C.A.R.E.

C.A.R.E's Sanctuary is nestled in an inviting curve of the California Aqueduct and was opened in 1998. It was originally a small family home but has become a working kennel/cattery. The weather can be harsh in the high desert, reaching into the 100's in the summer and below freezing in the winter; snow is not uncommon. And the wind ALWAYS blows.

C.A.R.E's sanctuary is home to about 20 dogs, mainly big, who live outdoors in spacious yards, usually with a friend. The roommates are carefully matched because dogs can do each other a mischief if their personalities don't click. They can feel the wind ruffling their whiskers and scope out the local wildlife (who they are safe from and who are safe from them!) through the 8 foot barb-wire topped chain-link fence surrounding the premises. Each dog yard is graveled to keep the residents dry during the winter and wet weather; partially covered by a "loafing shed" to provide shade during the hot, hot summer and additional shelter. Beneath the loafing shed is a "Rubber Maid" storage shed which the care takers can go in and out of AND inside that shed are "dog-loos" with straw insulation and their entrances facing inward to provide even additional shelter from the elements. Of course, during the summer months, the dogs usually sleep "al fresco" - under the stars. Within the perimeter fence is a second fenced area which the dogs take turns exercising in and playing with volunteers. In the summer months, each yard is equipped with a kiddy wading pool for dog fun and overhead misters run to reduce the temperature.

C.A.R.E.'s sanctuary is home to approximately 175 cats who live in what was originally the main house and a smaller outbuilding. The main house is divided up into quarters for FeLV, kidney and other debilitating but non-contagious conditions, and everybody else. Each cat section is equipped with lots of climbing trees, cushy beds and pillows, kitty boxes kept scrupulously clean AND a fully enclosed outdoor area very much like a chain link bird aviary - fenced all around and on top, as well. The largest section even has a big old sycamore tree in the middle of it with the chain-link top securely nestled up to it. We really don't trust those "cat proof" fences; those will probably not keep out determined predators and CERTAINLY will not keep out the winged variety. Each section is also equipped with a "swamp cooler", the air conditioner of choice in dry desert areas. The cats are free to roam in their sections - inside or outside - it's their choice. The only time any are ever in a cage is if they are first entering the sanctuary and are being held for observation and to get their bearings, or if they are unwell and are being treated.

C.A.R.E. was started in 1992 by 5 women, mainly with the intention of being a rescue support group. We had a few cats with issues who were housed at a board member's house in a block brick building in the back yard. It had once been an artist's studio and had large windows which the cats loved to sit in to watch the birds. Several board members pitched together to turn the interior into a couple of chicken wire walled rooms with screen doors. There were a couple of kitties with FeLV who had to have separate quarters from the rest. Yet another handy board member created folding plexi-glass windows which could be closed in the winter and open during the summer. We took turns daily, cleaning and feeding and medicating. There was no hot water; we washed dishes with a garden hose into a flower bed. Those were some well watered flowers!

Besides caring for these kitties, our mission then was to enable first time rescuers to learn the ropes with mentoring and loan of equipment. The first time you rescue an abandoned cat or dog, it's a pretty scary, lonesome experience. In addition, we mentored pet care givers with problems towards a more lasting, loving relationship with their fur friends.

It all changed in 1998 when a no-kill shelter in the San Fernando Valley went out of control. It was closed down by Animal Regulation with 20 some dogs impounded and 300 some cats (there had been 600 cats but half were put down and never left the facility). A kind hearted soul offered to pay all expenses and help us set up a place for these poor fur-folk - the "survivors" we called them. A house on an acre of land in the Antelope Valley near Palmdale was located, the zoning was proper, the landlord was accommodating, and so the C.A.R.E. Sanctuary was born. Of course, kind hearted souls sometimes change their minds and in a few months, we were on our own to keep this crazy but valiant project going. 320 lives depended on it!

We do adoptions via the internet, as the sanctuary is fairly remote from the big city - Los Angeles. We still mentor new rescuers via email and provide loan of equipment. We counsel pet guardians in an effort to resolve issues and allow them to understand and deal with their fur-folk. We provide information on other resources available, when issues cannot be resolved. When space is available, we accept new cats and dogs into the sanctuary.

Most of the original "survivors" have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, now, except for a very few. But the sad stories of at risk cats and dogs are never ending and new "survivors" are always in need of rescuing. It has been a tremendous struggle and the toll on the humans involved as been equally tremendous. But today the sanctuary is better than ever. We have a wonderful staff who loves all the fur-folk as their family. Our sanctuary is a clean and happy place; good vibes abound. It is licensed and graded "A" at every inspection by the Los Angeles County Dept. of Animal Care and Control. It's about an hour + drive north of Los Angeles. Visitors are welcome by appointment.

The economy the past couple of years has been so dismal. It has been especially devastating for charities, such as C.A.R.E. Not only are our public supporters suffering and unable to help but even major foundations have had to cut back or give no grants at all! All donations C.A.R.E. receives go directly to care for the animals. It's Board of Directors, unlike many other charities, is entirely uncompensated.

And so we come to the part where you may be able to help. Our fervent hope and dream is to own the property our sanctuary is on. And then there's the matter of just raising the funds needed to keep on keepin' on. We often come to a point where we wonder if next month is going to see us have to close down and where are all our fur-folk going to go?

Please support us however you can.

Donations can be made via PayPal on our website or by check sent to:

C.A.R.E.
P. O. Box 56631
Sherman Oaks, CA 91413.

Tell your friends about us. If you know someone who would like to hear about us, send us an email at mail@care4pets.org

Join us on Facebook, Myspace, the Best Friends Network, follow us on Twitter.

Sign up at our website to receive our quarterly snail-mail newsletter.

Only people like you, people who care for the voiceless beings in this world are the ones who will keep C.A.R.E. and the fur folk alive and kicking!