Azure’s Story of the Woods Cat Family

I’ve come to realize that I don’t just find these animals; they find me. It’s not random; it’s a calling that led me to start this rescue. Recently, I took on a special mission for a mom cat and her kittens, made possible by supporters like you. Knowing fellow animal lovers have my back empowers me to go the extra mile. Your support is the driving force behind these rescues, and I’m truly grateful for it. Your donation, regardless of its size, can mean one more life saved, one more heart healed, and one more family completed. Our goal is to ensure that every animal has the chance for a loving home, and we can only do this with your continued support.

I’m excited to share the impact of your support with you. Below, I’ve attached a video that tells the story, showcasing the journey we’re on together. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch and see the real, tangible difference your generosity makes in the lives of these animals. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with me.

I’ve been searching for the right words to express the significance of today, Give to the Max Day, and the impact your generosity can have. Over the past 13 years, Ruff Start Rescue has saved the lives of over 24,000 animals.

That’s an incredible milestone, and I want to emphasize that this was not achieved alone. It’s taken a village of supporters – fosters, volunteers, adopters, donors, and staff. Your commitment and compassion have been the driving force behind our mission. I cannot express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support over the years.

Our journey has been filled with amazing work in the community, but the need is still out there, and our job is far from done. We aim to expand our services and reach, but in order to achieve our goals, we require funding. Contrary to what many might think about nonprofits, we do not receive any state or federal funding. Our largest source of revenue comes from individual supporters in our community. Every dollar counts; together, we can make a huge difference for the animals and the people in our community.

Our overall goal for the day is to reach $175,000, which is the largest goal we have ever set for ourselves. We were able to raise over $90,000 in early giving, but we are not slowing down! We are committed to helping even more people and pets than ever in 2024.

The Ruff Start Rescue Board and a generous anonymous donor have stepped up to match every donation for Give to the Max Day. Today, every donation will be DOUBLED, dollar for dollar, up to $30,000!

I’ve come to realize that I don’t just find these animals; they find me. It’s not random; it’s a calling that led me to start this rescue. Recently, I took on a special mission for a mom cat and her kittens, made possible by supporters like you. Knowing fellow animal lovers have my back empowers me to go the extra mile. Your support is the driving force behind these rescues, and I’m truly grateful for it. Your donation, regardless of its size, can mean one more life saved, one more heart healed, and one more family completed. Our goal is to ensure that every animal has the chance for a loving home, and we can only do this with your continued support.

I’m excited to share the impact of your support with you. Here, I’ve attached a video that tells the story, showcasing the journey we’re on together. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch and see the real, tangible difference your generosity makes in the lives of these animals. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with me.

Your commitment to Ruff Start Rescue is a source of inspiration. Together, we have saved 24,000 lives. Your generosity today will be transformational for thousands of people and their pets in 2024. Thank you for seizing this opportunity to create a lasting impact for countless animals desperate for help. We could not do any of this without you.

Sincerely,

Azure Davis

Founder and Executive Director

We’ve got you from here, Dino.

In late September, a heart-wrenching discovery unfolded behind a city YMCA – 6-year-old Dino, tied to a tree, a mere 26 pounds of survival. The marks of malnutrition etched into his frail frame spoke of a past kept in a small kennel, with splayed and urine-scalded feet bearing witness to the hardship he endured.

In the care of a compassionate foster family and Ruff Start’s dedicated veterinary team, Dino’s journey from the shadows of despair to the light of hope has been nothing short of miraculous. Mirroring his resilience, he now stands 30 pounds heavier, a living testament to the transformative power of rescue.

Imagine a dog, once bound to a tree in, terrified and not knowing what would come next; now warm, safe and fed thanks to the incredible supporters who have impacted his life. Dino’s recovery, fueled by the generosity of supporters like you, has included complete veterinary care – vaccinations, neutering, a microchip, and a heartworm test, which mercifully came back negative.

