Canine Constitutional Animal Rescue

At Canine Constitutional Animal Rescue (CCAR), our mission is to provide care, comfort, and compassion to homeless dogs while engaging the community to help end the abandonment of canine family members.

We envision a world where no pet endures the pain and suffering caused by abandonment, abuse, and neglect. Together, we can create a brighter future for every dog in need.

Introduction Video Coming Soon

About Canine Constitutional Animal Rescue (CCAR)

Canine Constitutional Animal Rescue (CCAR) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing care, comfort, and compassion to homeless dogs. Our mission is to engage the community in efforts to end the abandonment of canine family members. We strive for a world where no pet endures the pain and suffering brought on by abandonment, abuse, and neglect.

Our EIN is 99-2498634, and your generous support helps us continue our vital work, improving the lives of dogs in need and finding them loving forever homes.

This section is under construction - Intro video will replace the Paw Patrol video.

Some Program Graduates.

Chuckie

Snickers

Buttons

Howard

Sugar

Molly

Donut Litter 4 pups

Paw Patrol 8 pups

Foster Dog Training and Enrichment Initiative

One of our core purposes is to improve the adoptability of homeless dogs. In addition to the one-on-one training, we provide to all of our dogs, we also have a community training program where foster parents can bring dogs for various categories of training, accepting being touched, for example.

You can volunteer a little of your time to support these dogs in training, ask us how.

Hoping For a Second Chance at Life:

Many of the dogs in our program have been abandoned by the very people they once trusted. These lost souls have come to us in search of a new beginning, hoping to find trust and love again. By adopting, you can provide them with the second chance they so desperately need. Explore our adoptable dogs and find your new best friend today.

Dogs in our care.

The dogs that come to us have nowhere else to turn. They are desperate for companionship and eager to understand the human world they live in. Every one of our dogs is learning what it feels like to be part of a community, both of dogs and humans.

Are you looking to adopt but not sure about rushing in? Join us in our training program once a week and spend time getting to know and training the dog you are interested in. This way, you can build a bond and make a well-informed decision about adoption.




Support Our Mission

Your generosity makes a world of difference for these dogs. Right now, we are raising money to build a training and play field and to install epoxy flooring in the indoor space. These improvements will provide a safe and stimulating environment for our dogs, helping them to thrive while they await their forever homes.

Frank

Meet Frank: The Gentle Soul Looking for a Best Friend

Frank's story is one of resilience and hope. Abandoned in a harsh wilderness at a very young age, he has overcome significant challenges to become the wonderful dog he is today. Now a young adolescent, Frank is an easy-going dog who brings joy and companionship to dogs wherever he goes.

Frank has an immense love for other dogs—he adores every dog he meets. If your dog is in need of a best friend, Frank could be the perfect match. His friendly and playful nature makes him an ideal companion for any canine.

Due to his early experiences of being on his own, Frank can is a little wary of people and their intentions. However, since joining us, he has made tremendous progress and continues to grow more confident each day. Though he does worry about what people will do to him, he has never been dangerous. His response to being physically handled for things like toenail trimming is to freeze and hope for the best.

Frank's journey is a testament to his strength and capacity for love. We're excited to help him find a forever home where he can continue to thrive and bring happiness to those around him.

Frank Training Video: Invasive Handling
Frank Training Video: General Training

Reny

Meet Reny: The Loyal German Shepherd with a Heart of Gold

Reny is a 5-year-old German Shepherd with a rich and special history. His journey with us began even before he was born, as his mother was in foster care with us while pregnant with Reny and his siblings. We've had the privilege of knowing Reny all his life.

Adopted by a senior couple when he was just 8 weeks old, Reny grew up in a loving home. Unfortunately, as time passed, his owners aged faster than he did, and Reny's needs became more than they could handle. In his previous home, he spent much of his time alone outside in a small fenced area, where he developed a habit of barking at passersby. However, unlike many dogs, Reny quiets down when told to stop.

Indoors, Reny is a picture of tranquility. He is quiet and crates beautifully, making him a wonderful companion inside the home. Reny is now looking for a loving family where he can enjoy both companionship and the freedom to thrive indoors and outdoors.

If you're searching for a loyal, well-behaved German Shepherd, Reny could be the perfect addition to your family. His gentle nature and deep bond with those he trusts make him a truly special companion.

Videos coming soon.

Spicy

Meet Spicy: The Loyal and Adaptable Husky

Spicy's journey to us began under difficult circumstances. After her owner passed away, she and her mother, Sugar, were left tied up outside. Spicy had never been separated from her mother until they both came into our care. Despite these challenges, Spicy has shown remarkable adaptability and resilience.

Spicy quickly befriended Reny, another one of our dogs, and seamlessly transitioned to life without her mother. This sweet Husky isn't your typical wanderer. Once she decides where home is, she remains loyal and close to her family and friends.

