Who I am
Who I am
Hi, I’m Karen Rais-Higgins, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s dogs. My life has revolved around them for as long as I can remember. From my days on the Christian Mission Field in Mexico, where I found myself helping people and rescuing pups in need, to running a dog sanctuary in Southwest Arkansas, my journey with dogs has been a lifelong passion.
Mexico was a challenging place for an animal lover. I saw things there that were imprinted on my soul, never to be forgotten. I finally decided that to sleep at night, I had to help some of these animals, even if just one at a time. My help started small until I started working with the city municipality, and rather than drop dogs off at the pound, they would drop them off at the Christian Community Center we founded. I remember being overwhelmed and fighting with everything I had to save these poor creatures. I learned so much by being on the ground and responsible for many animals. Though it was often heartbreaking, I would not trade that time for anything as I learned so much, and it prepared me for my future.
After Mexico, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where I became involved in rescue work, primarily as a foster. Over the years, I noticed a heartbreaking cycle—dogs would be adopted, struggle with behavioral issues, and then be returned. They’d go to another home, only to be returned again for the same reasons. It was frustrating and unnecessary, and I knew something had to change. That’s when I decided to step into the dog training world, determined to help dogs become balanced, happy, and valuable members of their families.
Since I was always fostering, I have had no less than 15 dogs in my home at any given time, and that number never went down. After Phoenix, I moved to Colorado, opening a doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, and training facility. Unlike traditional kennels, my facility was cage-free, meaning I spent my days (and nights) observing how dogs communicate, interact in large groups, and what makes them thrive. I watched dogs speak their language for years—through body signals, subtle movements, and social interactions. This experience reinforced my belief that socialization is the key to a well-adjusted, happy dog.
I sold that business a year ago and relocated to Southwest Arkansas to focus on my nonprofit dog sanctuary, Dog Cabin Ranch Sanctuary, which I founded in 2022. This sanctuary is more than just a rescue—it’s a haven for dogs with nowhere else to go. Whether due to behavioral challenges, medical conditions, or simply old age, these dogs find a place where they belong. They live together in a structured social environment, and when they don’t fit into the world, they fit here.
Living in SW Arkansas has led me back into the rescue arena. I have had the opportunity to get back into fostering puppies and rescuing dogs simply because the opportunity has presented itself. These experiences taught me that raising a great dog isn’t about luck but consistency, socialization, exercise, and training. These four pillars create a well-balanced, happy, and confident dog.
One of the biggest struggles in rescue is keeping dogs in their home once they have been adopted. Many of these pups are not trained, and their baggage follows them wherever they go. I read through forums regularly, and it makes me so sad that many people feel hopeless and unhappy when they get a new puppy or dog. That is not the way it is supposed to be.
The goal with the website is to give recommendations to those struggling with their pup. I have tried many things that I would never try again, and I have tried many things I would recommend to anyone who would listen. I want to help you!
Please feel free to reach out to me at karen.dcrsanctuary@gmail.com. I would love to hear form you!
I am an affiliate for some of the products recommended on this website. Any money earned from referrals goes to support Dog Cabin Ranch Sanctuary, which is a Non-Profit 501 (c) 3.