The Story of the Porch Puppies
It all started with a simple Facebook post from a concerned homeowner in Cokato, MN.
“FOUND: Two German Shepherd pups, looks to be about 6-8 months, hanging out under our porch. We tried to get them in the garage, but they are skittish. We did give them food and water.”
With temperatures plunging to -25°F, the team at Ruff Start Rescue knew time was running out. These puppies had been spotted running along a road four days earlier, and now, huddled under a porch for warmth, they were barely clinging to safety. When our team arrived, we quickly realized they were even younger than expected—just 12 weeks old—and likely victims of a litter dump.
Our first attempt at rescue proved difficult. The puppies were terrified, avoiding all human contact. But we weren’t giving up. The next day, armed with patience, experience, and a rotisserie chicken, we tried again—and this time, we got them.
Cold, covered in burrs, and unsure about the humans trying to help them, these two young sisters were finally safe. They are now in a warm, loving foster home, receiving the care and reassurance they need to decompress. They’ve already started to show signs of trust, eating from their foster’s hand and allowing gentle touch—small but important steps toward the bright future they deserve.
This is what Ruff Start Rescue is all about. We are more than a place to adopt an animal—we are a resource, stepping in where no one else can. In areas without animal control or support systems, we provide solutions. We do whatever it takes to ensure animals in need get the chance they deserve.
These two puppies are not yet available for adoption, as they need time to settle in, feel safe, and build their confidence. For now, they’re receiving all the love and care they need in their foster home. When the time is right, we’ll be looking for a special home for each of them—one where they can continue to grow, trust, and thrive. Keep an eye out for updates!
We are incredibly grateful—to the homeowner who alerted the team and worked with us to bring these puppies to safety, to our team who braved the bitter cold, and to our community, whose support makes rescues like this possible.
Category: Advocacy, Education, Mission, News, Rescue Tails Tags: animal, Animal advocacy, animal rescue, animal welfare, cats, dogs, education, ruff start rescue
The Story of the Porch Puppies
Posted: February 24, 2025 by Kelli Hanson
Category: Advocacy, Education, Mission, News, Rescue Tails Tags: animal, Animal advocacy, animal rescue, animal welfare, cats, dogs, education, ruff start rescue