My husband and I adopted our first dog, Porter, from Animal Allies in Duluth in August 2015. We were just a couple of college kids figuring out the whole “adulting” thing. I’ve always loved animals, but something shifted the day we visited that shelter. As soon as we walked into the kennel room, I was filled with emotion. Then I saw him. Porter only had one eye, but the moment we locked eye/s, something clicked. A spark ignited, and I knew two things instantly: first, I had just met my soul dog, and second, animal rescue wasn’t just something I cared
about, it was going to shape the rest of my life.
To this day, I credit my beloved Porter for putting me on this path. His silly little grin and that single eye staring up at me changed everything. I wouldn’t be at Ruff Start if it weren’t for him, and I’ll be forever grateful.
The People of Ruff Start Rescue
Posted: October 1, 2025 by Kelli Hanson
The people of RSR: Emily S.
Emily is the Executive Assistant at Ruff Start Rescue, supporting Executive Director Azure Davis since 2023. Before joining the team, she worked in the Autopsy Lab at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Although moving to Ruff Start was a career shift, her love of animals has always been clear. While living in Rochester she volunteered and served on the Board of Directors for Paws and Claws Humane Society. When she returned to school in 2020 for a Master of Nonprofit Management degree, nearly every assignment she submitted focused on animal welfare. Her passion was hard to miss.
Emily lives with her husband, Luke, and her two beloved Ruff Starters: Frankenstein, an American Bully who was adopted from Texas as part of Ruff’s Start’s Lone Star to North Star Rescue Relief Program, and Mina, an itty-bitty pittie mix who came from a local impound partner.
We asked Emily to tell us more about her experience with rescue and Ruff Start in this interview.
What does a typical day look like?
My days aren’t exactly typical. I support Azure with daily operations and projects, helping keep things organized and on track. My work spans everything from media segments and donor relations to board support and just about everything in between.
What is your favorite part of working at Ruff Start?
The animals, of course. But along with that comes the community. The people, the passion for animals, and the deep connections I’ve made working toward a shared goal make Ruff Start feel like a family.
What inspired you to start working for animal rescue?
My husband and I adopted our first dog, Porter, from Animal Allies in Duluth in August 2015. We were just a couple of college kids figuring out the whole “adulting” thing. I’ve always loved animals, but something shifted the day we visited that shelter. As soon as we walked into the kennel room, I was filled with emotion. Then I saw him. Porter only had one eye, but the moment we locked eye/s, something clicked. A spark ignited, and I knew two things instantly: first, I had just met my soul dog, and second, animal rescue wasn’t just something I cared
about, it was going to shape the rest of my life.
To this day, I credit my beloved Porter for putting me on this path. His silly little grin and that single eye staring up at me changed everything. I wouldn’t be at Ruff Start if it weren’t for him, and I’ll be forever grateful.
Was there a moment when you realized, “This is the work I was meant to do?”
I have these moments all the time, the ones that remind me exactly why I do this work. It happens when the transport van pulls up and we welcome 20+ dogs into the first day of their new life. I feel it when cuddling a little puppy who’s just come out of surgery and needs some extra comfort. And sometimes, it’s in the unexpected chaos, like when Azure says, “We’re going to rescue some pheasants, grab the net!” I truly love this work and feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Ruff Start Rescue world.
Do you have a funny or heartwarming Ruff Start animal story?
My husband and I signed up to foster-to-adopt Frankenstein, who was coming up from Texas last fall. We had recently lost our dog Porter, and while our hearts were still heavy with grief, we knew we wanted to open them again, especially to another little bully in need. When I walked into the office on transport day, it didn’t take long to find our guy. I just followed the unmistakable warthog-like noises coming from one of the kennel runs. The moment I saw him, I knew instantly that the little chaos gremlin was meant for us. As I went to crate him to bring him home, a volunteer looked at me and said, “Good luck with that one!” right as he spun in circles and bounced off the walls like a cartoon character. That day, we got to bring home the sweetest little monster.
Frankenstein was once inseparable from his sister, Petunia, who has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge. These days, he’s found a new best friend in his little sister, Mina. Since joining our family in August, Mina has filled our days with laughter. Her playful antics, including her signature “Mina Beana Ballerina” moves, keep us on our toes, and we feel so lucky to have added her to the pack.
Frankenstein and Mina are everything we hoped for and more, and have certainly earned their titles as “my little heart healers.” Their brother and sister, Porter and Petunia, are a big part of why rescuing is so important to our family. We carry their love and legacy with us in every animal we welcome home.
Want to get involved with Ruff Start Rescue? Learn more about volunteering, fostering, adopting or donating to Ruff Start. Or visit our careers page to learn about job opportunities.
Category: Advocacy, Education, Mission, News, Rescue Tails Tags: animal, Animal advocacy, animal rescue, animal welfare, cats, dogs, education, ruff start rescue