Once upon a time, a fragile and timid stray dog named Faline was found, raising concerns about her survival. She was so shy and weak that the sister who rescued her wasn’t sure she would make it through.
After tirelessly trying for over two and a half weeks, the Keilbach sisters finally managed to rescue her. Though initially wary, Faline eventually understood she was in a safe place, thanks to the persistent care and love from the sisters.
The Challenge of Finding a Home
Rescuing Faline was an achievement, but finding her a loving home was another hurdle. The sisters embarked on this challenging yet heartwarming quest with determination. Faline was rescued on the Island of Saipan, part of the Northern Mariana Islands, where finding homes for rescue dogs is particularly tough. “She was extremely shy, extremely wary of us, but you could tell she just wanted to be loved,” Grace Keilbach, from Boonie Babies Saipan, shared with The Dodo.
Faline is considered a “boonie dog,” a term used on Saipan for dogs that are mixed descendants of various breeds left over from World War II. These dogs are a blend of many breeds, including bloodhounds, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, making them a unique breed known as American Village Dogs. They vary greatly in appearance but share a common need for love and a forever home.
The Moment Everything Changed
When the Keilbach sisters took Faline in, there was a pivotal moment where she seemed to realize that these people were here to help. This turning point was crucial for Faline to start trusting her new environment.
Traveling to a New Beginning
The journey to get Faline to a suitable home was not straightforward. It took nearly six months to arrange her travel due to the difficulties of relocating dogs from Saipan. “That morning, we literally had tears in our eyes. It was the first time we managed to get a dog off the island, and we couldn’t believe it was actually happening,” Aria Keilbach expressed.
A New Life in Colorado
Upon arriving in Colorado, Faline was initially shy but soon warmed up to her new surroundings and family. She quickly became a cherished member of the Keilbach household. “She’s just so sweet. It’s so awesome,” commented Ava, the youngest sister, reflecting the joy Faline brought into their lives.
Faline now spends her days going for walks, playing, and enjoying treats and cuddles. Her story stands as a beacon of hope, although the reality is harsh for many other boonie dogs still stranded on Saipan, waiting for a chance to find their own forever homes.
Supporting the Cause
The plight of these dogs continues, and the Keilbach sisters are committed to helping as many as they can find the loving homes they deserve. Supporting their cause can make a significant difference in the lives of these animals. Here’s how you can help Boonie Babies and contribute to their efforts in rescuing and rehoming these deserving dogs.
