Lone Star to North Star Rescue® Relief Program: Behind the Scenes of a Ruff Start Rescue Transport
Every Lone Star to North Star Rescue Relief journey begins with a ride.
Transport days are some of the most important moments in rescue. They connect animals leaving overcrowded shelters in Texas with the safety and care waiting for them at Ruff Start Rescue. Dedicated volunteers, careful planning, and many miles on the road all come together to give these animals a fresh start.
This video offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of those journeys. From loading up to hitting the road, it highlights the teamwork and commitment that make each transport possible.
Take a moment to watch the video and see how lives change one mile at a time!
Posted: August 13, 2026 by Lara Clasen
Expanding to Meet the Growing Need
By Mary Christine Kane
The animals need us. That’s why we’ve broken ground on the next chapter for Ruff Start Rescue.
We are expanding by nearly 3,000 square feet to add veterinary equipment, community spaces, animal care rooms and much more. We are growing so we can be there for animals like:
Unfortunately, the daily need from animals just like these is only increasing. We are taking in 10 or more animals daily, and there are many more still waiting for help. Our expansion is an investment in our long-term impact, strengthening our ability to care for animals who need us now and in the years ahead.
We have raised $424,295 toward the project so far, but need your support to reach our goal of $1,000,000.
With your support, here’s what the future of Ruff Start looks like:
More animals served and lives saved. Because sometimes the hurdle to helping more animals is simply space, increasing our footprint will help us serve hundreds more companion animals annually. We will be increasing access to care for both rescue and community animals served by our wellness clinics.
Our office will have more exam rooms and recovery spaces, as well as a new meet and greet area for adopters. For our heartworm positive dogs undergoing treatment, there will be a healing room, helping us save more lives from this fatal disease.
Improved quality of care. By adding advanced medical equipment, such as X-ray and ultrasound machines, we will be able to provide more accurate treatment quickly. Bringing these capabilities in house will also reduce costly outsourcing, allowing us to stretch our funding.
A bigger impact on overpopulation. To further our commitment of ending the cycle of overpopulation, we anticipate 50% more spay/neuter surgeries with our increased capacity.
Reduced stress and improved operations for office cats. Our in-house cats are getting a new cat wing, which will house catios and three new rooms. The extra roaming areas will keep more cats out of cages, while allowing easy access for caretakers. A newly dedicated feline food prep and supply area called The Whisker Café will help caretakers efficiently prepare meals, medication, and supplies, to keep office cats healthy and thriving. We expect these upgrades will help shorten the time cats spend waiting for adoption.
Increased support for community and volunteers. The power of Ruff Start is its volunteers. Our future building includes improved volunteer amenities and a conference room for training and gathering, called the Knowledge Nook. It’s also a place where we can host educational programs, which is key to animal welfare and advocacy. It will give staff, volunteers, and supporters a place to come together, build skills, and strengthen our collective impact. We’ll be expanding parking as well. Our office, which is already bustling, will be even busier given our expanded reach – more parking will be essential.
Help us reach the finish line
We are excited about the coming changes and the bigger impact we’ll make on animal welfare, but we need your help. With your support, we can fully realize our vision. We welcome your donation in any amount and also appreciate donations of time and materials.
We imagine a future where every companion animal has a loving home. Until then, we plan to be a safe haven for those who need us. We hope you join us.
Posted: April 8, 2026 by Crystal Bowen
The People of Ruff Start Rescue
Meet Crystal Bowen
Crystal joined the Ruff Start Rescue team in October 2025 as the Director of Advancement. She’s spent her career building donor relationships, securing major gifts, leading strategies, and helping organizations such as Palmer College of Chiropractic and the YMCA grow their support. At Ruff Start Rescue, Crystal gets to combine her professional experience with something she deeply cares about, helping animals. Her work focuses on building relationships with donors, growing organizational support, and creating opportunities for more animals to find safe, loving homes.
