RafStar K9

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Animal welfare behavior consultant, dog trainer, & cinematographer creating content that inspires better outcomes. Reactivity/Aggression Assessments.

Specializing in shelter consulting, behavior solutions, enrichment, training, & storytelling that helps
dogs find their second chance. Living life with dog(s); tips, tricks, training. Dog to dog sociability. Online coaching. Problem solving.

11/06/2026

The approach matters.

With Anna, that meant giving her space, reducing pressure, and adjusting my handling to what she was showing me from the kennel approach through muzzle fitting and support for vaccines.

Behavior work is part of everyday shelter care. It’s how we approach, move, and handle the dog in front of us.

Looking for practical behavior and handling support for your shelter team? Message RafStar K9
OR
Check out www.itsRafStar.com

10/31/2026

78 dogs made it into playgroups today at Mission Animal Shelter!

It was a fast-paced day and a true team effort! I think by the end, we had everyone convinced with the program, which is always great to see.

Mission was my final shelter stop with Best Friends Animal Society, and what a way to wrap things up! Grateful for the teams I’ve worked with and excited to see these programs continue making a difference for the dogs!

10/29/2026

Sometimes, the best thing I can do for a shelter dog is give them a night away.

A comfortable bed, some peace and quiet, a little attention, and the chance to just be a dog. Nothing fancy. Just a few hours of normalcy.

I won’t lie, I hate taking them back. Especially after watching them settle in, relax, and enjoy the little things we sometimes take for granted.

I can’t take every dog home. I can’t fix everything. And I can’t promise tomorrow will be any different for them.

But if I can give a dog one peaceful night, some company, and a chance to decompress, I’m more than okay with that.

It may not change their entire situation, but it can make a difference in that moment.

And sometimes, that’s enough.

📸 ft.
Paquita
Available for adoption at Mission Animal Shelter

10/29/2026

My buddy Chief here NEEDS an out!

Chief is a senior shepherd who deserves a whole lot more than spending his golden years in a shelter.

He’s dog social, communicates well with other dogs, and gives appropriate corrections when absolutely necessary. He’s also got a weak back end, so he’s going to need someone who understands that his body isn’t quite keeping up with his spirit anymore.

I’m really hoping someone will step up and give this old man the retirement home he deserves. A comfortable place to rest, some love, a little patience, and the chance to enjoy whatever time he has left surrounded by people who care about him.

Chief doesn’t need a whole lot. He just needs someone willing to give him a chance.

Let’s get this good old boy out of the shelter and into a home!

Mission Animal Shelter

10/28/2026

Day 1 - Converse Animal Care
**Sometimes, the dogs show us something we didn't expect.**

Today at Converse Animal Shelter, we introduced River and SuperNova during playgroups.

Initially, staff weren't sure these two would be a good match. But with a thoughtful introduction and the opportunity to interact, things worked out great!

What stood out most wasn't just how well they played together. It was what the interaction showed us about River.

Sometimes, all it takes is the right opportunity to see a different side of a dog.

That's one of the things I love most about playgroups. We're not just giving dogs time outside their kennels. We're learning who they are, how they communicate, and what they're capable of when given the right support.

**More information. Better understanding. Better opportunities for positive outcomes.**

And today, River and SuperNova gave us a pretty great reminder of that.

10/27/2026

One last week on the road.

Nevada to Texas, with stops in Converse, Killeen, and Mission.

Three cities. Three shelters. Several days of working alongside shelter teams, supporting playgroups, and helping create more opportunities for dogs to get out, interact, and show us who they are beyond the kennel.

This week also marks the end of my time with Best Friends Animal Society.

I'm not entirely sure what comes next, but I know how much this work means to me, and I'm grateful for the people, dogs, and experiences that have been part of the journey.

For now, there's still work to do.

Here's part one of my final week on the road.

10/25/2026

Mission Animal Shelter
Get ready for the upcoming session!
October 29-30!

10/22/2026

4 organizations. 2 shelters. 35 dogs. One common goal!

Great day working alongside some dedicated people from Angleton Animal Services, Brazoria County Sheriff's Office - Animal Welfare, Navasota Animal Shelter, and West Columbia Animal Shelter

We hosted playgroups at Angleton and Brazoria, working through all 26 dogs at Angleton and another 9 at Brazoria!

A full day of assessments, enrichment, learning, and collaboration, all focused on better understanding the dogs in our care and improving their quality of life.

35 dogs, four organizations, and a whole lot of people putting in the work to make a difference!

Huge thanks to everyone who came together and made today a success. This is what collaboration in animal welfare should look like!

10/20/2026

Just me and my girl Raya, making our rounds. 🐾

This was on our way to drop Raya off with “Uncle Nick” over at Content K9s, who’s been helping care for her and work with her whenever I’m traveling for work.

I’m grateful to have good people in her corner who are willing to step up and be part of her journey. It really does take people willing to give a little of their time, experience, and resources to make the difference.

And while Raya has a safe place with us for as long as she needs it, let’s not forget this beautiful girl is still looking for a home to call her own!

Until then, we’ll keep giving her the care, consistency, and opportunities she deserves.

If you think Raya might be a good fit for your family, reach out. Let’s talk!

One dog at a time. ❤️🐾

Address

Spring Valley
Las Vegas, NV
89147

Telephone

+18637389309

Website

https://gofund.me/eaf212999

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