Ca Eivissencs
Breed Description

Throughout the Mediterranean region and in international dog communities, Ca Eivissencs are identified by various names that reflect their rich cultural heritage and geographical origins. In their native Catalonian language, these dogs are traditionally called "Ca Eivissenc," representing the singular form of the breed name that has been used for centuries on the island of Ibiza.

Spanish-speaking regions commonly refer to the breed as "Podenco Ibicenco," where "Podenco" indicates the broader family of Mediterranean hunting dogs and "Ibicenco" specifies the Ibizan origin. This naming convention places the breed within the context of other regional Podenco varieties found throughout Spain and Portugal, each adapted to their specific local environments and hunting traditions.

In English-speaking countries, particularly those with strong kennel club traditions, the breed is frequently known as the "Ibizan Hound," a translation that emphasizes both the geographical origin and the breed's classification as a hound. Some historical references include "Ibizan Podenco" or simply "Podenco" in contexts where the regional specificity is understood.

Regional variations in naming also reflect the breed's spread throughout Europe. French cynological literature may reference "Chien d'Ibiza" or "Lévrier d'Ibiza," while Italian sources might use "Segugio di Ibiza." These variations demonstrate how the breed's name has adapted to different linguistic traditions while maintaining clear reference to its island heritage and hunting function.

Ca Eivissencs represent one of the Mediterranean's most refined examples of primitive hunting dogs, embodying thousands of years of natural selection and purposeful breeding on the rocky terrains of Ibiza. These remarkable athletes display a harmonious balance between power and elegance, creating a unique silhouette that immediately identifies them among canine breeds. Their Mediterranean heritage is evident in every aspect of their conformation, from their lean, efficient build to their alert, intelligent expression.

The overall impression of Ca Eivissencs is one of refined athleticism and noble bearing. Males typically measure between 66-72 centimeters at the withers, while females range from 60-67 centimeters, creating a breed that commands attention without appearing bulky or cumbersome. Their weight proportionally ranges from 20-30 kilograms, distributed across a frame designed for endurance, speed, and agility in challenging Mediterranean terrain.

The skull construction of Ca Eivissencs reveals their ancient lineage and specialized function. The head presents a distinctive wedge shape when viewed from above, narrowing gradually from the broad skull to the refined muzzle. This conformation provides optimal aerodynamics for sustained running while housing the sensory equipment necessary for multi-modal hunting. The stop is minimal, creating an almost seamless transition from skull to muzzle that enhances the breed's streamlined appearance.

Perhaps the most immediately recognizable feature of Ca Eivissencs are their extraordinary ears. These large, triangular appendages stand fully erect when the dog is alert, capable of independent movement to track sounds from multiple directions simultaneously. The ears are broad at the base and taper to pointed tips, with thin leather that allows for maximum sensitivity. Their size and mobility serve crucial functions in the breed's traditional hunting role, where detecting the subtle sounds of prey movement can mean the difference between success and failure.

The eyes of Ca Eivissencs reflect their intelligence and hunting heritage through their shape, placement, and expression. Medium-sized and obliquely set, they range in color from light amber to rich caramel, always harmonizing with the coat coloration. The eyes convey an alert, slightly aloof expression that speaks to the breed's independent nature and keen awareness of their surroundings. This expression can shift rapidly from calm observation to intense focus when their hunting instincts are engaged.

The coat varieties found in Ca Eivissencs provide adaptation to different environmental conditions while maintaining the breed's essential characteristics. The smooth variety features a short, dense coat that lies close to the body, providing minimal insulation but maximum cooling efficiency during intense activity. The wire-haired variety, though less common, displays a harder, slightly longer coat that offers additional protection from thorny vegetation and rough terrain while maintaining the breed's athletic capabilities.