In her free time, you’ll usually find her (and her dog, Buddy) outdoors- kayaking, hiking, enjoying nature, or cheering on her Minnesota sports teams (even when they make it tough to be a fan most years).
In this interview, volunteer Mary Christine Kane talks with Crystal about her experience in animal rescue and her work at Ruff Start.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH ANIMAL RESCUE?
My passion took off when I adopted my dog, Buddy, five years ago from Coco’s Heart Rescue. That was my introduction to animal rescue in Minnesota.
Then I lived in Iowa for a few years and I started volunteering and fostering dogs for the rescue Tails in Transit who primarily transports dogs from Texas to Iowa. What started as “just fostering once because this dog had a deadline” quickly turned into eight foster dogs in a single year.
I fell in love with the process- watching nervous dogs decompress, seeing their personalities come out, and helping them find the right home. Being able to use my professional skills to help even more animals makes my role especially meaningful.
tELL ME MORE ABOUT HOW BUDDY WAS A CATALYST FOR YOUR CAREER CHANGE.
Rescuing Buddy totally shifted my perspective on animal rescue and the positive impact that an animal can have. Through him, I saw firsthand the impact of compassion, advocacy, and second chances. And not just on animals, but on people too. Buddy and the fosters I’ve cared for over the past couple of years made me realize I wanted my work to reflect those values, which ultimately led me to my career change and here I am at Ruff Start!
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORK DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
One of the things I love the most about advancement work is that no two days are ever the same.
On any given day I could meet with a donor, help with a Facebook Live session or other social media content, attend a Ruff Start event, or connect with the advancement team to plan new ways to engage and cultivate supporters.
If I’m really lucky, my day might also include my personal favorite part of the job- sitting on the floor giving love to whatever rescue dog is visiting the office that day.
what is your favorite thing about working for ruff start?
By far, the incredible community. Everyone is so welcoming, supportive, and so deeply passionate about the mission. I’m continually inspired by our volunteers, fosters, and community members. Their commitment and compassion are truly what make this work possible.
There’s a sense of pride across the organization, and it’s clear that people love the roles they play in helping animals and the community.
Besides Buddy, what’s an animal rescue story that impacted you?
One of my earliest animal rescue memories was our family dog growing up, Sparky. He was a spunky little mutt who showed up one day as a stray in the alley behind our house. We did everything we could to try to find his owners, but no one came forward. He had signs of neglect, and after about a week of my brother and I begging our mom to let us keep him, she finally caved.
I had grown up with my grandparents always having dogs, but Sparky was our first family dog. He quickly became part of everything we did- tagging along on weekend hockey and basketball tournaments, hotel trips, and family adventures.
Sparky was the best dog we could have asked for. When he passed away from a sudden cancer while I was in college, our family was heartbroken. Losing him was incredibly hard, but he’s also a big part of the reason I’ve always had such a soft spot for animals. He showed me early on just how special the bond between people and pets can be, and why giving animals a second chance matters so much.
What animal-themed item is sitting on your desk right now?
I have a little sign that reads “I work hard so my dog can have a better life.” But maybe one of these days he’ll decide he’d like to help out a little!
What’s the best way to support animal rescues or shelters?
I suggest getting involved in whatever way you are able to. Even if you think you can’t make a big difference, you absolutely can. There are so many ways to make an impact, and every bit of support matters. We couldn’t do the work we do without the support of our volunteers, fosters, donors, and community. If making a large donation isn’t possible, maybe it’s giving a small amount monthly. Maybe it’s volunteering your time, fostering an animal, or even connecting the rescue with someone in your network who could help. One of the things I love most about my role is getting to connect passionate people with opportunities to give back in ways that feel meaningful and sustainable for them.
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.
Posted: March 9, 2026 by Kelli Hanson
BTS: Ruff Start Rescue Transport
Lone Star to North Star Rescue® Relief Program: Behind the Scenes of a Ruff Start Rescue Transport
Every Lone Star to North Star Rescue Relief journey begins with a ride.
