Foster Homes Needed - Ruff Start Rescue

01/25/2025

Jack and Daniel are two resilient little guys with big personalities, ready for a second chance!

These 4-year-old JRT mixes were found abandoned in outdoor kennels by dumpsters in freezing weather, terrified and covered in filth. Since arriving at the impound, though, they’ve started to shine and show who they really are.

Jack is the life of the party! He’s got endless energy and a knack for mischief—he’d make an excellent mouser. With his long, wild fur and a big personality to match, Jack is all about action. He came in wearing a harness so tight it was nearly cutting into his skin, but despite it all, his enthusiasm hasn’t wavered.

Daniel, on the other hand, is the brains of the operation. He’s calm, clever, and incredibly sweet, with soulful eyes that will melt your heart. Daniel already knows how to sit and is quickly learning new commands—he’s eager to please and ready to be someone’s loyal companion.

Both boys have done wonderfully in their dog tests, but they’d do best in separate homes where they can thrive individually. They’ll both need neutering and a serious grooming session to get cleaned up. Can you help by fostering Jack or Daniel?

Sign up to foster here: https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

01/24/2025

Meet Olive, the most stunning brindle beauty around! 💜

She’s rocking a chic camouflage coat (perfect for hide-and-seek champs 🤣) and has a personality as playful as her looks are gorgeous.

At just about a year old and 40 lbs, Olive is a fun-sized ball of energy. She’s obsessed with tennis balls, though she’s more into throwing them around than actually bringing them back—her version of fetch is a creative masterpiece.

This sweet shepherd-ish mix adores hugs, attention, and all the playful chaos life has to offer. She did great meeting a wild doggo and would likely thrive in a home with sturdy, older kiddos who can keep up with her silly, rambunctious energy.

Olive was found as a stray and is looking for a foster to give her the love she deserves while she gets all her vetting done. Pictures don’t do her justice—she’s a total babe IRL!

Interested in fostering Olive? Sign up here: https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

01/24/2025

01/22/2025

🌟 Meet This Sweet Stray Girl! 🌟
This lovely young lady, about 1 year old, has been staying in a caretaker's chicken coop and barn for a while but was brought inside as the temperatures started dropping dangerously low.

🐾 Her Personality:
She’s litter box trained and has only been around adults so far. She’s described as very friendly, though a little cautious at first.

🐾 Health Notes:
She’s currently experiencing runny stools and could benefit from deworming and a little boost with FortiFlora. She will need full vetting as well.

📍 Location: Foreston

💙 Why Foster?
Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs—foster homes just need to provide love!
If you’re interested in fostering, please fill out a foster application at the link below or message us with any questions about our foster program:
➡️ https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

Let’s work together to give her the safe, warm home she deserves! 🐾

01/21/2025

🚨 Urgent: Emmett Needs a New Foster! 🚨

Emmett’s current foster can no longer care for him, so we need a new home for him as soon as possible!

This handsome pup is energetic, friendly, and absolutely loves being pet. Like many dogs, he can get a little chewy when he’s bored, so he’ll need a foster home that can keep him engaged and active.

Pickup will likely be in Princeton or Lakeland, depending on availability.

Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs—foster homes just need to provide love! ❤️

If you are interested in fostering, please fill out a foster application below or message us with any questions about our foster program:
👉 https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

Let’s work together to find this sweet boy a safe place to land. 💙

01/21/2025

🐾 Foster Needed for This Sweet Stray Boy! 🐾

This handsome male cat, about 1 year old, has been navigating life as a stray since he was a kitten. Neighbors in his previous area fed him and occasionally let him in to warm up. Recently, he bravely crossed a busy road and found his way to his current location, seeking shelter under a porch.

✨ About This Sweetheart:

Likely intact and will need all vetting
Litter box trained
Very sweet, slightly shy, but warming up beautifully to people
Quiet, non-aggressive, and allows petting
Makes eye contact and doesn’t hide when humans are around
While we don’t have information about his behavior with children or other animals, he’s been wonderful around adults. This boy has clearly been through a lot, and now he’s ready for the comfort and safety of a foster home.

📍 Location: Lakeville

💖 Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs—foster homes just need to provide love!