Coloration in Ca Eivissencs follows traditional patterns that have been preserved for centuries. The classic red and white combination appears in various distributions, from predominantly red dogs with white markings to primarily white dogs with red patches. The red can vary from pale sand tones to deep chestnut shades, all considered equally desirable. Solid red or solid white individuals occur but are less common, and the traditional preference remains for the striking red and white combinations that have characterized the breed throughout its history.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

As the primary international standard-setting organization for Ca Eivissencs, the FCI classifies the breed under Group 5 - Spitz and Primitive Types, Section 7 - Primitive Hunting Dogs. The FCI standard emphasizes the breed's primitive characteristics and natural hunting abilities. Height specifications require males to measure 66-72 cm and females 60-67 cm at the withers. The standard describes a lean, agile dog with an athletic outline and distinctive erect ears that are large, pointed, and highly mobile. Movement should be elastic and ground-covering, demonstrating the breed's endurance capabilities. Coat colors are specified as red and white in various combinations, with clear preference for well-defined markings. The temperament description emphasizes independence, intelligence, and strong hunting instincts while noting the breed's loyalty to family members.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard for Ca Eivissencs emphasizes their role as elegant, athletic sighthounds with distinctive Mediterranean characteristics. The standard calls for a slightly rectangular dog, longer than tall, with clean lines and deer-like grace combined with substantial hunting ability. Size requirements specify males at 23.5-27.5 inches and females at 22.5-26 inches at the shoulder. The head should form a long, narrow cone that is finely chiseled and dry, topped with large, pointed, naturally erect ears. Movement requirements emphasize a ground-covering stride that demonstrates both speed and endurance. The standard allows red and white coloration in various patterns, including solid colors. Temperament should be even, affectionate, and loyal while maintaining natural hunting instincts and demonstrating keen intelligence in working situations.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC standard for Ca Eivissencs places particular emphasis on working ability and functional conformation, reflecting the organization's focus on performance over pure aesthetics. The standard describes a versatile hunting dog with exceptional jumping and turning abilities, capable of working in various terrain types using sight, scent, and hearing. Physical requirements align with other major registries but emphasize the importance of athletic capability and sound movement. The standard specifically mentions the breed's ability to spring to great heights from a standstill and turn abruptly without losing speed. Both smooth and wire-haired varieties are recognized, with detailed descriptions of acceptable coat textures. The temperament section emphasizes trainability, versatility, and suitability for various dog sports while maintaining natural hunting drives. The standard notes that function should always take precedence over form in breeding decisions.

Other Organizations

The Royal Canine Society of Spain maintains breed standards that emphasize traditional hunting performance and authentic Mediterranean type, often requiring demonstrated hunting ability for breeding certification. Their standard includes detailed descriptions of working trials and field performance expectations that preserve the breed's functional heritage. The Kennel Club of Great Britain follows FCI guidelines closely while incorporating specific requirements for British showing conditions and emphasizing the breed's primitive characteristics. European breed clubs often maintain additional performance standards that include lure coursing achievements and endurance testing. These organizations typically focus on preserving genetic diversity and maintaining the breed's original working capabilities through performance-based breeding programs. Regional Spanish clubs maintain the most stringent requirements for traditional hunting skills and often document detailed genealogies tracing back to original island bloodlines.

The historical development of Ca Eivissencs is deeply intertwined with the Mediterranean maritime cultures that shaped the ancient world. Archaeological evidence suggests that dogs remarkably similar to modern Ca Eivissencs have inhabited the Balearic Islands for over two millennia, with their ancestors likely arriving through ancient trade networks that connected North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and the eastern Mediterranean basin.

The Phoenician influence on Ca Eivissencs development cannot be understated, as these master traders established settlements throughout the Mediterranean beginning around 1200 BCE. The Phoenicians valued practical, working dogs that could adapt to various coastal environments and contribute to daily survival needs. Their trading networks likely introduced the ancestral stock of Ca Eivissencs to Ibiza, where the island's unique environment would shape the breed's development over subsequent centuries.

During the Carthaginian period (6th-3rd centuries BCE), Ibiza served as a crucial strategic outpost, and the island's dog population likely received genetic contributions from North African and other Mediterranean hunting breeds brought by Carthaginian settlers and military forces. This period may have introduced important traits related to endurance hunting and adaptation to hot climates that remain characteristic of modern Ca Eivissencs.

The Roman conquest of the Balearic Islands in 123 BCE brought new administrative structures and potentially new genetic influences to the island's dog population. Roman agricultural practices and hunting traditions may have influenced the selection criteria for Ca Eivissencs, emphasizing traits that would make them valuable for controlling rabbit populations that could damage crops. The Roman period also established trade connections that may have spread the breed's influence to other Mediterranean regions.