Transport days are some of the most important moments in rescue. They connect animals leaving overcrowded shelters in Texas with the safety and care waiting for them at Ruff Start Rescue. Dedicated volunteers, careful planning, and many miles on the road all come together to give these animals a fresh start.
This video offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of those journeys. From loading up to hitting the road, it highlights the teamwork and commitment that make each transport possible.
Take a moment to watch the video and see how lives change one mile at a time!
Posted: January 1, 2026 by Kelli Hanson
The People of Ruff Start Rescue
Meet Dr. Jeremy Riddle
The People of Ruff Start Rescue
Dr. Jeremy Riddle is Ruff Start Rescue’s medical director. He grew up in Moorhead, MN, and attended veterinary school at Iowa State University. After graduating, he worked as a vet for four years before moving to Princeton in 2004 to start his own practice. It was there that he began helping Ruff Start Rescue and eventually joined the team as a part-time employee in 2018. He has since sold his practice but continues his work with Ruff Start, helping give animals in need a healthy start for their new lives.
We asked Dr. Riddle to tell us more about his experience with rescue and Ruff Start in this interview with volunteer Mary Christine Kane.
What is a day in your life like?
My job varies from week to week, but often involves performing wellness exams and seeing sick or injured animals, writing medical protocols, consulting on bloodwork and lab testing, and treating heartworm disease in our dogs who are transported from southern states. I do whatever I can to help the vetting department save money so that we can help more animals in need.
What’s the best part about rescue work?
Being able to actually make a difference for pets who need someone to do what’s best for them — not just what an owner wants, even if it’s not in the pet’s best interest. It’s rewarding to be able to do just that at Ruff Start.
How do animals inspire you?
Their motivations are pretty simple. They’re straight with you. Even though they have their individual temperaments and personalities, they just want the basics in life without too many complex twists to what makes them tick. They want to feel safe, to live without pain or discomfort, to have enough food and water, to be loved.
What’s the best way to support animal rescues or shelters?
Financial donations are always needed, and donations of time and space are extremely helpful too. If you have extra room in your home, we always have many more animals in need than there are places for them to go. If you decide to foster, take the cases you can do the most good with, not the ones that look the most fun or get the most attention but may not fit your lifestyle. If you can’t make needed appointments or keep to treatment plans and medication schedules at home then please take a different case and let someone who does have the free time take the tougher cases. We still have plenty of fosters who need you and will be a better fit for your lifestyle.
Have you ever adopted an animal you were fostering?
I have a “foster fail” right now. “Glitter” is a blind, epileptic pit bull. I brought him home to get his epilepsy under control, and my daughter fell in love with him. She isn’t really a dog person, but Glitter won her over. So now he is home.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing rescues today?
Skyrocketing costs of medications, veterinary care, and lab fees are a challenge for the whole industry and are hitting owners and rescues alike. This means more owner surrenders, and our care dollars don’t go as far as they used to. Your donations of time and money are always needed and appreciated. They make a difference in the lives of all the animals we are trying to help.
Posted: November 20, 2025 by Kelli Hanson
The Story of Harlow
She survived nine days alone in an empty house.
By the time help arrived, Harlow was a ghost of a puppy, ribs sharp beneath her skin, fur stained from lying in her own waste, toes splayed from being confined for so long she could barely move. She was starving, dehydrated, terrified… and the moment a human reached for her, she wagged her tail.
And that’s where you come in.
Helping Harlow isn’t just about pulling a dog from a shelter, it’s about rebuilding a life that should’ve never been broken. Your donation today provides medical care and refeeding support for starved animals, gives abandoned pets safe foster homes instead of shelter kennels, helps neglected animals learn trust, routine, and security, and turns trauma into second chances.
This is what More Than Rescue looks like.
It’s not just saving a life. It’s rewriting a story. Because rescue doesn’t end when we save them. That’s just where it begins. Thanks to an $80,000 match, every dollar you give today goes twice as far for animals like Harlow.
