UPDATE FROM JORGE APRIL 25, 2025 " Hi good morning, first and foremost, I would like to send a huge Thank You to everyone who donated, shared and sent donations of food for Kareen’s dogs here at Bears Den. I also want to thank those who took on some of Kareen’s dogs. As you know, some were abandoned here and Kareen took them on. I just joined Facebook again, I really hoped I didn’t have to because social media is a distraction, but because of the economic situation we are facing, this summer doesn’t look good. This time of the year is usually slow but normally we had people booking already, but not now. We have only three customers for next month and the rescue group working with us is struggling to pay their bills as well. They always pay on time but they are struggling too. Kareen was not a beggar and I’m not a beggar either, she supported the kennel with her typing, unfortunately I don’t have that option, I have to continue with the everyday work. The renewal of the license is coming up and we have to give the dogs the vaccine to be up to date and it will be expensive. The GoFundMe goal that we had for Kareen and the dogs will be updated to ask for additional support to accomplish all of this and maintain Kareen’s dream. Hopefully we can go ahead with the kennel as Kareen worked so hard for it and I don’t want to disappoint her. I have received some dog food donations and someone sent me (the dogs) toys too! I am so grateful for all your help and donations and for sharing this gofundme with others. Again, Thank you! all! Jorge

Feb. 16th, 2025 UPDATE from Jorge:

"Yesterday we had a day full of emotions, it started with the dog food by the gate, our friend Lucy Guerra came to visit us to offer her help, and a young guy called (I had to move the office phone to a place where I could hear it), he came from Oak Hills high school, it is 11 miles away, 11 miles !!! He donated blankets for the dogs and also cash to continue with Kareen’s work, he learned about her work and her passing, she touched so many lives. Her work was so appreciated that even the authorities were our partners..... NOW WE HAVETOREDUCE THE NUMBERS, our resources are extremely limited but the passion is the same." PLEASE SHARE THIS and the plea from Brandi Nichelle to help place some of the dogs.

UPDATE: Thank you too all who attended the Informal celebration of life for KAREEN this past SATURDAY FEB 15 --------

To friends of Kareen Carruthers, it is with a heavy heart that our wonderful and dear Kareen has passed. This GOFUNDME is being set up on behalf of Jorge Rodriguez for her final care and her beloved animals. Many of you have already received the sad news. As Jorge, her devout kennel supervisor and friend posted this yesterday: "It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Kareen passed away last night, it has been overwhelming, we are trying to figure out what is going to happen next, meanwhile I have to continue running this kennel that she loved so much, please be careful of scammers that might try to take advantage of this situation, I will be the only official channel to inform you of what we will do , if you want to pitch in for her funeral you can PayPal money to the email below, I will also contact Facebook to shut down her accounts when I have time, she loved her friends in this great community that visits her page every day, she loved you. thanks [email redacted] email in post.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT JORGE DIRECTLY IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.