Ruff Start Rescue

Ruff Start Rescue Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue committed to connecting people and pets.
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We're devoted to saving at-risk companion animals' lives while empowering animal lovers with essential resources. We strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving home and their family has the knowledge and resources needed to give them the life they deserve. Sign up for our newsletter here>>> https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/i608vLZ/newsletter

Kennel license issued

by the MN Board of Animal Health . Ruff Start is 100% foster-based but has kennels for temporary housing.

"Wow! 6 months with Archie has flown by, it’s hard to believe it’s been that long already! We love our little feisty guy...
08/25/2024

"Wow! 6 months with Archie has flown by, it’s hard to believe it’s been that long already!

We love our little feisty guy. He’s a character that continues to bring laughter, joy, and fire into our lives. He enjoys long naps in the sun, sitting on mom's lap, playing with his siblings (mainly sunny - the pitbull), and going on runs!

We love him so much! Thank you ruff start 💘"

Share your Ruff Start alum updates to [email protected].

Help our kittens and puppies thrive by supporting our foster families with essential supplies! 🐾We currently have 253 ad...
08/25/2024

Help our kittens and puppies thrive by supporting our foster families with essential supplies! 🐾

We currently have 253 adorable kittens and 98 playful puppies in rescue, and our top needs this week are canned and dry kitten food and dry puppy food.

You can purchase these items directly from our wishlists—every contribution helps us give these little ones the love and support they deserve.

Amazon Wishlist >> https://amzn.to/3FOVXQ8
Chewy Wishlist >> https://bit.ly/3BKY59b
Walmart Wishlist >> https://bit.ly/3sFJWdY



If you’re unable to donate, sharing this post is a great way to spread the word and make an impact!

Nico, our handsome feline ambassador, is here to extend a huge thank you to World's Best Cat Litter! 😻Their generous don...
08/24/2024

Nico, our handsome feline ambassador, is here to extend a huge thank you to World's Best Cat Litter! 😻

Their generous donation of litter helps all of Ruff Start's cats and kittens, and it’s a perfect choice for both our furry friends and the environment. Not only is it effective, but it’s also sustainable and renewable. We’re incredibly grateful for their support!

Nico and his siblings Mina, Poppi, and Hunter will be available at a PetSmart adoption center soon!

This guy is ready to steal a slice of your heart! 🍕Pizza is as loving and loyal as they come. He adores snuggling up in ...
08/24/2024

This guy is ready to steal a slice of your heart! 🍕

Pizza is as loving and loyal as they come. He adores snuggling up in bed with his human foster siblings and thrives on being close to someone. If you’re looking for a constant companion who’s all about cuddles and affection, Pizza's the one!

https://ruffstartrescue.org/view-pet/?id=20632863

We couldn't let Foster Appreciation Week pass without expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the real heroes behind our l...
08/24/2024

We couldn't let Foster Appreciation Week pass without expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the real heroes behind our life-saving mission—our incredible fosters!

Thanks to their unwavering dedication, compassion, and care, 27,000 animals have found loving homes. Their selflessness and hard work make all the difference, turning hope into reality for so many deserving animals.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking these amazing individuals for their extraordinary contributions. Their impact is immeasurable, and we are profoundly grateful for everything they do. 💙

Get ready for a bustling adoption event tomorrow at Blaine Fleet Farm! Join us on Saturday, August 24th, from 11 AM to 1...
08/23/2024

Get ready for a bustling adoption event tomorrow at Blaine Fleet Farm!

Join us on Saturday, August 24th, from 11 AM to 1 PM to meet this fantastic lineup of adoptable pets. We can’t wait to see you there! 🤩

Details: https://www.facebook.com/share/zKVZxHm4JvZ9W2TU/

08/23/2024

We’re excited to welcome 30 amazing dogs from Houston, Texas!

Each month, we team up with Texas rescues and shelters to save dogs from overcrowded conditions and the risk of euthanasia. These sweet pups make their way to Minnesota, where they find loving homes.

Our incredible volunteer drivers make this journey possible, transporting our Ruff Start Rescue van to Texas and back. Many of these dogs are still available for adoption, while others are beginning their new lives with foster-to-adopt families.

Your support is crucial to our mission. To keep this life-saving work going, we need more fosters, adopters, volunteers, and donations. Visit our website to learn how you can get involved.