Throughout this process, Dino has never lost his lively and friendly nature. He’s proof that love and kindness can work wonders, even in the face of adversity. As he continues to grow and learn, Dino eagerly anticipates the joys of a real home, ready to become a loyal and loving companion.

This week, we are celebrating early-giving for Give to the Max Day. We invite you to be a part of Dino’s story by making a donation, no matter the size. Your donation has the power to create a ripple effect, not just for him but for others who, like him, will rely on our support in the coming year. Witness the transformation, feel the impact, and join us in giving hope to those who need it most. Because of you, Dino has a chance to shine with renewed health and happiness. Proving that with your support, the sky’s the limit for second chances and new beginnings. ❤️

Dino is patiently awaiting for the day to come when he gets adopted by a loving home. Apply today: View Pet – Ruff Start Rescue

By: Mary Christine Kane

An update on a favorite Saint Bernard, Old Lady

Do you remember the story of Old Lady, the senior Saint Bernard? She became Internet-famous when lost in the woods for weeks during the frigid Minnesota January of 2019. We have an update for you and it’s a good one.

Old Lady had been living a tough life as a breeder in a puppy mill. She lived in a barn with little human contact where she produced litter upon litter until she was rescued by Ruff Start. But on her way to her new foster home, she got frightened by one of many unfamiliar noises and ran for her life. That’s how she ended up alone in the woods, for 17 days, cold lonely days. Because she had been shaved at the puppy mill, she had little fur to warm her.

“When I first saw that sad picture in the woods it broke my heart. She was so afraid. She didn’t know then her life was going to get better,” said Carolyn, Old Lady’s adoptive mom. “I knew right then I wanted to adopt her.”

Carolyn was part of the rescue group, The Retrievers, who worked for weeks with Ruff Start, tracking Old Lady, finally bringing her to safety. It was her second rescue, the first was from the puppy mill. Old Lady then came to Carolyn’s where she was fostered and later adopted.

Old Lady is now named Tesha and is part of a big, fun, loving family. She has a human family, a two-legged Chow sister named Rizzo, a pot-bellied pig brother named Hamilton and the latest addition, a Saint Bernard sister named Alice. She is loved, safe and happy. But it was, understandably, a rocky start.

“At first, she didn’t want anything to do with people,” said Carolyn. “She also didn’t know how to do simple dog things, like play.” But Carolyn is experienced with dogs having traumatic histories and had four other dogs in her home to help. Tesha’s progress was slow at first.

Physically Tesha was also in rough shape. She weighs a healthy 100 pounds now but at the time was closer to 80. In foster care with Ruff Start, she required multiple surgeries totaling more than $1,000, including removing a mammary tumor, pulling nine rotten teeth, eyelid surgery and finally, a spay.

For the first two weeks, Tesha hid in Carolyn’s dining room afraid to move, and then spent another two weeks in the entry way. “She finally started inching closer to where we were, then started peeking her head around the corner to see what we were up to,” said Carolyn. “Finally, one day she came into the room with us. Ever since she has been ‘all in.’” “All in” looks like Tesha following her mom around like a big furry shadow. Tesha wants to be with Carolyn constantly, even jumping the fence several times when hearing Carolyn’s voice nearby.

Tesha’s new dog friends taught her to be a dog. Carolyn reported that Tesha was confused at first but eventually got the hang of it. She also likes to play alone. She is obsessed with socks and shoes and is known for the occasionally zoomie.

Tesha has also never learned to give big sloppy dog kisses either. Instead, she mashes her nose against Carolyn’s face, a sign of her love. “She is an awesome dog. She loves people and she loves dogs,” said Carolyn. “And we love her.”

Tesha means “survivor” in Hindi. That she truly is.

Help Ruff Start continue our life-saving work by making a donation in honor of Tesha.

Do you remember Chesty and Murph? These boys joined us around Veteran’s Day last year. Chesty was named after Chesty Puller, a Marine Corps Lieutenant General, and Murph, after Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy. Their journey from a rough start to a happy ending is all thanks to the incredible support of our community.

