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 very difficult place for an animal lover. I saw things there that were imprinted on my soul, never to be forgotten. I finally decided that in order 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 of these 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 simply because the opportunity presents itself regularly. Once old enough, these pups are transferred to a rescue where they have the best chance to be adopted.  Through these experiences, I’ve learned 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.

This website will guide you through raising your dog in a way that helps them thrive and allows you to continue living your life without feeling overwhelmed.  We will provide tried and true tips and advice to help you excel in this grand adventure of life with a dog.