It all began with one dog and one vision.

Our first dog was Chloe.

Our Mission: 

The Big Cypress German Shepherd Rescue is dedicated to the rescue of homeless, abandoned, abused, unwanted and neglected German Shepherd Dogs and puppies. We work to rehabilitate each dog physically, medically and emotionally with the goal of placing them in appropriate homes where they can thrive as loving and loyal companions, typical of this noble breed.


 

Our Board of Directors

Michelle Delaney, President and Founder Michelle Delaney combined her lifelong passion for dogs and her 28 year career in the fire service as a Firefighter/EMT into a successful and rewarding business endeavor as the sole owner of Shelzsmide K9s, where she serves as training director, handler, breeder, and professional consultant.  Michelle has successfully competed and titled in Conformation, Obedience, Schutzhund and Search and Rescue, and has been training quality family pets for the past 15 years.  Michelle is a devoted advocate for animal welfare and is the founder and president of Big Cypress German Shepherd rescue, a not for profit 501(c)3 founded in 2015, where she dedicates an extensive amount of time and personal resources addressing behavioral issues, malnutrition issues and assisting in rehabilitation of dogs so they may be adopted as quality, lifelong companions into their new fur-ever homes. With her unique professional background in public service, she appreciates the value of canine team members.  Knowing that all work and no play is a recipe for poor performance, she intuitively guides the training process with discipline and fun, bringing out the best in both human and canine components. No two working teams are exactly alike in what motivates them to excellence – just as no two home situations are exactly alike in the challenges and relationships that exist.  Michelle utilizes multiple training techniques and an extensive knowledge of animal psychology to empower her clients to overcome any behavioral issues and develop harmonious relationships with their canine companions, whether they are working dogs, competition dogs, family pets or rescues dogs.  Her ability to communicate with dogs enables her to reliably train, motivate, and achieve consistently high rates of success.Her professional affiliations include evaluator for AKC Canine Good Citizen, ABC -LT2, Pet Care technician (she is also a valued resource for pet care, health, and well-being issues.) She is a member of the National Search and Rescue Association (NASAR) and the North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA).  She is a former member of of the Tracking Club of Central Florida, held a Board of Directors position for the Greater Naples Dog Club and as Treasurer for the Peace River Schutzhund Club.

Janis Mlekoday, Vice President, Webmaster, Application Coordinator & Social Media Director Janis has been social since the second she could talk, making friends and connections wherever she goes. She has always loved animals and has had a long time fascination with technology and wanted to put her passion into use. By blending these two elements, Janis fell into the world of digital educational technology teaching to students for over 20 years. Janis spends her days connecting, creating and teaching her elementary school students and dreaming up digital lessons as a public school teacher. Her evenings are spent dedicating her unique skill set to her most recent passion; Big Cypress German Shepherd Rescue. Janis is an avid traveler and adventurer but loves to be a homebody just as much as the next person. She wholeheartedly believes the magic is in the journey, not the destination. She lives for moments made, connections and conversations had with students, dogs, loved ones and strangers. This is what makes life more vivid and inspiring to her.