If you’re ready to give this sweet boy the second chance he deserves, please fill out a foster application or message us with any questions about our foster program:
👉 https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

Let’s give this gentle soul the fresh start he’s been searching for! 🐾💙

01/21/2025

🐾 Meet These Adorable Adventure Pups! 🐾

These sweet, 3-month-old pups are the result of a whoopsie-daisy litter from a Catahoula/Black Mouth Cur dad and a Mountain Cur mom. They’re currently living in a heated chicken coop (talk about humble beginnings!) while their owners work hard to find them loving homes.

✨ About the Pups:

Around 10 lbs of pure cuteness
Have not had any vetting yet
Socialized with kids and ready to melt your heart!
Each pup has a unique personality and name (see the photos!), and they’re looking for foster homes where they can start their journey to a brighter future.

📍 Location: Princeton

💖 Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs—foster homes just need to provide love!

👉 Interested in fostering? Fill out an application or message us with any questions about our foster program here: https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

Let’s work together to give these pups the best possible start in life! 🐶💖

01/21/2025

🎾 Meet Rogers – The Ball-Loving Pup Who Needs a Foster! 🎾

Rogers is a 9-month-old, 45-pound bundle of energy and love, believed to be a Shepherd mix. He’s located in Big Lake and is looking for a foster home where he can shine!

✨ Fun Facts About Rogers:
✔️ Good vibes only – He gets along great with kids of all ages, men, women, and other dogs!
✔️ Potty pro – He’s crate trained and housebroken.
✔️ Smarty paws – Knows a few common commands and is ready to show off his skills.
✔️ Playtime champ – Loves playing ball and will keep you entertained for hours!

Rogers’ family realized they don’t have the time to keep up with a puppy, so we’re stepping in to help him find the perfect foster home where he can thrive.

📍 Location: Big Lake
🩺 Vetting: He will need all vetting

💖 Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs—foster homes just need to provide love!

If you’re ready to welcome this playful, loving pup into your home, fill out a foster application below or message us with any questions about our foster program:
👉 https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

Thank you for helping Rogers find his second chance! 🐾

01/21/2025

🐾 Meet Benji – This Big, Goofy Pup Needs a Foster! 🐾

Benji is a 10-11 month old Great Dane mix who weighs around 80 lbs and is still intact. His current owner took him in as a short-term foster, but their home is just too small for a pup of his size.

✨ About Benji:
✔️ Gets along great with all people, kids, dogs, and cats
✔️ Sleeps well in his kennel at night
✔️ Not fully potty trained but will stand by the door when he needs to go
✔️ Needs all vetting once in rescue

🐶 What You’ll Love About Benji:
Benji is a big, doofy puppy with boundless energy! He’s like a bull in a china shop, so he’d thrive in a home where he can run and play with a dog that matches his energy level. He’s friendly with everyone he meets and takes treats nicely.

The current owner says he loves to play with everyone, including cats, and while he takes signals when someone doesn’t want to play, it may take him a couple of tries to fully understand. He barks a loud warning when someone comes to the door, so a home with no shared walls would be ideal.

Training Opportunities:

He’s still learning not to jump up, but he listens well when his name is called and will sit right down.
He doesn’t know how to walk on a leash yet and gets nervous in car rides.
He’ll bark or low growl when he sees another dog outside, but it’s more of an invitation to play than anything aggressive.
Benji is located in Stacy, and he’s ready to learn and grow into the amazing companion we know he can be.

💖 Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs—foster homes just need to provide love!

If you’re interested in fostering Benji, please fill out a foster application or message us with any questions about our foster program:
👉 https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

Thank you for helping Benji find his way to a loving home! 🐕

01/21/2025

🐾 Foster Homes Needed for Two Sweet Dogs! 🐾

Transport is scheduled for Friday, 01/24, between 7-8 PM in Eden Prairie, and we’re looking for fosters to welcome these two beautiful pups into loving homes.

These girls were found together on local reservation and are believed to be a mother (dark grey, age 3) and daughter (light grey, age 1). Both are calm, gentle, and incredibly sweet. It’s clear they’re already so grateful to be warm, fed, and cared for.

