Ruff Start Rescue Blog

At Ruff Start Rescue, saving animals takes a community. From the fosters who open their homes and volunteers who give their time to the businesses that find creative ways to support our mission, every partnership helps us reach more people and ultimately, help more animals.We’re grateful to recognize GS-JJ for their generous…

Meet Crystal BowenThe People of Ruff Start RescueCrystal 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…

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…

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…

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,…

On Monday night, as we were closing our doors, a woman rushed in holding a tiny kitten so sick we couldn't even see her eyes. Where sight should have been, there was only swollen, bright red tissue. She was barely 1.6 pounds, weak, sneezing, and burning with infection. And yet,…

When I think back to 2010, I remember sending out a simple plea for help. I didn't have a plan; I just knew one dog needed saving. What happened next was only possible because people like you stepped forward. Your compassion turned one rescue into a community of thousands. What…

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…

Last Give to the Max Day, we introduced you to Tinkerbell. She was seen being thrown from a moving vehicle and left behind by the people who were supposed to love her. She arrived at the impound unable to walk without support, covered in road rash, stitches, and soft-tissue injuries,…

Sweet Loca just can't catch a break. Loca has been admitted to the vet again after continuing to struggle following her last procedure. Her first surgery was an incredibly difficult and risky one due to her fragile condition, and despite making it through, she's faced more complications along the way.…

A bullet shattered his leg, but not his spirit. He limped alone down a cold, empty road. Every step a silent cry for help. When rescuers stopped to save him, Elm looked up with wide, pleading eyes, still trying to be brave. No one could have imagined the truth hidden…

Loca is critically ill and out of time. Without surgery, this 3-year-old Cane Corso will die. When our team first heard about Loca today, she was on the verge of being euthanized. A local veterinary clinic had reached out to rescues, desperate to find someone, anyone, who could step in…

Finch wasn't supposed to give birth in the freezing woods. She was scheduled to arrive at Ruff Start Rescue on October 19, a pregnant mama ready to find safety before her puppies came. But when her owners missed transport, her rescue had to wait until the following Monday. Finch had…

Give a Gift Today! 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.…

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…

Whoops...the cat may have slightly snuck out of the bag, but we can't contain our excitement any longer! I am thrilled to announce we are adding an additional 1,200 square feet to our office in Princeton! With this additional space comes additional opportunities for us to support people and pets…

Ruff Start Rescue is making headlines! From incredible rescue stories to community partnerships, local and national media outlets are sharing the impact we're making for animals in need. We've gathered these articles in one place so you can easily see what others are saying about our work. Visit our In…

From Stray Dog to Comfort Dog: Meet Dunkin, Bloomington's First Comfort Dog At Ruff Start Rescue, we've seen firsthand the remarkable potential that lies within every rescue animal. And Dunkin is a shining example of what love, patience, and opportunity can do. Back in April, our team met Dunkin while…

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…

Eddie is a 10-year-old Chihuahua mix who went from shut-down and silent to tail-wagging and hopeful—all within a single day. He came to a local impound with no known history, healing wounds on his body, and a small bump on his head. Just another senior dog waiting quietly, hoping someone…

When Rewind first arrived at a local shelter, he was a shy, quiet soul—unsure of his surroundings and hesitant to trust. At just 2 years old, this stunning boy likely hadn't known much kindness or consistency in his short life. But that's changing. With gentle care and patience, Rewind has…

Queen was recently abandoned at a park At just 10-months-old, Queen was left to fend for herself after her owner decided they could no longer keep her. No leash. No note. No goodbye. Just a baby, left alone to wonder what she did wrong. Queen is now safe in a…

May marks #NationalPetMonth—a time to celebrate our cherished companions while also reflecting on those still waiting for homes. Right now, animal shelters across Minnesota are stretched to their limits. A surge in owner surrenders and stray intakes has pushed many to full capacity, urgently calling for support from rescue partners—and…

When Tad Arthur arrived at Ruff Start Rescue this past Saturday, we could hardly believe he had survived this long. A German Shepherd/Hound mix from one of our reservation partners, Tad was first estimated to be just 5 months old, but his paperwork reveals he's closer to 18 months. And…

16 puppies, 2 mamas, and a family in desperate need of help. A local family is facing an urgent and heartbreaking situation. Their beloved mother and daughter shepherd/husky pair each had a litter, resulting in 16 adorable puppies now 6 weeks old. Unfortunately, this family is also being evicted from…

Goose is the sweetest 1-year-old French Bulldog who has already won the hearts of her new family. But before she can be adopted, she has some medical issues to address at the vet early next week. Due to her breed's brachycephalic (smooshed-face) nature, Goose has been dealing with breathing difficulties…

PrincessPeach is a 4-year-old bulldog with a heart as big as her personality. She was supposed to meet her new family in Minnesota next weekend, but right now, she's fighting for her life. PrincessPeach came into a small shelter south of Houston after being found as a stray. She's been…

Sir Boops-A-Lot had no way of knowing that the people he loved would betray him. One moment, he was in a car, eager for whatever adventure lay ahead. The next, he was shoved out onto the pavement—confused, scared, and watching as the vehicle sped away, leaving him behind like he…

Mischief is a loving 6-year-old cat who's had her world turned upside down. After the heartbreaking loss of her owner, Mischief came to Ruff Start Rescue in search of a fresh start. While adjusting to the changes, Mischief has been a trooper, but she's facing some health challenges that need…