Happy to relax in a crate during downtime, Spicy often puts herself in one, hoping it might prompt mealtime. She needs a few days to adjust to new surroundings, but with a little compassion and understanding, she will make herself at home and become an excellent companion for both dogs and people.

Spicy's loving nature and strong sense of loyalty make her a wonderful addition to any family. We're excited to find her the perfect home where she can continue to thrive and share her affectionate spirit.


Videos Coming Soon 


Pepito

Pepito's Journey to Safety

Pepito’s story is one of resilience and survival. Abandoned when his family moved away in May, this brave little guy stayed at the only "home" he knew. Through scorching summer heatwaves, the danger of crossing busy streets, and encounters with loose dogs, Pepito managed to avoid people and survive on his own, waiting for the family that never returned.

His loyalty to his home was evident even during the terrifying fireworks over the 4th of July weekend, where he was seen cowering in the street after being blocked out by the property owner. Despite his fear, kind neighbors stepped in, feeding him and repeatedly asking local authorities for help.

Recently, the situation became more urgent as the property owner began renovations, once again blocking Pepito from his safe space. Recognizing the need for an experienced foster, preferably a professional with a knack for helping abandoned dogs, we reached out to Steve at Canine Constitutional, Home of Canine Constitutional Animal Rescue. We were eager to help, and with the assistance of Street Dawgs Pepito was trapped within an hour.

Now under our care, Pepito is starting his journey toward trust and healing. Although he is still wary of humans, he finds some comfort in the company of other dogs. We are confident that with time, patience, and love, Pepito will begin to feel safe and secure.

Pepito is approximately 25 pounds of pure sweetness, despite his rough start. He has been living off handouts and avoiding human contact, finding solace only in the familiar surroundings of his former home. With the property owner now renovating, Pepito was at risk of losing his last shred of security.

Clearlake Animal Association stepped in, successfully trapping Pepito and bringing him into our fold. As our latest project, we are committed to helping him learn about the joys of human companionship and the comfort of a stable routine.

While many see his waiting at his old home as a sign of loyalty, we understand it was likely due to his deep-seated fear and mistrust of people, not knowing where else to turn. Pepito needs our support and understanding to feel safe again.

Stay tuned for updates on Pepito’s progress as he learns to trust and embrace his new life. We believe in his potential to thrive with the right care and environment.


This section is under construction


Canela

Meet Canela: The Social Butterfly of CCAR

Introducing Canela, our delightful Lake County special—a charming mix of unknown origins but undeniable appeal. Canela's past is shrouded in mystery, but we know she spent a significant time fending for herself on the streets of Clearlake after her previous owner moved on.

Her journey led her to the Clearlake Animal Association, where she patiently waited for a new beginning. That new beginning came when CCAR welcomed her with open arms.

Canela has proven herself to be a social butterfly, thriving in the company of every person she meets. Her friendly and outgoing nature endears her to people of all ages, making her a beloved member of our community. She also gets along well with most dogs, having lived with at least one other dog in her past life.

While Canela is generally fantastic with other dogs, she does have a particular quirk: she needs to be supervised around certain female dogs. With the right management, she continues to be a joy to have around.

Canela's resilience and loving nature are truly inspiring. We're excited to see her continue to flourish and are confident she'll make an incredible companion for a lucky family.       



Bunny Rabbit

Meet Bunny Rabbit: A Tale of Resilience and Love

Bunny Rabbit's journey to CCAR is a testament to her resilience and the power of patience. One crisp morning, on our way to work, we spotted her—a lone figure darting away as we approached. That evening, fate brought us together again in a different location. With a little patience and some tasty food, we managed to coax her into a leash, bringing her to safety.

Found in an area notorious for abandoned and dumped dogs, Bunny Rabbit had no identifiable owner. After exhaustive efforts to reunite her with her family, she officially became a cherished member of our program.

Bunny Rabbit is a wonderful Anatolian shepherd mix with a heart as big as her paws. She adores the young children who live on-site and plays joyfully with all the other dogs. Known for her laid-back demeanor, Bunny Rabbit is the epitome of a couch potato, perfectly content to lounge and nap the day away.

Leash walks at Howarth Park in Santa Rosa have become one of her favorite activities, and she has been wonderful on these outings.

Of course, no one is perfect, and Bunny Rabbit has one little quirk: she can be quite dramatic about resource guarding her food around other dogs. The simple solution? Feed her separately, and she's a happy girl.

Bunny Rabbit's story is one of love, patience, and the promise of a better tomorrow. We're thrilled to have her as part of our CCAR family and look forward to helping her find her forever home.



Licorice

Licorice's Incredible Journey

After an incredible 72 days on the run, Licorice, our gentle giant, was finally caught safely in Calistoga. Her journey is a testament to patience, community effort, and the resilience of a frightened but sweet dog.