The medieval period marked a crucial phase in Ca Eivissencs development, as the breed became essential to the subsistence economy of Ibiza's rural population. During this era, breeding was entirely functional, with selection based solely on hunting performance, hardiness, and ability to thrive on minimal resources. The isolation of Ibiza during much of the medieval period allowed the breed to develop distinctive characteristics without significant outside genetic influence.

The Renaissance and early modern periods saw increased contact between Ibiza and mainland Europe, but Ca Eivissencs remained primarily working dogs valued for their practical abilities rather than as companions or show animals. Trade connections with mainland Spain, France, and Italy may have introduced limited genetic diversity while the core population remained stable on the island.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Mediterranean island societies, including Ibiza, as modernization and improved transportation connected previously isolated communities to broader European culture. During this period, the first systematic documentation of Ca Eivissencs characteristics began, though the breed remained primarily known only to the inhabitants of Ibiza and occasional visitors who recognized their exceptional hunting abilities.

The 20th century transformation of Ca Eivissencs from purely functional island dogs to internationally recognized breed began in the early 1900s when Spanish cynologists started documenting and promoting the country's native breeds. The Spanish Civil War and World War II presented challenges to breed preservation, but the importance of Ca Eivissencs to local hunting traditions helped ensure their survival during these difficult periods.

International recognition accelerated in the 1950s and 1960s as European dog enthusiasts discovered Ca Eivissencs and began establishing breeding programs outside Spain. The breed's introduction to North America followed, with dedicated breeders working to maintain authentic characteristics while adapting to new environments and different hunting conditions. Modern Ca Eivissencs breeding emphasizes preserving the breed's ancient heritage while ensuring genetic health and adaptability to contemporary roles as both working dogs and companions.

The fundamental function of Ca Eivissencs centers on their role as specialized Mediterranean hunting dogs, developed over centuries to excel in the unique challenges presented by Ibiza's rocky, scrub-covered terrain. Unlike breeds developed for single-sensory hunting, Ca Eivissencs evolved as multi-modal hunters, seamlessly integrating sight, scent, and hearing to track and capture prey in environments where relying on any single sense would limit effectiveness.

Traditional hunting methodology with Ca Eivissencs involves sophisticated pack dynamics and terrain utilization that reflects centuries of refinement. The preferred pack composition typically features a majority of females, prized for their patience, strategic thinking, and cooperative hunting abilities, supplemented by one or two males who contribute strength and stamina. This gender preference in working packs reflects practical experience showing that female Ca Eivissencs often demonstrate superior problem-solving abilities and pack coordination during complex hunts.

The hunting sequence begins with the dogs using their exceptional auditory capabilities to detect prey movement from considerable distances. Their large, mobile ears can independently track multiple sound sources, allowing them to triangulate prey locations with remarkable accuracy. Once prey is located, the pack employs strategic positioning around escape routes while designated individuals flush prey from cover, demonstrating the breed's intelligence and capacity for cooperative planning.

Ca Eivissencs' extraordinary leaping ability serves crucial functions beyond mere athleticism, enabling them to navigate Ibiza's terraced landscape and rocky outcroppings with ease. Their capacity to leap vertically from standing positions allows them to pursue prey through terrain that would challenge other breeds, while their ability to change direction rapidly at full speed makes them formidable hunters in the Mediterranean scrubland environment.

In contemporary settings, Ca Eivissencs have successfully transitioned to various sporting and recreational activities that honor their hunting heritage while providing appropriate outlets for their physical and mental needs. Lure coursing has become particularly popular, offering controlled environments where the breed can exercise their chasing instincts while competing against coursing standards that evaluate speed, agility, endurance, and enthusiasm.

The breed's function in competitive dog sports extends well beyond coursing to include agility competitions where their natural jumping abilities and intelligence create formidable competitors. Rally obedience and traditional obedience trials showcase their trainability and desire to work in partnership with humans, while tracking events utilize their scenting abilities in structured environments that simulate aspects of their traditional hunting role.

Modern working roles for Ca Eivissencs include various service and therapy applications where their intelligence, sensitivity, and strong human bonds prove valuable. Some individuals serve effectively in search and rescue operations, particularly in terrain similar to their traditional hunting grounds, where their endurance and multi-sensory tracking abilities provide distinct advantages over breeds developed for different environments.

