogs!

 Karen, Kels, Robert & Theo from Social Lemons in Curacao

Working on major headache with the internet. It has been on and off and mostly off for the past few days. Driving me crazy. So much going on, yet no access to online. Research needs to be done, e-mails need to be sent, but turns out the modem here decided to "shut down" and go on some sort of sabbatical.

Thinking it was my computer I decided to check out some youtube vids but it would take an hour just to watch a 3 minute solution. But finally I have things up and running again.

Today I took a Social Media course at Social Lemons on the island here. It was a 4 hours intensive course with Karen from Social Lemons networking on all the different platforms I could use to get my message across. Looks like I have a lot to learn, and lots to do. So very soon, I should be pinning on Pinterest, Tweeting on Twitter, ForSquaring it, Google +++, Instagram here I come and somewhere I add in Tumblr. OMG!

I would also like to thank Nat Lauzon of Montreal Dog Blog, aka Cool Radio DJ and Voice over extraordinaire for the great shout out and article she posted on my project here in Curacao. If you have not seen it, Please check it out via this link and help me spread the word.  
http://www.montrealdogblog.com/17357/street-dogs/

Every little bit helps. 

Since I had very little access to the internet and computer the past few days, I am backed up with what I need to post. So tomorrow will be a day off for me. And when I say day off; I mean a day of recouping lost time and getting photos and stories together that I can then post. 

I have several meetings set up for this week and time is flying bye bye... I think I need another few weeks before I go home. Looking like a return trip sooner than later.

I will sign off with this photo of me taking a break at CARF with one of my new found friends.

Tomorrow I will give you a wonderful story of 2 dogs who were left for dead and are now living the life of Riley, in a wonderful setting. Miracles do happen!

Good evening and Good day to all. xox Kels

Taking a much needed break!

Little Mama Tasha!

 Tasha aka "Little Mama" on the left.

photo Alan Evertsz

Well it is now fairly late and I am exhausted. Early mornings and late nights.
it has been an interesting week.
Exhilaration, shock, stress, happiness, surprise and hope!

The background & stories of some of these dogs are beyond understanding.
I have come to know many of them, some from photos I had seen on the CARF site,
some  new to the shelter and others, full time residence dogs.
Personalities of all sorts.
and a couple of Houdinis! who managed to jump an 8foot fence, with some help from the bushes! 

Tomorrow I will take the time to put pen to paper, Or should I say keys to virtual desktop and
let some of the stories take shape.

I have interacted with so many dogs, in many areas, visited fosters and a few very lucky adoptees.

One little Lady in particular stole my heart, her name is "Tasha" but I refer to her as "Little Mama"
She truly is a little mama; Recently had a litter of pups, that are now adopted, Tasha is diagnosed with heartworm and also a severe case of demodex/mange. She needs additional cream as the disease covers 90% of her body.
She looks like a little troll of sorts, and she displays the sweetest demeanor I have ever seen.
Gentle and kind. I will post more about our little Mama this week. I would so want her in my pack!

Will be back soon, 

Kindness is more than deeds. It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person.  - Plato

Tasha, is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met.

Seeing is Believeing ! Let's do This!

Hello to one and all,

I arrived in Curacao, over 3 days ago, and hit the ground running.
The flight was delayed due to storms and then the experience of renting a car.
I will admit, I was a little nervous at first to get a car and drive half way across the island.
Trust me, it may be an island, but lost is easy to do.
I was to arrive at 2.30pm but after the car rental saga and flight delays, Arrival time at the Villa was
close to 6pm.
I contacted Sheila from CARF and we met here at 7pm and laid out our plans for the next morning. 

CARF is a little ways from where I am, with a few roundabouts and to my dismay a blocked road on my way into Willemstad and over the Bridge.
Much like Quebec, very little warning and no detour signs... So much for that leg of the trip. So detour I did, and I actually found my way to the bridge. I also learned to make several U-turns and to try again and again till I found my way to CARF central. Oh, and trust me, On my way back home that evening, I have officially found 8 different ways on how Not to get home.

Sheila has taken me under her wing, and has shown me much of the "Rescue Life" on the island.
I am at times Overwhelmed, shocked, amazed, impressed and very proud to be able to help CARF and their cause.
I have traveled roads that are littered with junk, and as you pass by, you see the thin shapes of these poor dogs all across the island.

The CARF dogs are the lucky one, the care that is given to them is wonderful, some of the recoveries are nothing less than a miracle to my eyes. I have been to vet appointments, foster homes, along lonely dirt roads, drowned ticks, supply shopping, (have you any idea how much "bleach' is needed to keep things clean, the simple supplies that add up for washing, cleaning is endless.) etc.