Thank you for being a vital part of our mission and helping these dogs find their new homes. ❤️

Meet Willadeen, or Willa for short—the canine equivalent of Paula Deen! 💕With a personality that's sweet and sassy, she'...
08/23/2024

Meet Willadeen, or Willa for short—the canine equivalent of Paula Deen! 💕

With a personality that's sweet and sassy, she's always ready to sprinkle a little extra love into your life. And if you offer her some butter, we're pretty sure she'll happily accept! 😉

https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/dogs-puppies/

Last week, we were thrilled to welcome some very special guests! 🤩The girls from the Foley and Princeton Girl Scout troo...
08/22/2024

Last week, we were thrilled to welcome some very special guests! 🤩

The girls from the Foley and Princeton Girl Scout troops generously donated 50 handmade cat scratchers and toys. They visited to learn more about RSR, tour our facility, and deliver their thoughtful gifts. A huge thank you to these amazing young volunteers for thinking of our pets!

The Janel Morgan Team - RE/MAX is hosting a fabulous Pet Party for the whole family (pups included!) on Thursday, August...
08/22/2024

The Janel Morgan Team - RE/MAX is hosting a fabulous Pet Party for the whole family (pups included!) on Thursday, August 22, from 3:30-6:30 pm at the Sartell Community Center! 🐾

Event details: https://www.facebook.com/share/Cp3GqiSgFHd55SnT/

The 2024 Ruff Start Rescue Wellness Clinic on Saturday, August 24th is sponsored by Marv's True Value and True Value Ren...
08/21/2024

The 2024 Ruff Start Rescue Wellness Clinic on Saturday, August 24th is sponsored by Marv's True Value and True Value Rental! 🐾

Marv's True Value is hosting a Community Pet Day from 10 am- 2 pm on Saturday to coincide with the clinic. They'll have pet basket drawings, free dog/cat food samples, promotions, a food truck, and more! Swing by before or after your appointment to support our event sponsor. Leashed dogs are welcome at Marv's True Value.

Community Pet Day details: https://www.facebook.com/share/B1ZrTxebeYxJAaNc/

Thank you for supporting the pets in our community, Marv's! 💕

Register your pets for the clinic: https://ruffstartrescue.org/event/ruff-start-rescue-wellness-clinic/

Help Minni and Hoss Get the Care They Need! Minni and Hoss are two lovable dogs who found their way to the same shelter ...
08/21/2024

Help Minni and Hoss Get the Care They Need!

Minni and Hoss are two lovable dogs who found their way to the same shelter and then Ruff Start. Coincidentally their paths have crossed again, and they’re both now in need of a critical procedure before they can join their new homes.

Minni is an 8-year-old Chi/Min Pin mix who was found as a stray and brought to a city shelter. Despite her rough start, Minni’s heart is as big as her spirit. However, she’s facing two large inguinal hernias and an enlarged heart that needs to be evaluated before she can undergo surgery for her hernias and spaying. She’s scheduled for an echocardiogram this Friday to assess her heart condition and ensure it’s safe for anesthesia.

Hoss is a 1-year-old charming beefcake who was also found as a stray. He is a ball of love who just wants belly rubs and snuggles. When he came in for his neutering, a significant heart murmur was discovered. To ensure it’s safe for him to undergo anesthesia, Hoss also needs an echocardiogram to rule out any congenital defects and evaluate his heart’s ability to handle the procedure.

Both of these special dogs are in urgent need of echocardiograms, which cost $450-$500 each. These tests are essential to determine their ability to safely undergo anesthesia for their necessary surgeries.

Minni is a cuddly sweetheart who adores human interaction and has a lot of love to give, despite her health challenges. Hoss is a playful, affectionate pup who is eager to join his new family where he can bask in all the belly rubs he desires. Your support can make a world of difference for both of them, helping them get the care they need to move on to their homes. ❤️

Get ready for an extra special treat at the St. Paul Saints Baseball game this Wednesday because Gretel is joining in th...
08/20/2024

Get ready for an extra special treat at the St. Paul Saints Baseball game this Wednesday because Gretel is joining in the fun! ⚾

Gretel will be shining on the field during the first few innings, thanks to Chuck & Don's Pet Food & Supplies. After her big moment, you can come meet her up close in the stands!

