Upon the rescue of a small stray canine named Faline, she exhibited such profound shyness and frailty that the sister who saved her feared for her survival.
The Keilbach sisters devoted more than two and a half weeks to capturing her, and when they eventually triumphed, Faline still appeared exceedingly timid and apprehensive around them. Nevertheless, the sisters pressed on, and Faline quickly understood she was in a fortress of safety.
Although saving Faline was a victory in itself, the Keilbach sisters encountered an entirely new obstacle in securing an appropriate home for her. Nonetheless, they worked miracles, transforming this into an uplifting success tale.
Rescuing Faline
Faline was rescued on the Island of Saipan, the most extensive island of the Northern Mariana Islands, where securing adoptive homes for rescue dogs is quite challenging.
“She was hugely timid, very suspicious of us, but you could sense that she simply craved affection,” stated Grace Keilbach from Boonie Babies Saipan in an interview with The Dodo.
Faline is among the numerous canines on Saipan island, recognized as “boonie dogs.”
Boonie dogs are descendants of brave service dogs that were brought to the island to assist during World War II. After the conflict ended, those dogs were either abandoned or lost.
As per the rescue organization, Boonie Dogs are a mixed amalgamation of bloodhounds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Labradors, German Shepherds, and various others.
“Today, the specific breeds in the gene pool are nearly unrecognizable in these dogs due to the isolation, interbreeding, and diversity of the dog community, which has evolved Boonie Dogs into their own “breed”, known as American Village Dogs, existing in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors,” reads a statement on the rescue’s website.
Upon bringing Faline back to their home, a moment occurred where everything clicked for her, and she instinctively comprehended that they were there to provide assistance.
“In Saipan, it’s quite difficult to find dogs a new home, and we were so enamored with this pup that we recognized she deserved the finest family possible,” Grace Keilbach remarked.
Simultaneously, back in Colorado, their younger sibling was approaching her birthday, and it dawned on them that there was no better individual to adopt little Faline than their own kin.
However, for the sisters, transferring Faline to the U.S. mainland posed an entirely different predicament.
Journey to the New Home
It took nearly six months for them to devise a plan since it is incredibly challenging to relocate dogs from this island. Unfortunately, nobody on the island was willing to adopt this gentle girl.
At last, after months of anticipation, a place became available for Faline on a flight.
“That morning, we truly had tears in our eyes. That was an exhilarating moment for us because it marked the first time we were able to transport a dog off the island. We were just so thrilled and couldn’t fathom that it was genuinely happening,” Aria Keilbach shared with The Dodo.
When Faline finally touched down in Colorado, she was a touch apprehensive and timid, but she rapidly became more comfortable.
Now, she is a cherished member of the Keilbach household, and everybody simply adores her, especially Ava, Grace, and Aria’s younger sister.
“She’s just incredibly sweet. It’s so amazing,” Ava remarked.
Faline spends her days taking strolls, playing, relishing myriad treats, and soaking in all the affection —she couldn’t be more content.
“Other Boonie dogs aren’t as fortunate as Faline. When we initially placed her in the States, we hoped she would be the first of MANY, but sadly she turned out to be the first and last for quite some time,” the Keilbach sisters wrote.
Thousands of dogs are literally confined on Saipan, awaiting their opportunity to discover a caring family, and these two sisters are committed to doing everything within their power to facilitate that.
Please support their mission and everything they advocate for. Here’s how you can assist Boonie Babies!