I will keep this post short, but will this week fill you in on lots of stuff going on.
Just know this, the dogs are amazing!

They desperately need more help, the lucky ones that are in the CARF family will be a pleasure to introduce them to you in the upcoming days.

Tomorrow I will be at the Fundraiser that many of you donated clothes for this event. I will get some photos and post for you as well.

Wishing you all a good evening, Early morning for me, but it has become a much easier ride now that I know my way around with a car.  Some great stories to come.
Follow me on the "Adoption Option" of two sisters found close to death in the Daaibooi area, Wait till you see where they ended up. :) It's all good!
And Just wait till you see Bobbie! What an amazing recovery.

So many more need out help.
CARF is a non profit organization, and tax receipts are available if you would like to help with donations.

Will be back on line in a couple of days!
Wishing you an amazing weekend.

 These 2 photos is of a Little Mama, who has severe Mange, she is being treated for some time now and her hair is starting to come back. She is so sweet. as you can see her giving me her paw. 

I SEE YOU! Can you SEE me?

 Don't look the other way, sometimes the difference between life and death for an animal....is you!

                                OUCH! I did it! Tetanus shot done! Doggies here I come.

In every social movement there is a moment when everything changes. Whether that moment is a university admission, a protest or a speech by a leader is irrelevant. The moment itself is what matters, because afterwards...nothing is ever the same.  
-Annie Hart


How true is that! I have worked in and out of all forms of rescue for a very long time. I always wanted to make changes and though I was doing well at it. But I would also go about my ways and try other things, do other things. But never did I go to the "trenches" I could not bear to see. I knew how bad things could be, but I never though I would have the strength to Go THERE.

I understand why many people shut down emotionally. It is a way of protecting themselves from hurt and suffering in the world. We need to realize if we completely disconnect from the reality of the suffering, inhumane treatment we then disconnect from our thoughts and the real problems around us.
And by doing so, we cause the problem to continue and to become even worse.

Having empathy, makes us see the reality of what is around us. Things we do not want to know about or deal with. I mean sometimes simple Daily life is hard enough. But again, by avoiding these things, we actually make the problems we are avoiding grow to such an extent that we have no other choice but to eventually see it.


Can we fix this? I believe the answer is YES!

We need to recognize the problems instead of avoiding them and thinking:"this is to much, there is nothing I can do." 
We tend to shut our eyes to it and it kind of goes away... But in reality it won't it will Grow.
We need to feel bad to make us take action and then try our best to make a difference. No matter how small.


So someone, actually, several of us are stepping up and taking action, then others will or can fall in and help in little ways. In time we will chip away at the big problem that becomes workable. And in doing so, we can make drastic changes in many lives. Ours included.

Let's open our eyes & our heart, get past the hurt and pain. Make a conscious choice to help in any way we can, and with this Hope, change and survival will emerge. We can truly make a difference.

And on that note; A super easy way to make a difference that is harmless, easy and 
only a few clicks away. 

We only have ONE DAY LEFT for a radio contest to win funds for CARF
contest closes SATURDAY at 1pm

go to www.dolfijnfm.com
on the left side of page is a BLACK COLUMN that says POLL
click on CARF   curacao animal rescue foundation
click on VOTE

The more votes we have, the more money we make. The amount up for grabs is 3,000 nfl approx 1,700.00 cdn dollars that amount will cover the food cost at the shelter for close to a month.
Every little bit helps. Please Share.

Luggage Overload & Read all over!

Today, I started packing, 2 bags FULL! Clothes for the Doggie Rescue Event in Curacao.
Now what do I do about my clothes?
I believe minimal will be the dress code of the day or should I say weeks? :)
But I did pack my "tick picker" that I got via Penny Petz. Thank you Shelley.
And tomorrow I have my appointment for a Tetanus Shot! Did I mention I "hate" needles?! I mean really!!

As I previously wrote, I have made some amazing contacts while on this journey: One in particular is
Dr. Judith Samson-French, she is the founder of "Dogs with No Names."
Today they posted a photo montage of the work they did up in Labrador this past month.
I am adding the Link here for you to check out. Seriously, Kudos to them. What dedicated volunteers
and people. and what about these Innu Dogs?!"Are those dogs not just so adorable ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Wf3v2Kakw&feature=youtu.be
please share if you can, Dr. Samson-French's work is groundbreaking. We need to spread the news.

 ------------------------

So, would you call this "double dipping?" 2 stories in one paper! :)

Seriously, I think I come by my love of animals naturally from my wonderful family. My Grandmother was the town "vet" although not trained academically she had a natural way and knowing with animals. People around her had very little money and no way to care for injured or sick animals. I remember as a little girl, people would always show up with some animal in need and she would never turn them away.

