Houston here we come!

During the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, puppies and dogs continue to need our help in the southern United States. Minnesotans have once again proven to be champions of animals, clearing out many rescues and shelters across Minnesota. With this reality being far different in Texas, Ruff Start Rescue jumped in to do what we do best: help alleviate overcrowding in shelters by safely transporting at-risk animals to loving homes in Minnesota.

With the cancellation of Ruff Start’s fundraising events and trying to balance cost-saving measures with our life-saving mission, we couldn’t say yes to those at-risk animals without our communities’ help. On Thursday, April 23, we posted our plea to help pull around fifty dogs out of shelters in Houston, Texas. You quickly answered with financial support and well-wishes that moved us to tears.

Our intake team is working in overdrive, getting everything ready to make this happen. We’ve lined up two vans and have found drivers and ‘co-pilots’ for both! Our volunteers plan to leave for Texas Wednesday, April 29, and arrive in Minnesota on May 2. Stay tuned for more updates. We can’t wait to show you what your donations have made possible!

Here’s a sneak peek of some of the animals YOU helped us save! The pictures aren’t perfect, but the animals sure are!

Our teams are gearing up for the journey to Texas in just two short days. We can’t wait to get on the road to save lives. We are still SO thrilled about the amount of support we have received over the last few days, especially during this uncertain time.

Updated pictures and information will be available on our website Tuesday, May 5.

Team Homeward Bound is not far behind! Check out this update from the father-daughter volunteer pair.

Teams Rescue Machine and Homeward Bound arrived safely to their hotel last night for some much-deserved rest! They have about 8 hours to go until they reach Houston tonight. We’re getting SO close to seeing those sweet pups that you helped us save!

Wayde (pictured below) went from being a Texas stray, to a dog on a euthanasia list, to a Minnesota foster dog, to an escape artist who ended up on 35W South. He’s now heading back to Texas to live out his life with the woman who first saved him from being euthanized. Wayde and his Texas foster mom (soon to be forever mom) share a bond that spanned the country! They are hours away from being reunited.

Team Homeward Bound made a memorable stop once they arrived in Houston. Check out Wayde’s reunion with his forever mom here.