Posted: November 20, 2025 by Kelli Hanson
The Story of Anne Bonney
Posted: November 20, 2025 by Lara Clasen
Give to the Max with Holiday Gifts
It’s Give to the Max Day in Minnesota – the biggest nonprofit giving day of the year. If you’d like to make a meaningful contribution while supporting the Ruff Start Rescue mission, consider doing your holiday shopping at the Ruff Start Store. Every purchase helps us rescue, heal, and rehome animals in need.
Here are some gift ideas for the animal lovers in your life:
1. Shirts & Sweatshirts
Cozy styles in fun colors with sayings like “Easily distracted by cats” and “Tell your dog I said hey.”
2. Baby & Youth Apparel
Nothing’s cuter than a onesie that says “Born to rescue.”
3. Accessories
Mugs, calendars, and trucker hats – perfect stocking stuffers!
4. Pet Accessories
Toys and treats for the furry friends on your list.
5. Gift Cards
We don’t recommend giving pets as presents, but a gift card is a thoughtful option for someone considering adoption or shopping for Ruff Start swag and pet gear.
5. Animal Care Fund Donation
Give the gift of health. Your donation supports veterinary care for animals in need, and is sure to bring on the purrs. Any amount makes a difference.
Your generosity ensures we can continue our critical work to rescue stray, neglected,
abandoned, and surrendered animals in need, getting them healthy, and placing them in loving homes.
Posted: November 20, 2025 by Kelli Hanson
A Letter from Azure
One of those lives is Tad Arthur. When he arrived, he was fragile, afraid, and in pain. With care and time, he grew stronger. His eyes softened. His spirit returned. One day, he found the courage to wag his tail again. Today, he is safe and loved with his family. You made that possible.
Today Only: Your Gift Is Matched
Give to the Max Day shapes what we can do in the year ahead. Thanks to a generous group of supporters, every dollar you give today will be matched, up to $80,000. Your gift will go twice as far for the animals and families who need you.
Your support expands access to pet care, strengthens families, and creates more stories like Tad’s.
Thank you for standing with us, for believing in this mission, and for making hope possible. Because of you, Ruff Start Rescue will always be More Than Rescue.
Posted: November 17, 2025 by Kelli Hanson
5 Reasons to Give to the Max 2025
Every wagging tail and happy purr starts with you. On Give to the Max Day — Minnesota’s biggest giving day — your donation to Ruff Start Rescue saves lives.
Here’s five ways your gift makes an immediate impact:
1. Veterinary care for injured or ill animals.
When we are able to bring a dog or cat into our care, we often don’t know their full medical needs. Emergency surgeries and treatments can cost hundreds of dollars. Your gift ensures animals get the care they need for a second chance at a happy, healthy life.
2. Spay and neuter services
Preventing overpopulation is critical to the work we do. Thanks to donors like you, every pet adopted from Ruff Start is spayed or neutered.
3. Supplies for foster families
Your support helps us meet the daily needs of the hundreds of foster animals in our care each month. This allows animals to have a warm, safe placet to sleep each night.
4. Animal transport from overcrowded shelters
Along with helping hundreds of animals from our local shelter every month, Ruff Start Rescue also has a program to save lives by bringing animals from crowded rural locations where they have little chance of adoption. Ruff Start Rescue’s committed to helping those in need with the Lone Star to North Star Rescue Relief ® program. You can help fuel the Ruff Start Rescue transport van and related trip costs for animal transports, such as our bimonthly rescue missions to Texas.
5. Education and advocacy
In addition to addressing rescue needs, Ruff Start educates about animal welfare and advocacy to help address roots issues that lead to abandoned and mistreated pets. We have a team of staff and volunteers who visit schools and community events to teach about the importance of spay/neuter, animal safety, pet care, rescue and adoption. Your donation supports this vital outreach.
Every dollar makes a difference. With your help, we can reach our $300,000 giving goal.
Posted: November 16, 2025 by Kelli Hanson
An Update on Tinkerbell