As family companions, Ca Eivissencs function as loyal, intelligent guardians who naturally monitor their territory and alert family members to unusual activities. Their function in this role balances protective instincts with the breed's characteristic reserve, making them effective deterrents without the aggressive tendencies that might create liability issues in residential settings.

Conservation and breed preservation represent increasingly important functions for modern Ca Eivissencs, as dedicated breeders and enthusiasts work to maintain genetic diversity and authentic characteristics while adapting to contemporary needs. This includes participation in genetic research projects, maintenance of detailed breeding records, and education programs that help preserve traditional knowledge about the breed's original functions and capabilities. Through these efforts, Ca Eivissencs continue to serve as living representatives of ancient Mediterranean hunting traditions while successfully adapting to modern roles and expectations.

The behavioral profile of Ca Eivissencs reflects their evolution as independent, intelligent hunters who must make split-second decisions while working in challenging Mediterranean terrain. This heritage has produced dogs with sophisticated cognitive abilities, strong problem-solving skills, and a unique combination of loyalty and self-reliance that distinguishes them from breeds developed primarily as companions or for human-directed tasks.

Intelligence in Ca Eivissencs manifests through their remarkable ability to assess situations, plan responses, and adapt their strategies based on environmental feedback. These dogs demonstrate exceptional spatial awareness and memory, often remembering specific locations, routes, and situations for extended periods. Their intelligence includes both analytical problem-solving abilities and intuitive understanding of human emotions and intentions, creating dogs that are both intellectually capable and emotionally perceptive.

The hunting drive in Ca Eivissencs remains powerfully embedded in their behavioral makeup, influencing their responses to movement, their territorial awareness, and their interaction with other animals. This drive expresses itself through intense focus on potential prey animals, systematic exploration of environments for interesting scents or sounds, and an almost compulsive need to investigate and pursue anything that triggers their predatory instincts. Understanding and managing this drive is essential for successful ownership and integration into modern lifestyles.

Social dynamics in Ca Eivissencs reflect their pack hunting heritage, making them naturally aware of hierarchy and group dynamics. Within human families, they typically establish clear relationships with different family members while maintaining their characteristic independence. They often display preference for specific individuals while remaining loyal to the entire family unit, and they can be sensitive to changes in family dynamics or stress levels.

Communication patterns in Ca Eivissencs are sophisticated and varied, reflecting their need to coordinate with pack members during hunts while remaining relatively quiet to avoid alerting prey. They use subtle body language, positioning, and eye contact to convey information and respond to human cues. Their vocalizations are typically purposeful rather than casual, with different sounds indicating alerting, excitement, frustration, or invitation to play.

Territorial behavior in Ca Eivissencs combines natural protective instincts with their hunting heritage, resulting in dogs that actively monitor their environment while avoiding unnecessary confrontation. They typically patrol their territory regularly, investigating any changes or unusual activities, and will alert family members to potential concerns. However, they generally prefer to avoid direct confrontation and will retreat or seek assistance rather than engage aggressively.

Exercise behavior in Ca Eivissencs reflects their high energy levels and need for both physical and mental stimulation. They prefer activities that combine running, exploration, and problem-solving rather than repetitive exercises that don't engage their intelligence. They may become restless or develop behavioral problems if their exercise needs are not met through appropriately challenging activities that simulate aspects of their traditional hunting role.

Learning behavior in Ca Eivissencs demonstrates their intelligence and independence, as they learn quickly but prefer to understand the reasoning behind commands rather than simply following instructions blindly. They respond best to training approaches that respect their intelligence and provide clear, consistent expectations while allowing them some autonomy in how they achieve desired outcomes.

Stress responses in Ca Eivissencs typically involve subtle behavioral changes rather than dramatic reactions, making it important for owners to understand their individual dog's communication patterns. Signs of stress might include increased pacing, changes in appetite, withdrawal from family activities, or intensification of hunting behaviors. They generally recover well from stress when provided with consistent routines, appropriate exercise, and supportive family environments.

The relationship between Ca Eivissencs and other pets requires careful management and understanding of their predatory instincts. While they can learn to coexist peacefully with other household animals through proper socialization and training, their hunting heritage means they may always view small, quick-moving animals as potential prey. Success in multi-pet households depends on early socialization, consistent management, and recognition of individual personality differences within the breed.

