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ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Our Philosophy

We’re all about focusing on dogs having opportunities to be themselves without trying to control them. Dogs deserve to have as much autonomy as possible and to be active participants in their lives.


DOGS ARE SENTIENT BEINGS WITH EMOTIONS, NOT ROBOTS WHO SHOULD BE FORCED TO FOLLOW COMMANDS!


This is why rather than making a goal of having an 'obedient dog', we focus on building a trusting and loving relationship in a safe environment with each dog saved. 

The Types of Dogs We Save

We primarily save pitbulls and bully breed dogs labeled as "Rescue Only", meaning they have some sort of behavioral issue, such as animal reactivity, sensitivity to sounds, uneasiness with strangers, dog selectiveness, or similar. 


These types of dogs deserve a second chance, though far too often, rescue organizations are unwilling or unable to commit to these "difficult" cases, and instead focus on saving easier, "more adoptable" dogs who don't have special behavioral needs. That's when we step in!

Training Methods Used

Ethical and humane treatment of dogs is crucial, especially when it comes to training or working with a qualified and certified trainer. 


We advocate for science-backed programs that align with LIMA-based methods for building a loving connection without the use of aversive tools (no e-collars or prong collars ever!) 


We use a combination of rewards-based training that includes a blend of force-free, positive reinforcement, cooperative care, 'talking buttons', and the open-minded approach to guide dogs through a happy, loving, and exciting life!


We are firmly AGAINST any training methods that make a dog 'obey' out of fear of being corrected, punished, or deprived.

How We Help Our Fosters & Adopters Succeed

For foster homes, we provide you all the supplies, food, vet care, and other needs our rescue dog will need while in your care!


We also offer access virtual training programs with certified trainers for our fosters and adopters and are fully committed to being a lifelong partner with all of our adoptive pet parents!


In some cases, adopters may qualify for our "It Takes A Village" Co-Parenting Program. This will be for approved adopters to receive financial assistance and specific supplies provided to them for the lifetime of their dog! This helps to ensure we are setting up a dog in a home that is a great fit with an experienced person, even if they may need some short-term or long-term assistance with the added costs of pet ownership.

Our Programs: Coming Soon!

Foster Home Prep Course: This virtual program provides educational content to prepare people to welcome a foster dog into their home. This program is available to current and new foster parents who may want to foster through ANY rescue organization, not just Miko's Rescue Mission! (Subject to Approval)


"It Takes A Village" Co-Parenting Program: This program aims to provide financial support to people who adopt through Miko's Rescue Mission. We help offset some costs while also providing long-term support with training or anything else needed!


Love After Loss Support Group: This virtual program is designed for people whose beloved pet/s have crossed the rainbow bridge and passed away. It can be hard to ever feel ready to open up your heart and home to a new dog, and we're here to support and prepare you to one day foster or adopt again!

100% Tax-Deductible

We are a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization since 2024. We are dedicated to serving the long-term needs of pitbulls and bully breeds across California and getting more dogs into loving furever homes!

What Your Donations Provide

You help provide everything our dogs need to thrive! Here is a general list of ongoing expenses (not limited to):


  • Dry Dog Food, Food Toppers (Tuna, chicken, Wet Dog Food, etc.), Training Treats, Chews and Other Treats
  • Vet Care, Medications (flea/tick/heartworm, behavioral, prescription foods/supplements, etc.)
  • Toys, Bedding, Blankets, Play Yard Fencing, Baby Gates, Kennels and Crates, Fans
  • Virtual & In-Person Training w/ Certified Trainers
  • Transport Costs, Housing (such as Paid Foster Homes, Boarding, or Pet Sitters)
  • Outings such as Sniffspots 
  • Administrative Needs (Website, Legal, Renewal Costs, etc.)
  • Animal-Safe Cleaning and Sanitation Supplies, Laundromat Fees, Detergent, Pee Pads, etc.
  • Other Supplies such as Apple AirTags, Muzzles, Leashes, Harnesses, Food and Water Bowls, Security Cameras, etc.

Volunteer Program

We are currently looking for virtual volunteers who want to help in a variety of ways online. Please reach out if you're interested in learning more!

