The Story of Kiki and her puppies

Kiki the Great Dane was picked up as a very pregnant stray by a Good Samaritan in Fort Smith, Arkansas. On Christmas Eve, she gave birth to 12 puppies! Everyone in Arkansas fell in love with Kiki. She’s the epitome of a gentle giant and is sweet and docile.

Ruff Start is partnering with Best Friends Animal Society to bring Kiki’s family and other dogs in AR to MN to help with shelter overcrowding and find them families. Kiki’s babies will only be 4 weeks old when they arrive, and the whole family will go straight to a foster home. We can’t wait to meet Kiki and her pups, and help them on their journey to finding a family of their own.

Unfortunately, as is common in the south, Kiki has heartworms. She’ll undergo treatment here in MN at a partner clinic. Due to her size, the cost will be 3-4 times as expensive as an average-sized dog. Between heartworm treatment, food and supplies, and routine vetting for this extra large family, we’re looking at around $10,000 in estimated expenses to care for them while they’re with Ruff Start.

We would greatly appreciate gifts of any amount to help us cover the cost of bringing these cuties into rescue. Donate today and your funds will go directly toward the care of Kiki and her 12 puppies.

Would you like to be a part of their journey? This family is still in need of a foster. Their foster should be able to travel to our partner clinic in St. Cloud for Kiki’s heartworm treatment (three trips total) and promote Kiki’s bedrest if she hasn’t joined a foster to adopt family by then.

Would you like to be a part of their journey? This family is still in need of a foster. Their foster should be able to travel to our partner clinic in St. Cloud for Kiki’s heartworm treatment (three trips total) and promote Kiki’s bedrest if she hasn’t joined a foster to adopt family by then.