Integration of Ca Eivissencs into family life requires understanding and accommodation of their unique blend of loyalty, independence, and ancient hunting instincts. These dogs form profound emotional connections with their human families while maintaining the self-reliant characteristics that enabled their ancestors to survive and thrive in the challenging Mediterranean environment. Successful family relationships depend on recognizing and respecting these fundamental aspects of their nature.

The establishment of family hierarchy with Ca Eivissencs often occurs naturally through their tendency to observe and assess family dynamics before determining their role within the group. They typically develop strongest bonds with family members who provide consistent care, training, and activities that engage their intelligence and physical capabilities. This selective bonding should not be interpreted as rejection of other family members, but rather as a reflection of their discriminating nature and preference for meaningful relationships.

Children's relationships with Ca Eivissencs can be particularly rewarding when properly managed and supervised. These dogs often display remarkable patience and gentleness with young family members they know well, sometimes exhibiting protective behaviors that reflect their natural alertness and territorial instincts. However, their size, energy level, and strong prey drive require careful supervision during interactions with small children to prevent accidental injuries during play or excitement.

Educational opportunities arise naturally when children participate appropriately in Ca Eivissencs care and training. These experiences can teach children about responsibility, animal behavior, and the importance of consistency in relationships with intelligent, independent animals. Children who learn to communicate effectively with Ca Eivissencs often develop enhanced understanding of non-verbal communication and respect for animal intelligence and autonomy.

The breed's role as family sentinels emerges naturally from their alertness and territorial awareness, making them effective early warning systems for unusual activities or visitors. Their natural wariness of strangers, combined with their intelligence and discretion, creates dogs that will alert family members to potential concerns without creating unnecessary disturbances or displaying inappropriate aggression toward legitimate visitors.

Routine establishment becomes particularly important in families with Ca Eivissencs, as these dogs thrive on predictability and consistency in their daily schedules. Regular exercise times, feeding schedules, and training sessions help them feel secure and well-integrated into family life. Disruptions to established routines may cause anxiety in sensitive individuals, so families should plan for schedule changes by gradually adjusting routines when possible.

The substantial exercise requirements of Ca Eivissencs significantly impact family lifestyle choices, as these dogs need extensive daily activity that goes beyond simple neighborhood walks. Families must be prepared to provide regular opportunities for running, exploring, and engaging in activities that stimulate both their physical and mental capabilities. This might involve weekend hiking expeditions, regular visits to securely fenced areas for off-leash exercise, or participation in organized dog sports that provide appropriate outlets for their energy and intelligence.

Multi-pet family dynamics require particularly careful consideration when Ca Eivissencs are involved due to their strong predatory instincts and selective social preferences. Small pets such as cats, rabbits, or birds may be viewed as prey rather than family members, regardless of early socialization efforts. Even when peaceful coexistence is achieved, ongoing supervision and management are typically necessary to prevent predatory incidents.

Relationships with other dogs in the household generally prove more successful, particularly when all dogs are of similar size and energy levels. Ca Eivissencs often enjoy the company of other athletic, intelligent breeds that can match their play intensity and understand their communication styles. However, they may be selective about their canine companions and might not appreciate overly submissive or excessively dominant housemates.

Indoor behavioral expectations must be clearly established and consistently maintained with Ca Eivissencs, as their intelligence and independence can lead to creative interpretations of household rules if boundaries are not clearly defined. While generally well-behaved indoors when their exercise needs are met, they require consistent training to understand expectations about furniture use, food manners, and behavior around guests.

Family stress and emotional dynamics significantly impact Ca Eivissencs due to their sensitivity to human emotions and their strong bonds with family members. They often mirror the emotional state of their families, becoming anxious during stressful periods or excited during happy occasions. This emotional sensitivity creates opportunities for deep bonding but also means that family harmony and stability directly affect the dog's well-being and behavior.

Travel and vacation planning requires special consideration when Ca Eivissencs are family members, as their strong family bonds and sensitivity to routine changes can make them poor candidates for unfamiliar boarding facilities. Many families find that arranging for trusted pet sitters who can maintain routines at home, or selecting pet-friendly accommodations that allow the dog to travel with the family, work better than traditional boarding options for this breed.