✨ About These Pups:
✔️ Medium size, approximately 35-40 lbs each
✔️ Likely a cattle dog/heeler mix
✔️ No food aggression—may do well with a friendly resident dog for companionship
✔️ Calm but likely to open up more as they adjust to a safe environment

They should be fostered separately so they can gain confidence as individuals. Both dogs have started on mange treatment and antibiotics, which will be provided.

💖 Ruff Start covers all supply and vetting costs—foster homes just need to provide love!

If you’re interested in fostering one of these sweet dogs, please fill out a foster application or message us with any questions about our foster program:
👉 https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

Thank you for helping these deserving pups on their journey to brighter days! 🐶

01/21/2025

🐶 Meet Happy! This Sweet Pup Needs a Foster! 🐶

This adorable 4-month-old hound/beagle mix was found as a stray in the Mora area and is now looking for a loving foster home. At around 30 pounds, he’s the perfect size for cuddles and adventures!

✨ About Happy:
✔️ Great with adults, kids (under and over 5), strangers, and other dogs
✔️ Loves to play outside with other dogs three times a day
✔️ Enjoys a daily walk and has plenty of energy but isn’t hyperactive
✔️ Thrives in public—loves meeting new people and dogs
✔️ Not a big barker and settles well in his kennel
✔️ Would love to chase cats, so a cat-free home might be best

Happy is a super sweet, happy-go-lucky pup who’s awesome with kids and other dogs. His breed mix means he might be a little vocal at times, so we’re looking for a foster who’s familiar with or comfortable managing hound/beagle traits.

📍 Location: Mora
🩺 Vetting: He will need all vetting

Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs—foster homes just need to provide love! 💖

If you’re interested in fostering Happy, please fill out a foster application below or message us with any questions about our foster program!
👉 https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

Thank you for helping give Happy the second chance he deserves! 🐾

01/21/2025

🐾 Luna Needs a Foster! 🐾

Meet Luna, a 6-month-old Bulldog/Shepherd mix with a personality as unique as her parentage (Mom’s an English Bulldog, Dad’s the neighbor's Shepherd!). You’ll even get a peek at Mom in the video. Luna’s family loves her dearly but, due to their circumstances, they’ve asked for help finding her a loving home.

Here’s what we know about Luna:
✨ Age: 6 months
✨ Training: None yet (she’s ready to learn!)
✨ Dog Friendly: Yes!
✨ Cats: She thinks they’re playmates, so she’ll need supervision with feline friends.
✨ Kids: She hasn’t met any, but her age makes her a great candidate for kid-friendly training.
✨ Potty Training: The owners say yes, but be prepared for some fine-tuning.

Luna is currently located out west with one of our rescue partners. They’ll help transport her halfway to her new foster home.

🛠 What We Provide: Ruff Start covers all supplies and vetting costs—you just provide the love! 💖

Interested in fostering Luna? Fill out an application here:
👉 https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

Have questions about fostering? Message us! Let’s work together to find this sweet girl the home she deserves.

01/09/2025

Berry is a GSD about 5 years old who was found stray and it took Animal Control about 24 hrs to capture her. She stayed in a certain area, so she was likely from there and put outside. 🙁 She is skittish of new people at first, but once she warms up she's a love. She hid under her primary caretaker's chair to hide from me 🤣 but my snacks were worth coming out and allowing brief touches for. She had one of the best dog to dog tests I've seen from a shepherd actually; no barking, just calmly approached to say hi. She was tolerant of the younger dogs attempts at play too! Cats are questionable as with all shepherds, and even though she did ok in her test, please he prepared to do slow intros and keep separate if needed. She'll likely need a home with no or older kids to start out. Let us now if you can foster Berry!

Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs, foster homes just need to provide love!
If you are interested in fostering please fill out a foster application below or message us with any questions about our foster program!
https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

01/09/2025

These are three little five week old puppies from a local Reservation who are eating well and discovering how nice it is to play where it is warm! They are seeing the vet today and then we should have sexes on them soon. They can arrive Saturday the 11th!

Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs, foster homes just need to provide love!
If you are interested in fostering please fill out a foster application below or message us with any questions about our foster program!
https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

01/09/2025

Buddy, a 3 year old neutered male, is in need of a new home as his owner unexpectedly passed away last week and no family can take him in due to allergies. He has only been around adults and no other animals, so he may have to be an only animal. His caretaker stated, "Buddy's fur is quite matted and that he may need to be sedated to be shaved down. I really wish I knew more info on Buddy, but I do know he is affectionate and so handsome. He was loved by his owner before his passing."

Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs, foster homes just need to provide love!
If you are interested in fostering please fill out a foster application below or message us with any questions about our foster program!
https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

12/24/2024

Meet Rudolph aka Rudy! ❤
Today, we have an opportunity to help a dedicated, amazing and tired foster mom take a breather as well as provide an amazing dog with a new environment.
While moving dogs can sometimes be stressful, there are cases where a change of scenery with fresh opportunities can truly benefit a good, confident dog like Rudy. Rudy’s current foster mom is managing another foster dog with special needs, which limits Rudy’s opportunities for play and interaction.
Rudy is a 1.5-year-old, 50-pound pup who is incredibly sweet and affectionate. He thrives on companionship, loves snuggling with his people, and lights up around other dogs. However, Rudy is currently working through separation anxiety, so we’re seeking a foster home where someone is home more often than not. Ideally, his foster would also have a companion animal that enjoys playing and can help channel Rudy’s playful energy.
Rudy has a moderate energy level but doesn’t currently have another dog to engage with and learn from, which could make all the difference for him. He is mostly potty trained and just needs to adjust to a schedule. Rudy struggles with kenneling due to his anxiety and will try to escape, sometimes rubbing his nose raw in the process. Because of this, shared walls may not be the best fit, as he may bark when kenneled.
He hasn’t been around cats, but his mild interest in squirrels suggests he could coexist with proper introductions. Rudy is friendly but excitable and tends to jump around young children, so a home with older kids or adults would be a better match for him.
Rudy’s ideal foster will understand his insecurities and be willing to help him build confidence and feel safe when left alone. He loves walks, playtime, and mental stimulation, including brain games and frozen Kongs. He is currently on calming medication, which is helping, but he will need to be kenneled when unsupervised to prevent chewing or getting into garbage.
Rudy’s challenges stem from a deep need for security and love. When he feels safe and supported, he shows how much potential he has to relax and enjoy life. We’re committed to setting him up for success and finding him the perfect environment where he can thrive.
Rudy promises to reward you with endless snuggles, intense affection, and lots of kisses.
If you have any questions or are interested in fostering Rudy, please email [email protected] or place a foster application on our website today. Ruffstartrescue.org

12/19/2024

From St. Paul Animal Control 💔
"Left in kennel with note asking someone to give him a new home. He’s wet because of a bath, not from the storm. His name is Liberty. He’s about 1 year old"
Who can give this poor baby a home for the holidays???
Ruff Start will cover all supply and vetting costs, foster homes just need to provide love!
If you are interested in fostering please fill out a foster application below or message us with any questions about our foster program!
https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

12/19/2024

🐈‍⬛Fosters Needed🐈‍⬛

These two housemates, Albert and Eleanor, are in need of new homes due to a family member having severe health issues caused by allergies to them. Albert is a 13 year old neutered and declawed Orange and White Norwegian Forest Cat and Eleanor is a 9 year old spayed brown tabby.
Both are litter box trained and good with all ages, other cats, and dogs.
The owner said this about Albert, "He is a predictable cat who likes to sleep in the same spot. I really can't think of any bad habits. When he was a year old, blood stopped flowing to both of his femur heads, causing them to crack. He had surgery on both hips to have the femur heads cut off and a "false" hip formed. He recovered great and the only noticeable impact is he can't jump as high."
"Eleanor is very social and enjoys meeting new visitors and playing. She is calm while trimming her nails. She usually uses a scratch post but some of my furniture has needed the double sided tape to protect it.

Around two years ago, Eleanor was peeing/p**ping outside the litter box and seemed in pain while doing this. We found her p**p was full of hair and hard so we gave her a stool softener and that resolved the problem. She gets stressed going to the vet and the vet has prescribed gabapentin to help."
If interested in fostering one or both of these beautiful cats please head to the website and fill out a foster application.
https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/