Gretel
https://ruffstartrescue.org/view-pet/?id=20766383

Diego is a big, friendly sweetheart who's been waiting too long for his family! He's excited to meet new people and his ...
08/20/2024

Diego is a big, friendly sweetheart who's been waiting too long for his family!

He's excited to meet new people and his foster mom can't stop raving about his charming looks and lovable nature. He’s eager to share his warmth and joy with you. Don’t let this charming boy wait any longer—apply to meet Diego and see why he’s bound to steal your heart! ❤️

https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/dogs-puppies/

We had a very ruff weekend 😉These cuties joined us from a reservation partner and will be adoptable soon! 💕
08/20/2024

We had a very ruff weekend 😉

These cuties joined us from a reservation partner and will be adoptable soon! 💕

Another fantastic week! Congrats to all these Ruff Starters and their new people! 🎉AlfieBarleyBearBenzBiscoffBlanche Dev...
08/19/2024

Another fantastic week! Congrats to all these Ruff Starters and their new people! 🎉

Alfie
Barley
Bear
Benz
Biscoff
Blanche Devereaux
Bubble
Caliber
Cammila
Cathy
Chile
Chili
Chispita
Clayton
Cricket
Crockett
Dayzee
Dorothy Zbornak
Earl Grey
Edna Mode
Gettysburg
Grandma's Marathon
Harper
Henry
HotDog
Jewel
Kirby
Koda Batty
Kyra
Lemon Drop Hill
Letti
Lettie
Lorna
Lotus
LouLou
Love
Lunah
Maisie
Matilda
Mia
Navi
Niko
Noodle
Nugget
Ollie
Peets
Penny
Pinto
Poppy
Rip Wheeler
Rotten
Rumi
Ruth
Sherlock
Sophia Petrillo
Steverella
Stormy
Sunfish
Sunnie
Timora
Titan
Tucker-Lee
Vincent
Walleye
Zamira

Find your new best friend: https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/

Looking for fun and engaging FREE activities for your kids this fall? Join us at our Jr. Volunteer Events! 🍁These events...
08/19/2024

Looking for fun and engaging FREE activities for your kids this fall? Join us at our Jr. Volunteer Events! 🍁

These events are a fantastic opportunity for children to get involved, make new friends, and contribute to a great cause—all while having a blast!

Discover all the details and register here: https://ruffstartrescue.org/events/

Meet E.A. Poe! 😍I was rescued from a local shelter where my time was running out, and now I’m ready to find my new home....
08/19/2024

Meet E.A. Poe! 😍

I was rescued from a local shelter where my time was running out, and now I’m ready to find my new home. I’m a social guy who loves hanging out with friends at the dog park, and I get along great with kids and other pets. My foster mom is amazed by how loyal and loving I am—I follow her everywhere and always want to be by her side. She says I’m a true diamond with a heart that shines through my fur. If you’re looking for a devoted and affectionate friend, I’m your perfect match! 💙

https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/dogs-puppies/

"I can't believe Kellin has been with me for 7 months already! He has turned out to be the sweetest and most fun loving ...
08/18/2024

"I can't believe Kellin has been with me for 7 months already! He has turned out to be the sweetest and most fun loving dog! He has a shy personality and wasn't too sure of me when we met. Luckily he warmed up pretty quickly once I brought him home. He settled into a good routine fairly quickly. Things have been going great! He is an expert snuggler and loves to be under his blanket. He also has his rambunctious zoomies which are hilarious! He makes me laugh daily! He is getting braver on our long walks and enjoys play dates at the dog park with my parent's dog. I feel very lucky to have Kellin! He is such a sweetheart. 💕

Having Kellin has helped ease the pain of losing my last dog, my beloved Sherman, who was a beagle mix I got from the local shelter. Shelter/rescue dogs are the best and all deserve loving homes!

Thank you Ruff Start for the wonderful work you do!"

Share your Ruff Start alum updates to [email protected].

Help us keep rescue dogs safe! 🐶We need your support to ensure our pups travel safely and comfortably! We're looking for...
08/18/2024

Help us keep rescue dogs safe! 🐶

We need your support to ensure our pups travel safely and comfortably! We're looking for plastic dog crates that fit dogs weighing between 20-50 pounds.

🌟 Want to contribute? You can easily purchase new crates from our wishlist here: https://amzn.to/3FOVXQ8

🌟 Already have a new or gently used crate to donate? Please reach out to us at [email protected] to make arrangements.