Ca Eivissencs benefit from centuries of natural selection that prioritized survival, working ability, and adaptation to Mediterranean environments over purely aesthetic considerations. This evolutionary pressure has resulted in a generally robust breed with fewer inherited health problems compared to many breeds developed through intensive human selection for specific appearance traits. However, responsible ownership and breeding require awareness of health considerations that can affect the breed.

The breed's primitive heritage and natural development have contributed to their overall genetic health, but their relatively small population and island origins create potential concerns about genetic diversity that require careful management in breeding programs. Maintaining genetic diversity while preserving breed characteristics represents an ongoing challenge that requires cooperation between breeders, researchers, and registry organizations worldwide.

Cardiovascular health in Ca Eivissencs generally remains excellent throughout their lives, supported by their lean body composition, high activity levels, and genetic background that favored endurance athletes. However, their athletic nature makes it important to monitor for any signs of exercise intolerance, breathing difficulties, or irregular heart rhythms that might indicate developing cardiac issues. Regular cardiovascular evaluations help ensure early detection of any problems that might affect their quality of life or working ability.

The breed's sensitivity to barbiturate anesthesia requires special attention from veterinarians unfamiliar with sighthound breeds. This sensitivity, shared with related Mediterranean breeds, necessitates alternative anesthetic protocols for surgical procedures. Owners should ensure that any veterinarian treating their Ca Eivissencs understands this sensitivity and has experience with appropriate anesthetic alternatives.

Orthopedic health typically remains good in Ca Eivissencs throughout their lives, though their athletic lifestyle and extraordinary jumping abilities can occasionally result in injuries from overexertion or accidents. While hip and elbow dysplasia can occur in the breed, rates remain relatively low compared to many breeds of similar size. Their lean muscle mass and natural agility generally support excellent joint health and mobility well into their senior years.

Neurological health considerations include a low incidence of epilepsy and occasional cases of axonal dystrophy, a progressive condition affecting nerve function. While these conditions are relatively rare, their serious nature makes them important considerations in breeding programs and health monitoring. Early recognition of neurological symptoms enables appropriate veterinary intervention and management strategies.

Preventive healthcare for Ca Eivissencs should emphasize regular veterinary examinations, appropriate vaccination protocols, and comprehensive parasite prevention programs. Their hunting heritage and exploration behaviors make them susceptible to exposure to various environmental parasites and diseases, making consistent preventive care particularly important for maintaining optimal health.

Nutritional management plays a crucial role in maintaining Ca Eivissencs health and athletic performance throughout their lives. These active dogs require high-quality nutrition that supports their energy needs while maintaining their characteristically lean physique. Overfeeding or inappropriate nutrition can lead to weight gain that stresses joints and reduces athletic performance, while inadequate nutrition can compromise their energy levels and overall health.

Environmental health considerations include protection from temperature extremes, as their lean build and relatively sparse coat provide limited insulation against cold weather. While they adapt well to warm climates, they need appropriate shelter and protection during winter months. Their light-colored skin in areas with sparse hair coverage also makes them susceptible to sunburn during extended outdoor exposure.

Dental health requires regular attention and preventive care, as Ca Eivissencs can develop periodontal disease without proper oral hygiene. Regular brushing, appropriate chew toys, and professional dental cleanings help maintain oral health throughout their lives. Early establishment of dental care routines makes ongoing maintenance easier and more effective for both dog and owner.

Reproductive health in breeding Ca Eivissencs requires particular attention to genetic diversity and comprehensive health testing of breeding stock. The breed's relatively small population makes every breeding decision important for maintaining genetic health in future generations. Breeding programs should include detailed health evaluations, careful pedigree analysis to avoid excessive inbreeding, and ongoing health monitoring of offspring to ensure continued improvement in breed health.

Senior health management for Ca Eivissencs should focus on maintaining their activity levels while accommodating age-related changes in mobility, sensory function, and energy levels. Many Ca Eivissencs remain active and healthy well into their teens when provided with appropriate care, exercise modification, and monitoring for age-related health changes that might require veterinary intervention or lifestyle adjustments.

If you're looking to adopt a Ca Eivissencs, consider contacting these rescue organizations that specialize in sighthounds and related Mediterranean breeds:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Ca Eivissencs waiting for their forever homes.