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 - Currently thriving in foster care.
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
Arley
Meet Arley: A Survivor Ready to Thrive!
Arley’s story is one of resilience, love, and second chances. Rescued from a red-tagged property where she lived with 17 other dogs in an uncontrolled breeding situation, Arley’s life changed forever when we picked her up the day after she gave birth. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our partner rescue organization, Arley and all the dogs were spayed, giving them a fresh start. Now, with her pups fully weaned, Arley is ready to begin the next chapter of her life—with a family to call her own.
Despite her rough beginnings, Arley’s heart is pure gold. She’s been amazing with our other dogs, gentle and loving with our children, and an eager participant in our rescue dog training program. Whether she’s learning new skills, playing with her furry friends, or soaking up affection from her favorite humans, Arley approaches life with a joyful spirit and an adventurous heart.
Arley is looking for a family who will cherish her as much as she deserves. Could that family be yours? If you’re ready for a loyal companion who will bring endless love and fun into your home, Arley might just be the perfect match.
Videos coming soon.
Arley's Puppies
These six incredible puppies (and two of their siblings already placed) were born to their mom, Arley, at a red-tagged property. When we found them, they were less than a day old, tucked beneath a porch where Arley had made a whelping spot. We dug them out that day and brought them into our foster care program, where they’ve been safe, loved, and growing ever since. Now, these pups are ready to spread their wings and find families of their own! If you’re interested in giving one of these resilient pups a forever home, please reach out—we’d love to introduce you. All of these dogs have lived fully integrate with other dogs, and young children since birth.
Leonard
Living at CCAR
A thoughtful pup who bonds deeply with his person. In rescue classes and complex environments, he finds comfort and confidence in the familiar presence of the person who raised him. Leonard is looking for a home where connection and companionship come first.
Domino
Living at CCAR
An easygoing pup who’s happy to walk off with any handler during rescue training class, making friends wherever he goes. At home, though, his favorite pastime is following his sister Rodeo around—always curious to see what adventures (or trouble) she might be getting into next.
Smokey
Living at CCAR
A loyal pup who loves to stick close to the person who raised him—especially if there’s food being prepared nearby! In rescue classes, he’ll happily work with anyone, but his favorite moments are the quiet ones, sharing hugs and affection with his special person.
Rodeo
Living at CCAR
The life of the party! She was the smallest of the litter as a baby, quickly becoming a favorite among the young children in her foster home. Rodeo continues to shine as an excellent playmate for kids and is always ready to engage with anyone in rescue classes—bringing her playful spirit wherever she goes.
Stevie Wonder
In a foster home
One of two vision-impaired pups in the litter, and another who finds comfort in the company of his person. It took us a little while to realize his sight wasn’t quite right—those hesitant steps and occasional run-ins with walls gave it away. But once he knows his surroundings, Stevie navigates confidently and with heart, proving that vision isn’t everything when it comes to living fully.
Willow
In a foster home
Thriving in her foster home, living with two other dogs and one of our board members. She attends all of our rescue training classes, where she excels and shows exactly what a dog can become with the love and individualized attention of a caring home. Willow is a shining example of resilience and potential, just waiting to continue her journey with a family of her own.
Buddy
After a rough start in a neglectful situation, kind neighbors stepped in and gave him the loving home he needed to begin healing. He lived happily as a family pet for over a year, but due to some housing restrictions, they could no longer keep him. Buddy has been thriving with us—settling into the routine, continuing to grow, and showing what a resilient and loving companion he is.
Licorice - Currently in a foster to adopt home.
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.