Thank you for helping us give these deserving dogs the safe transport they need! ❤️

Meet 10-year-old Gladys! She’s a gentle, loving companion who thrives on being petted and scratched, and she’ll purr con...
08/17/2024

Meet 10-year-old Gladys!

She’s a gentle, loving companion who thrives on being petted and scratched, and she’ll purr contentedly with every stroke. Gladys gets along with everyone, including dogs, and she’d be a perfect friend for a senior looking for a loving, low-maintenance buddy. 🥰

https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/seniors-for-seniors/

Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day! 🖤Today we’re celebrating these sleek and mysterious felines who are often misunderstoo...
08/17/2024

Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day! 🖤

Today we’re celebrating these sleek and mysterious felines who are often misunderstood but are truly wonderful companions. Did you know Black Cat Appreciation Day has its roots in celebrating the unique charm and superstitions surrounding black cats? Historically, black cats have been both revered and misunderstood, but here’s the truth: they’re just as loving and playful as any other cat!

We have many gorgeous black cats and kittens available for adoption right meow!

Find our black beauties at: https://ruffstartrescue.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/adopt-cats-and-kittens/

We’re excited to see you at the Anoka Food Truck Festival this Saturday! 🐾Check out the photos to learn more about the a...
08/17/2024

We’re excited to see you at the Anoka Food Truck Festival this Saturday! 🐾

Check out the photos to learn more about the animals joining us and the times you can meet them. Plus, don’t miss our merchandise, information on how you can get involved, and some great giveaways!

Find us at our booth located between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street, right by the stage. Event details: https://fb.me/e/23uR1SfZM

✨🐾 It’s  , and that means another chance for YOU to make a big difference in the lives of local animals! 🐾✨Every pet fea...
08/16/2024

✨🐾 It’s , and that means another chance for YOU to make a big difference in the lives of local animals! 🐾✨

Every pet featured here is currently in an owner surrender home, on reservations, or in local shelters where they're at risk. Can you help guide them to safety with Ruff Start?

We’ll take care of all the supplies and veterinary needs—your only job is to provide the love and care these pets need to thrive!

https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

If fostering isn’t an option for you right now, your donations help us save even more lives. Every bit counts! ❤️

Join our team as the Medical Director! 🐾In this vital role, you'll be at the forefront of examining, diagnosing, and tre...
08/16/2024

Join our team as the Medical Director! 🐾

In this vital role, you'll be at the forefront of examining, diagnosing, and treating animals within our rescue, ensuring their health and readiness for adoption. As the Medical Director, you will oversee the quality of care for all animals at Ruff Start Rescue, performing routine surgical procedures with exceptional skill. Your expertise in high-volume spay/neuter practices will be crucial, and you'll also guide the surgical training of Registered Veterinary Technicians, new DVMs, and DVM students.

Discover more about this exciting opportunity and apply here: https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/careers/

Address

12526 319th Avenue
Princeton, MN
55371

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17633553981

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Our Rescue Story

Hope’s days were numbered in an overcrowded Ohio shelter in January 2010. The pit bull mix was suffering—emaciated and suffering with heartworm. Azure was no stranger to helping animals in need. She spent her childhood growing up on 50 acres and saving animals of all shapes and sizes, including cats, dogs, squirrels, raccoons, and birds. So when Hope’s picture with her final plea for a home popped up on Azure’s Facebook timeline, she didn’t hesitate to help. The 23-year-old told the shelter she would take Hope as part of a newly developing rescue in her hometown in central Minnesota.

Swiftly, she arranged ground transportation from Ohio to Illinois where a volunteer pilot and his wife from Pilots N Paws waited for Hope’s arrival. The couple flew Hope and another rescue dog directly to the Princeton, MN, airport. Once the plane touched down, Ruff Start Rescue had officially taken in its first rescue dog. True to her nature, Hope was in good spirits. She was placed with a wonderful foster family that was able to give her some much-deserved love, attention, and care. Unsurprisingly, Hope won over her foster family and was adopted by them. And so began Ruff Start Rescue.

Hope was the first companion animal rescued by Ruff Start Rescue since its foundation and the gateway to a career for Azure, who still acts as the rescue’s president and executive director. Ruff Start is a figurehead of the central Minnesota animal welfare community and has served as the Princeton area’s sole non-profit 501c3 animal rescue organization since July 2010.

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