Last year in November, our Executive Director Azure received a phone call from a vet clinic that had been in touch with someone who needed help. After connecting with the caller, Azure learned that the good samaritan had witnessed someone dumping two emaciated puppies on a gravel road in Cambridge, MN. When the car drove away, they were quick to rescue the pups and bring them to safety.

Azure took the puppies home that evening, and the next day, they were with our veterinary team. It was discovered that they were incredibly malnourished, emaciated, had worms, were anemic, covered in fleas, and had stunted growth. Based on their small body size, they looked like 4-month-old puppies, but they were actually 8 months old. They were covered in scars and had extremely long nails, the evidence of rough beginnings.

Despite their neglected past, they were in good spirits, and their tails didn’t stop wagging. They were quickly placed with Ruff Start fosters and began to thrive in their temporary homes.

Read original article.

So, whatever happened to Chesty and Murph? They are both living their best lives in their adoptive homes, and we couldn’t be happier for them.

Murph, the ball of energy, found a loving family. He’s hyper, excited, and loves a good snuggle. His attempts to befriend the resident cats might be falling a bit flat, but he’s the star of his family’s show.

Then there’s Chesty, now known as Biggie. Sweet, sassy, and overcoming a bout of elbow dysplasia like a champ. Surgery at the University of Minnesota set him on the path to a pain-free life. Biggie aced obedience classes, dabbled in nose work classes, and became the ultimate family dog. His new mom, a first-time dog owner, swears she hit the jackpot.

The jaw-dropping transformation of Chesty and Murph is all thanks to Ruff Start supporters like you. As Give to the Max Day rolls around, consider donating in their honor. Your generosity keeps these incredible stories of redemption going, proving that every bit of kindness adds up to a brighter future for animals who need it.

Donate today and double your impact thanks to $40,000 in matching funds for #GTMD23 early giving.

Then

Now

Then

Now

It sounds like a blockbuster, but this, in fact, was (almost) how this little Chihuahua family made their way to a local impound and, ultimately, Ruff Start Rescue.

The family was found locally in a parked, empty vehicle that had been reported stolen. The police department was alerted to an abandoned car that needed to be towed. When they arrived, some of the bandits were still inside! Presumably, the Chihuahuas belonged to the car thief, who didn’t come to claim them at the impound. (Alas, they would have been turning themselves in for the crime.) The investigation is still ongoing, and Ruff Start fosters were quick to scoop up these little outlaws. They’re now safely in loving foster homes.

1-year-old Whiskey, 3-year-old Bar Maid, 3-year-old Betty Lou Who, and 5-year-old Biggie Smalls have been in foster for a few days and have started to settle in. They are all sweet, curious, and friendly, and Bar Maid is known for shaking up one heck of a margarita.

But our story doesn’t end there. One of these little cuties is heavily pregnant! Betty Lou Who is expected to give birth any day, and we hope you’ll follow along on their journey as we prepare for Give to the Max Day.

These little ones and their future offspring will receive the royal treatment while with us. They’ll all be spayed/neutered and receive top-notch care from Ruff Start’s own veterinary team. The cost of care for this family is expected to be around $1,400 plus $350 each for any little babes on their way! Please consider donating today, while donations are being matched up to $40,000, to give these Chis the best chance at new lives.

These two older Yorkies, likely brothers, were surrendered to us this afternoon and need fosters immediately. They are approximately 8-9 years old and have spent the majority of their lives in a small kennel together. Despite this, they are friendly and sweet to both humans and other dogs.

They met with our vetting team today for preventatives and an examination. While in foster care, they will require treatment for severe dental issues. Both of them have already been neutered. Initially arriving with fleas, they have received treatment, and the fleas are no longer a concern. Their fur is heavily matted, so they will need grooming and a generous amount of tender loving care.

If you can foster one or both, please sign up here: https://ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/foster/

Donations are being accepted for this duo to cover the cost of their extended medical needs while with Ruff Start.