Our Partners

We are proud to be in the process of partnering with a variety of businesses, organizations, and individuals to provide the best possible support and care for our dogs. Together we are saving and changing the lives of our pitties, fosters, and adopters!


By supporting Miko’s Rescue Mission Inc., you are supporting your community while working towards a more sustainable and humane future for as many pitbulls and bully breed dogs as possible!

Supporting the Community

Our goal is to eventually have the funding to provide financial assistance to help more people in the community KEEP their dogs, as well as creating or supporting a current spay and neuter program.

Facility Goals

Our goal by mid-2026 is to purchase a house and convert it into a home for our pitties until they find their furever families! This will allow us to Save More Pitbulls while providing a safe space with properly trained employees and volunteers who know how to care for our special behavioral needs dogs. This property will also serve as our headquarters and will be 100% owned by the nonprofit organization!


Future Sanctuary Goals

The longterm goal is to purchase several acres of land to build a pitbull and bully breed sanctuary. The intention behind this is to provide a permanent place where dogs who are unadoptable due to their specific behavioral needs (or lack of finding an experienced adopted) can live their lives in love and safety with people who are trained to properly care for them, furever!

DONATE TODAY

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

President

President

Crystal Cassese

Treasurer

President

President

TBD

Secretary

President

Secretary

TBD

HOW THE RESCUE STARTED

Hi! I’m Crystal Cassese, Founder and President of Miko's Rescue Mission Inc., based in sunny California!


I adopted my sweet Miko in November 2022, he is my Soul Dog and the inspiration behind our rescue organization! He has some special needs related to having a panic disorder which includes dealing with separation anxiety, animal reactivity, sound sensitivity, and dog selectiveness.


Let's just say I was NOT prepared at all when I first adopted him, and together through building a close loving bond, utilizing humane reward-based training (as well as behavioral meds), he has grown and we've come such a long way together since 2022.


When I got Miko, I learned all about the horrific animal overpopulation and shelter crisis, which I previously had zero clue about as a general member of the public. Within a few weeks of having Miko, I knew that one day in the future I planned to start my rescue.


It would have to be once Miko was ready (in his own timing) to begin interacting with other dogs regularly, and once I had learned the skillsets I needed in order to manage and work through his reactivity and other issues. I knew I would need to adopt a dog myself so I could be in full control of the integration and training process, and that it would have to be a dog with a similar personality and temperament to Miko.

Then in March 2024, I saw this dog who was set to be euthanized at Harbor Shelter, and knew she was meant to be my girl. So, we officially started the rescue by saving our first dog, Belle (now Baya) from the shelter so I could adopt her myself!

MEET MY DOGS!

    OUR PROGRESS SO FAR

    From April 2024 to present, we've saved 15 pitbull type dogs from euthanasia at high-kill shelters across Southern California! I'm dedicated to rescuing responsibly, and only commit to a dog when it's realistically within our physical and financial capacity. Currently, we are closed for intake for all of 2025 while the focus stays on the dogs currently under our rescue as well as the dogs in my personal care.


    We are focused on saving the dogs that no one else is coming for, so they'll have the opportunity to live lives full of joy and love and find their furever homes! For those who end up being unadoptable, the goal is to one day have a permanent facility, sanctuary, or house for them to live the rest of their days in peace and safety!

    MEET MY PERMANENT FOSTER DOGS!

    MUNECA- NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

    3-Year Old Spayed Female

    60lbs Pitbull Mix

    *Bite Risk- UNADOPTABLE*

    CAMILLE - NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

    6-Year Old Spayed Female

    45lbs Micro Pitbull Mix

    *Animal Aggressive- UNADOPTABLE*

    I am permanently fostering these 2 dogs for the rescue, as it has been determined that they are not adoptable due to their behavior needs and require experienced handlers. It would be too high-risk and a liability to adopt them out, not to mention it being nearly impossible to find someone willing to commit to their special needs. So, they're basically 'adopted' by me and part of my family now!


    You can support their ongoing care by making a tax-deductible donation, thank you for your support!

    DONATE TODAY

    © 2025 Miko’s Rescue Mission Inc. - All Rights Reserved. 

    All donations are tax-deductible.

    Registered 501(c)3 Non-Profit, EIN 99-3394466

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