If you’ve been searching for CARES K9 Country Orphanage and wondering what happened—you’re not alone. For 25+ years, CARES (Central Animal Rescue Efforts Shelter) was a trusted name in dog rescue across Central Alberta. It operated on a beautiful 6+ acre property and was deeply committed to saving the lives of dogs in need.
But here’s the good news:
That same mission is still going strong—with a name that better suits our movement.
Welcome to Four Feet and a Heartbeat ❤️🐶
✨ New Name, Same Mission
What many people don’t realize is that CARES K9 Country Orphanage stood for Central Animal Rescue Efforts Shelter—a name rooted in compassion, care, and community. Today, that legacy continues as Four Feet and a Heartbeat, a no-kill animal rescue based right here in Central Alberta.
We still work from the same open, 6+ acre rural property—offering dogs space to breathe, heal, and prepare for their forever homes.
And we still believe what we always have:
Every animal deserves a second chance.
🐕 Why the Name Change?
Over the years, our mission has grown. Thanks to a new partnerships within the animal rescue coalition network, we’re now able to support even more local animals quickly, safely, and efficiently across the province.
Along with this those partnership, we’ve also expanded our care to include other animals in need—like llamas, chickens, goats, and livestock—as part of our broader commitment to animal welfare in Alberta’s rural communities.
That shift inspired our new name:
Four Feet and a Heartbeat 💞
Because whether it’s paws, hooves, or claws—every life we save comes with four feet and a whole lot of heart.
🐾 Who We Are Today
Four Feet and a Heartbeat is led by our Founder, Kyla Mykytiw, a lifelong animal advocate with deep roots in Alberta’s rescue community. Kyla and her team continue the same hands-on, heart-led work that CARES K9 Country Orphanage was known for.
We’re proud to be a no-kill shelter serving Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lacombe, and surrounding communities, with adoptions reaching across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and even into other parts of Canada and the U.S.
Our mission is simple:
🐶 Rescue.
🏡 Rehome.
❤️ Restore hope.
🔎 Still Looking for CARES K9 Country Orphanage?
We may look a little different—but the property is the same, the values are the same, and the animals are just as grateful for your love and support.
So if you’ve:
- Adopted from CARES in the past 🐕
- Volunteered or donated 🙏
- Or are just discovering us for the first time 👋
We’re so glad you’re here.
🐶 Ready to Help?
Whether you’re looking to adopt, support, or share our mission, here’s how to get involved:
👉 View dogs and animals available for adoption
💝 Make a donation to support our rescue efforts
📲 Follow us on Facebook for updates and happy tails!
🐾 Join the Next Chapter
At Four Feet and a Heartbeat, we’re proud to carry forward such a the legacy, while expanding our reach to help more animals in need. There has been a lot of growth and many developments over the years —but the heart behind the work has only grown stronger.
Thanks for being part of our story. 💕
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🐾 Four Feet and a Heartbeat 