Then you have my Mum who is featured in the News today for her "what we call The Cattage" she cares for as many as 13 Feral cats (they have been fixed) but the hardship they had to endure during the winter was terrible. And hence with 2 amazing friends, Mike & Sue, we created this area for them. & Tahdah! Now they have their "own" Yield sign! So please Slow down for those cats.

And Eureka! News is getting out there about my upcoming trip to Curacao. Thank you James Parry from Your Local Journal for the wonderful article. It gives a good indication to what I am working towards. CARF cares and the dogs desperately need their "Care!"

Thank you to everyone who donated clothes to bring down to the island. As I mentioned in the article, American Airlines will be loving the Over extended, over weight bags... We will see how I can talk myself into not being "dinged" to much for the extra. We could use it for additional meds;
It is for a good cause :)

OK, time for sleep, much more to do tomorrow.
Wishing everyone a great and happy day.
Thanks for following.
More news to come soon.

Hey check out Mum! :) She is the Cats' Meow!

Save a Turtle, Lose a Phone! 1st world problems...

A few days in Review:

It has been an interesting week, I must admit, I am tired, excited and encouraged.
Things are moving forward and my trip is close at hand.

* Please cast your Vote for Carf on Dolfijn FM radio
* Thank you to all who donated clothes for a charity event to raise funds for the Dogs
* Turtle vs. iphone and guess who wins?!
* Amazing contacts helping me move forward with this project.

Finding funds is not always easy for rescue, But here is a way you can truly help.
Its really easy.. simply VOTE & SHARE.

CARF animal rescue and rehab group.
is completely volunteer based, receiving NO subsidies or grants relying solely
on YOUR goodwill and support.

Support comes in many ways....
if you can't ADOPT a rescue animal, you can FOSTER,
if you can't FOSTER, you can DONATE,
if you can't DONATE, well.... there's a solution for that too,
you can VOTE FOR CARF in this Dolfijn FM poll AND you can SHARE
with your friends to help CARF win much needed funds to continue our efforts.

So if you are always thinking to yourself how you can help
....there you go...VOTE + SHARE !

Click on this Link:  http://www.dolfijnfm.com

On the website, left hand side there is a black column it says "POLL"
scroll down to the second name you will see CARF click on the button
then click on VOTE
You can VOTE every 24 hours. Please help, it is simple, fast and it can make a big difference in a dog's life.

I have been making phone calls, keeping notes, meeting key people and lots of contacts.
Hence the title of today's blog...
I was waiting for a call back from a Vet, and since I still have some chores to do,
not to waste time,  I figured lets be proactive and clean the pool! As I opened the skimmer, inside there was a baby snapping turtle. Trying to get him out, was to say the least, an ordeal for both of us! As I finally managed to do so, I slipped and ended head first into the deep end of the pool. There was no Olympic medals awarded for this awkward dip. Remember, I was waiting for an important phone call so my iphone was in my back pocket.

Moral of this story; One lucky turtle saved, One not so lucky iphone finished and One very wet, surprised  & slightly embarased person being "me." but dually noted; this was a 1st world problem..

I had contacted Dr. Samson-French after reading about her and seeing her on CBC news.
Dr. Samson-French was working on a project up in Labrador. She started a program called: -->

Dogs With No Names™  a scientific pilot program working to reduce the number of homeless dogs on First Nations reserves through the use of contraceptive implants.

the results of her week in Labrador = 

-->

176 dogs handled (rabies vaccines, microchips, dewormers, and contraceptive implants if females).  63 females implanted = over 50,000 pups not born in the next 40 months. Assuming a worse case scenario of only 10% survival - 5,000 unwanted dogs not born.

Her work is ground breaking. I highly suggest you check out her site and her book. 

-->

https://www.facebook.com/DogsWithNoNames?fref=ts

Dr. Samson-French was most helpful with all my questions and gave me answers I needed and we have discussed possible solutions and have some work ideas in progress. I am so please how this amazing woman was open and giving to my project and plans for the street dogs of Curacao. Looking forward to our next meeting.

I had also put out an appeal for some clothes to bring with me to Curacao, for an event that is happening July 6th on the island. The clothes will be sold and the proceeds will be given to the dog shelter. 

A huge Thank you to the  wonderful people who dropped off boxes and bags  for me. Can you say "Overweight Baggage?" Well all for a good cause! 

Still on the agenda; more meetings coming up, more research and at one point, I think packing would be good idea.

One closing note; if you can, Please Vote daily for CARF, it truly will make a difference .

Sweet dreams to one and all.