Blog
A New Leash on Life...
 Here is a message we just received from Amy Brown: I honestly cannot begin to express my gratitude for Rafael and Casita Big Dog Rescue. With a new baby on the way and an aggressive dog, unfortunately my family was at the point of looking into rehoming our Belgian Malanois-mix, Layla. The constant barking, jumping, scratching and most importantly fear and aggression toward anyone who entered our home was becoming unbearable. We called Rafael, really to see if he had advice on finding her a new home. He asked if we had time to meet and he came to the rescue the next day. Her reaction to him walking in made me think, “This is it, she’s got to go…”. The two of them went on a walk, and I swear when she came back she was already on her way to becoming a different dog. Rafael spent the next six hours with us teaching us how to be better parents. We know we have a commitment ahead of us to maintain Layla’s new level of awesomeness, but now we have the tools to ensure that we are all getting what we’ve always needed. In less than a week, Layla now sits and stays before entering a door, walks like an angel on her leash, leaves my son’s food alone even when it is being shoved in her face, leaves other animals alone while we’re walking, and most importantly is a much happier, more confident dog. I know it sounds silly, but Rafael honestly changed our lives. The stress of a dog that we loved, but that we knew wasn’t working was overwhelming. Our daily walks are now some of the highlights of our day, whether we do them alone (love that quiet bonding time!) or as a family (love that loud bonding time!). We are really enjoying working together to accomplish this goal, and being able to walk into our home without being pounced on. Thank you so much Rafael, you really are a life changer, and Layla is pretty appreciative too!  Casita would like to thank the Browns for giving us the opportunity to work with them and get to know their amazing family. Its an honor to help people who show such commitment to family - which include the precious creatures they adopt. We will always be there for you! Here is a picture of Maryellen & Ken - at Scout's favorite watering hole ;) |
A Wet Nose & A Warm Heart
- by Susan Bridenstine  Jackie, a soft-spoken artist, recently recognized that she had room in her heart and her home that needed to be filled and began her quest for a dog. After pursuing a few dead-end leads, she ran across https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofCitrusCountyAnimalServices and decided to drive the hour and a half to Inverness to see a dog. Unfortunately, the dog wasn't compatible with her cat. Volunteers, James and Laci, at Citrus County Animal Services helped Jackie and directed her to Jeremy Burns, a kennel tech. They told her about a young dog that was desperately in need of love and a home.  It's possible Raquel may have been used as a "bait dog," and was so timid that she crawled on the floor. Despite her wounds and scars, Jackie saw Raquel's pure soul and realized that scars, like beauty, are only skin deep. The connection was immediate and mutual. The paperwork was completed for the adoption and arrangements made for Raquel to be spayed. Jackie would return one long week later to take her home. Because of Raquel's special needs, Jeremy realized that Jackie may need some help with the transition from shelter to home. He suggested she contact, Rafael Cabrera, Dog Behavior Specialist, with Casita Big Dog Rescue. Rafael, well-known as "the dog whisperer of Citrus County," has hundreds of success stories helping people understand and modify their dog's behavior, making them enjoyable, long-term members of the family. He met Jackie at the shelter when she returned and explained that Raquel may never have been adopted because of her appearance and fearful demeanor. She wasn't an outgoing, tail-wagging puppy that rushed out to lick people and probably would have been overlooked in the multitude of other available dogs. Rafael advised Jackie on many subjects concerning Raquel's needs and care and answered her questions. He assured her that he would be a phone call away if she needed help.  When Jackie placed the matching pink collar and leash on Raquel, she immediately transformed into a happy dog. Outside they walked tall and they both appeared to smile. Jackie hugged Raquel and said, "I feel like I was sent here to find you." Raquel sat up proudly and licked Jackie gratefully.    |
Who Rescued Who?
- by Susan Bridenstine, Adopter of Blaze - formerly of Casita Big Dog Rescue
Just four months
ago, I decided that I wanted and needed a dog. As a writer, my
activity level seemed at an all-time low. I needed a personal
trainer to make me exercise and decided a dog was the perfect
solution to get myself back on track. Today I have a loyal friend for
life who has me in training and demands that I walk with her every
day. We both benefit and love the company, but there's more to the
story.
By a wonderful stroke of luck, my husband and I ran into Rafael Cabrera and Bill Rock of Casita Big Dog Rescue at the Bass Tournament last September in Inverness. We both liked a dog Bill had there named Rocky. Bill did us a big favor and explained that Rocky was a high energy dog and probably would not be a good match for us. He suggested we to talk to Rafael about a dog he had that day named Mindy. Rafael explained that Mindy was an American Dingo also known as a Carolina Singer and that her energy level was better suited to our life-style. Mindy met all of the criteria I wanted in the right dog for us. Plus Rafael and Bill had spent hours working with her so she walked well on a leash, didn't jump up on people, was house broken and non-destructive, she was crate-trained, and very well behaved and extremely intelligent.
We liked Mindy, but didn't want to jump into anything that required so much commitment, responsibility and life-style change so we went home and did our homework on the breed and their characteristics. Mindy checked out. In fact, we were fascinated by the amazing history of the American Dingo. I couldn't wait until Tuesday to call Rafael and see if Mindy was still available for adoption.
She was. We all agreed that Rafael would bring her to our house for a couple of visits to see how well we all got along together. E Harmony couldn't have made a better match. Rafael explained the initial transition and how to relate to Mindy. He spent hours educating us about crating, pack mentality, discipline and much more. He immediately taught Mindy to stay out of my tiny kitchen and to follow commands and parameters to make the transition as smooth as possible. We had no idea there was so much that we didn't know about living with a dog and developing a mutually respectful relationship.
Today, we're one happy family. Blaze won't give us a break until we exercise her so she's doing her job as personal trainer. My husband has recovered and looks forward to our walks together at the dog park.
Blaze came to us when we needed her and is a wonderful addition to our family. We're ever-grateful to Rafael, Bill and Casita Big Dog Rescue for seeing the potential in Blaze and saving her life, rehabilitating her, educating us, and as a result, extending our lives and making us all so happy.
To watch Mindy's adoption, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=pJSQHPLlrzc
Helping Wounded Warriors
 The golf tournament, held at Lakeside Golf Course in Inverness benefited all branches of service of Injured Warriors of Florida. The presentations were made by Joe Spoto, Judge Advocate of MCL #1139 and Chairman of the golf tournament. Also in attendance were, Bill Rock of Casita Big Dog Rescue and the amazing volunteers from the county shelter who helped the day of the event, Rebecca Johnson, Christina Heady DeLisle and Mary Napolitano. Also pictured, front and center, is Smokey - a former shelter dog - now a beloved service dog! |
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Juneau
With lineage of a Saint Bernard and a Husky, Juneau is a very impressive five year old. He's a sweet boy with a big heart a whole lot of love to give. If you're a sucker for big brown eyes or beautiful blue eyes, he's got one of each. Juneau is seeking a second chance and needs a forever home with an assertive, patient companion. Ideally, his new companion will be an experienced dog owner with an understanding of Saint Bernards and Huskies. **He should be the only pet in a home with no small children.** A small adoption fee of $30. will allow the right person to take this wonderful dog home. Included in the fee are: microchip, worming, neutering, vaccinations, flea pill, and a blood test. Don't wait. See how special Juneau is at Citrus County Animal Services, 4030 South Airport Road in Inverness FL. Please contact Rafael at 352-217-9727 if you are interested in knowing more about Juneau – his background. Rafael would be available to help integrate Juneau into the right home.  |
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