ADOPTABLE DOGS
CARES AK is a non-profit animal rescue and sanctuary dedicated to providing hope and a second chance to surrendered red/ blue Heelers and other breeds. We believe that every animal deserves a loving home and are passionate about rescuing and re~homing animals in need. Our multi-acre sanctuary in Palmer, Alaska is the perfect place for animals to heal and learn, and we strive to provide them with the best possible care. If you would like to help us save more animals, consider donating and becoming a part of the CARES AK family.
Looking for a new furry family member?
Thank you for thinking about adopting from a rescue organization. Each adoption saves THREE lives: YOURS, the one you adopt and the space you’ve opened up for another dog to be rescued.
Meet Hank!
(Rescued from Texas in April 2025 )
This poor guy lost his home because he snapped at the toddler who disturbed him while he was asleep. For that reason, we recommend that he would probably do best in a home with children ages 7+.
Hank is housebroken and walks nicely on a leash (after he chills out). His recall needs some work, but he is very attentive and is a perfect gentleman around other dogs. We’re not sure how he would do with cats but he is not a prey driven dog.
He is neutered, up-to-date on his shots and desperately seeking to have his forever home now. Please consider Hank as your next companion!
Say... Hello Dolly
You couldn’t ask for a nicer or more sweet girl of a Heeler, than Miss Dolly.
Another youngster – just about a year old. She has stood the test of kids from baby up to 15, cats and other dogs.
Dolly would make a fantastic addition to your home with her loyalty and sweet disposition. She is completely ready to cuddle up in your lap.
Dolly is up-to-date on shots and is already spayed and Housebroken too!
She is kennel and crate trained, although she may need some brushing up on the “crate”. This little girl is full of Agile moves. If you are looking for a companion, especially when ready to take you through the levels of agility, this little girl is your ticket. Yes, she can scale fences but if she’s having enough exercise then that won’t be any issue.
Dolly is considered to be a “chocolate” Heeler given her markings and colouring.
Doesn’t come any sweeter than this!
Please consider adopting Dolly today?
Do you know?
“The Stumpy was first recognised as a breed, in its own right, in 1963 when the Australian National Kennel Council issued a breed standard for the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. The name was changed to Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog in 2002 and in 2003 the breed was accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. The breed has also gained acceptance by the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club and Dogs New Zealand.”
Beautiful Pippa
Meet Supergirl Pippa!
Pippa has travelled the furthest in the transport from Dallas to Austin to catch two flights from Austin up to Anchorage in April 2025. She was gracious enough to give us enough time to fly her in before she delivered her puppies less than 24 hours after arrival.
Initially, we thought that someone had “botched” her tail and really didn’t know what they were doing when she was born. However after Pippa delivered the puppies we realised that she is our first stumpy tail Heeler! We knew they existed, but we have never actually rescued one till now. Read more about a stumpy tail healer here-
Pippa's Litter!
Of all of our rescues from Texas this spring, Pippa has come the furthest. We were connected with her foster mother out of Dallas when our president was in Austin for a conference in April.
Through lots of coordination and special efforts, transportation was arranged and Pippa was driven from Dallas up to Austin on the 16th of April.
She spent one evening in Austin before being loaded up with Hank, Dolly and Colby to head north to Alaska on the sixth 17th of April.
She wasn’t even in Alaska a full day when she started to deliver her puppies on the 18th. Happy birthday, little ones!
Four males and three females. Five of the litter are extremely type are expected to be above 85 to 90% Heeler.
Two of the puppies that are black were thought originally to be a potential lab cross, however as they have begun to grow, we can see that the female is more than likely across of a type of black retriever or Terrier dog. Her little wrinkly/wiggly fur and whiskers lead us to believe otherwise.
As of mid June, we believe that most of the puppies have their new homes ready and waiting for them. However, sometimes life throws all of a hiccup so if you are interested in a puppy, please complete an adoption form to be considered in case an adoption fails or falls through.
Meet the sweetest Penny ~
Penny was actually an owner-surrender in May ‘24 along with her “Blue Heeler sister” from Houston, Texas.
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Both dogs were quite overweight when they came to us, but we took quite some time and although the blue was adopted, Penny needed extra love and attention to get an extra 30# off of her.
She was adopted (but due to family issues) and through no fault of her own she now needs to find her forever home.
Penny came from a family with a very young child who had special needs. The only reason they were relinquished was the impending worry that the toddler would push the temperaments the dogs. For the sake of the safety of the toddler, they felt it was best to find new homes for them.
Penny is five years old. She is Completely house trained and knows quite a few commands. Her recall is a AMAZINGLY excellent! She takes treats very gently. She is amazing around children of all ages!
We recommend actually that Penny go to a home with children as we feel that she would excel with them. She loves to play ball and frisbee. She is crate and kennel she doesn’t need to be sent to a quiet area.
Sit, stay, (most of the time) and shake are all vocabulary that she understands. She can be walked very gently on a leash or without. She loves water so if you’ve got a place at the lake or up at the cabin, she would love to be riding with you.
We hope that a family with young children will seriously consider giving Penny a home and we would like to extend a priority to families with children.
Completely up-to-date on shots and vetting. She is already micro chipped.
If you have ever wanted to bring a female
Red Heeler into your home, this is the girl for you.
Jellybean (Angel), Meet the Jelly!
Jelly is a full registered AKC female who will be five in August. She was pic of the litter and would actually be a very qualified candidate for dog showing, if one was so inclined.
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​This girl is obsessed with balls, frisbees ropes, squishies, squeegees and any other possible toys.
If placed with another dog, either a male or one that is older would be the best possibility. She doesn’t like competition, so if you have an old dog that lays around, she would fit in quite well. Alternatively, if you have a young puppy or dog that too would be a great match.
She loves to ride in cars or boats. Or anything else on wheels.
Her recall is very good and she knows sit, lay down, shake (and stay when she feels like it). She is excellent with children.
Her sense of hearing is probably more acute than most. If you need an amazing watch dog, this girl is your ticket. But be prepared because she might frighten you out of your skin when she hears something; she’s going to let the whole world “what’s up”!
She is completely up-to-date on shots and is microchiped. Will be available in July 2025 upon her spay surgery.
HOPE
Please contact for information on Hope
Your Donation Matters.
CRITICAL NEED FUND
CARES AK provides all the necessary medical care for every treatable animal no matter the cost, and we are entirely funded for that care by donations from our community. When those medical services become extensive, we are still committed to providing the absolute best care possible for these precious pets, but we need your help.
AMAZON WISHLIST
1. Visit Canine Alaska rescue establishment, and sanctuary
2. Select one or more items from the wishlist.
3. Add to cart.
4. Choose “Canine Alaska Rescue Establishment and Sanctuary Gift Registry Address” from “Other Addresses” list.
5. Click “Use This Address” and checkout.
IN-KIND DONATIONS
If you have physical items that you would like to donate, please call 907-355-4181 to schedule your In-Kind Donation Drop-off.