Licorice's story began when she escaped from her adopter’s yard just hours after arriving from a shelter in the East Bay. Unfamiliar with the area and distrustful of humans, she spent over two months navigating through multiple neighborhoods, evading capture. Despite her fear, she was never aggressive, always choosing to run away rather than confront anyone who approached.

Wine Country Animal Lovers efforts to capture Licorice required the help of many caring individuals. They received countless texts and phone calls tracking her movements, which were crucial in understanding her routine. Thank you to the families who allowed her to sleep on their porches and provided water, resisting the urge to feed or chase her, knowing it could disrupt plans.

When large dog traps failed to entice her, WCAL borrowed a specialized Missy trap from Street Dawgs. A special thanks goes to the couple who let them set up this enormous trap in their yard. Their daily efforts to earn Licorice’s trust and encourage her, inch by inch, to enter the trap were vital to her capture.

Sometimes, it truly takes a village. This was one of those times. Your collective efforts, sightings, and updates enabled us to set up a successful feeding station and track her movements across her large roaming area.

Life with Licorice Since coming into our program:

Licorice has shown us just how much love and fun she has to give. Now that she has made herself at home, decompressed, and made many dog friends, she has become a joyful part of our family. In fact, we wouldn't be able to get rid of her if we left the door open! All Licorice wants is to feel safe and have fun in life.

In between her energetic play sessions, you can find her sleeping and snoring the day away, completely at peace. She has truly transformed from a frightened runaway to a happy, relaxed dog who knows she is loved.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in bringing Licorice to safety. Your support, patience, and dedication have made all the difference. Stay tuned as we continue to share her progress and joy with you all.



CCAR - Fostering Saves Lives

Watch our heartwarming video, "Fostering Saves Lives," to see the incredible impact our foster care program has on homeless dogs. This video showcases the transformative journeys of the dogs in our care and highlights the dedication and compassion of our team.

By supporting our mission, you can make a world of difference. Please consider making a financial contribution at the end of the video to help us continue providing the care, comfort, and love these dogs need. Together, we can create a brighter future for every dog in need.

We are proud to introduce you to the dedicated and talented individuals who make up our Board of Directors. Each member brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to our mission at Canine Constitutional. Their diverse backgrounds and shared love for animals drive us forward in our pursuit of excellence. Get to know the people behind our organization and see how their expertise and vision contribute to our success.

Steve Moore

Steve served four and a half years in the United States Army during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. After leaving the Army in 2006, he spent considerable time finding his place in society. A graduate of Bergin University for Canine Studies, Steve discovered his true calling was with dogs, leading to the creation of Canine Constitutional.

As the owner of Canine Constitutional and CEO of Canine Constitutional Animal Rescue (CCAR), Steve dedicates his days to improving the pet care industry and fostering better relationships between dogs and people. Alongside his wife, Silke, he works tirelessly to develop innovative training, rehabilitation, and enrichment programs for rescue dogs. Steve's passion and dedication are evident in every aspect of his work with Canine Constitutional and CCAR.

Angela Pasquinelli

Angela Pasquinelli was raised in Forestville, CA, and has spent most of her life in Sonoma County. She has enjoyed a long career in accounting within the wine industry and continues to work in that field. Her deep-rooted love for dogs has always been a significant part of her life, with her home always shared with one or more dogs. This affection for animals, which began in childhood, has never wavered. Throughout her life, she has been surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, and various other small creatures.

Angela's compassion for dogs led her to Canine Constitutional Animal Rescue. She is dedicated to improving the lives of not only her dogs but as many dogs as possible within the community. She currently resides in Santa Rosa with her two rescue dogs, Ember and Chuckie.

Mary Sullivan

Mary Sullivan is a long-term resident of Sonoma County and a dedicated dog mom and animal lover. Since the early 1970s, Mary and her husband have welcomed many canine family members into their home. Since 2017, she has worked closely with Steve and Canine Constitutional to care for and train her dogs.

Recognizing the need to support rescue dogs, Mary offered her time and expertise to Canine Constitutional Animal Rescue as a board member. With over 43 years of experience as a winemaker and as one of the first women winemakers in Sonoma County, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge in working with people and organizations. Her science-based education from Sonoma State College and UC Davis equips her to find solutions and apply practical knowledge to the organization.

Alexis Puerto-Holmes

Alexis is a graduate of Animal Behavior College online. She began her journey with Canine Constitutional in 2021 as part of the mentorship program required for her studies. Upon completing the program, Alexis's passion and dedication to working with animals earned her a permanent position with Canine Constitutional.

Her exceptional commitment and enthusiasm for animal welfare led to her invitation to join the Canine Constitutional Animal Rescue (CCAR) board. Alexis continues to bring her expertise and devotion to improving the lives of animals, contributing significantly to the success and mission of both Canine Constitutional and CCAR.

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