Ruff Start Rescue ?

Forget the frenzy of shopping for gadgets and electronics—this Black Furday, invest in something priceless: a new best friend! ?? From 11/28 to 12/8, submit your adoption application for a black cat or dog and enjoy discounted adoption fees of $200 per dog and $99 per cat. ?? https://lnkd.in/gsNGs5Eq **Please note: This promotion does not include animals in our Foster-To-Adopt or Adoption Center programs.** If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].?

Last Tuesday, November 19th, Ruff Start Rescue hosted our 2nd Annual Community Giveback Day in celebration of Give to the Max Day and the amazing support we receive from our community! To show our gratitude, we offered free pet supplies to local families in need, and the turnout was incredible—with lines forming an hour before we even opened! We were able to give away 2,005 animal supplies, 346 cans of food, and 4,859 pounds of pet food! We are truly grateful for the support that makes it possible for us to continue our mission of keeping pets with the people who love them. ??

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and fun, but it's important to keep our furry friends safe too! Here are a few tips to ensure your pets stay safe and healthy this holiday. ????

Meet Dove! ??? This sweet and playful pup has two modes: zoomies with her dog friends or cozy cuddles while she snoozes peacefully. Her favorite pastime? Soaking up the sun in the yard, looking absolutely adorable! She’s great with other dogs and loves her human family. ?? https://lnkd.in/gCiv6StU

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived—Ruff Start Rescue's 14th Annual Online Auction is officially live! ?? This year promises to be our most exciting yet, with something for everyone to bid on, from unique treasures to unforgettable experiences. The auction kicked off today at 8 AM and will run until Monday, December 2nd at 8 PM. Don’t miss your chance to explore the hundreds of incredible items waiting for your bid! Whether you’re looking for gifts, treats for yourself, or a way to support our mission, there’s something special just for you. https://lnkd.in/gNHNkVA4

This sweet girl is full of love and will be by your side in no time, ready for cuddles and attention. Aimee is kennel trained, great with other dogs, and enjoys walks, playing with soft stuffed animals, and sharing happy howls! ? https://lnkd.in/gCiv6StU

Hi there! My name is Lemon, and I’m hoping to find my new family just in time for Thanksgiving! ?? Let me tell you, I’m full of love and playfulness – though I might be a little shy around new people at first, give me a day or two, and I’ll be your loyal best friend. I absolutely love following my foster parents around, and when I see them, my tail starts wagging so fast that my whole butt wiggles with excitement! Exploring the backyard and going on walks are some of my favorite things to do. I also love curling up in my cozy spot on the chair behind my foster parent’s desk, where I can relax while keeping an eye on everything. I’m looking for a loving family who will give me the time and patience to blossom. Once I feel safe and secure, I’ll shower you with all the love and affection I have to offer. Could you be the family I’ve been waiting for? https://lnkd.in/eqJJ-ehC

As Give to the Max Day comes to a close, I hope you share the same sense of gratitude and accomplishment that I feel. From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank you enough for your overwhelming support of Ruff Start Rescue on Minnesota's annual giving holiday. Ruff Start's goal for this year was to raise $225,000. We knew this was not a small undertaking, but we also knew this amount would allow us to expand our programs and reach throughout Central Minnesota and beyond. Because of you and our incredible network of supporters, we have surpassed that goal and raised $267,350.09! Not only has this been the largest amount raised on Give to the Max Day for Ruff Start Rescue, but it will also demonstrate the largest impact! We broke ground on the 1,200-square-foot building addition at the Ruff Start office on November 8, 2024. With this additional space comes the opportunity for additional animals to be spayed/neutered, additional people reached through our education program, and even more resources and supplies shared with community members. As Ruff Start Rescue and the entire animal welfare community face companion animal overpopulation, veterinary staffing shortages, and a drastic increase of owners surrendering their pets, there is no better time to increase our programs and services. Because of your generosity, we can do just that. The Ruff Start Rescue community runs deep. Our donors, volunteers, fosters, and staff all hold the same passion for companion animal welfare, and this Give to the Max Day has once again proven that. Whether you promoted a fundraiser on Facebook, shared social media content, attended an event, fostered, adopted, volunteered, or contributed financially, just know that you have made a difference for companion animals in need and the people who care for them. We couldn't be more grateful for you and your support of Ruff Start Rescue. As we reflect on the success of Give to the Max Day 2024, we not only celebrate all of the 27,000+ animals that have been rescued through Ruff Start, we also celebrate our incredible network of supporters. Because of you, lives will continue to be saved and changed. Thank you for continuing to join us on this journey! Azure Davis Founder & Executive Director Ruff Start Rescue

A message from Azure Davis, Ruff Start Rescue's Founder & Executive Director Over the past 14 years, I’ve learned that the Ruff Start Rescue community runs deep. Fosters, volunteers, adopters, donors, and staff show up daily to drive our mission forward, and I am deeply grateful for this incredible support. Give to the Max Day is a special Minnesota tradition that empowers nonprofits like Ruff Start Rescue to make a significant difference. The impact of this day can shape the programs and work we do in the year ahead. On this Give to the Max Day, I ask for your financial support to help us continue the life-saving work we do for dogs, cats, and critters in need. The Ruff Start Rescue Board and our generous community are matching every donation for Give to the Max Day. Today, every gift will be DOUBLED, dollar for dollar, up to $65,000! Our goal for Give to the Max Day 2024 is to raise $225,000. This is no small feat, but we know our supporters are just as committed to making this goal a reality. These funds will not only support our current operations but also allow us to expand our mission—literally! With your support, we’re excited to expand our Princeton, MN office by 1,200 square feet. This will enable us to spay and neuter more animals, not just our fosters but also those from partner organizations. The added space will also help us reach more people through our education programs and distribute more resources to community members in need. This Give to the Max Day, please help us grow our mission (and facility) to reach even more people and pets in 2025. Your unwavering support is inspiring. Together, we’ve saved over 27,000 animals! Thank you for your generosity; you’re creating a safer, better future for pets and people—and none of this would be possible without you. Happy Give to the Max Day—thank you all! Sincerely, Azure Davis Founder & Executive Director Ruff Start Rescue https://lnkd.in/eAJgk_a

It's that time of year again! The event everyone has waited for is almost here - Ruff Start Rescue’s 14th Annual Online Auction! This is one of our favorite events of the year, and we truly have something for everybody! Visit the Online Auction Website to register as a bidder and preview auction items. New items are added daily! Items include: ?? Trips to Italy, Ireland, Sedona, and Greece! ?? Wine Tastings ?? Dog Items ?? Cat Items ? Golf Outings ?? Gift cards...AND SO MUCH MORE! Funds raised through the auction will support Ruff Start’s mission of saving the lives of animals in need. Bidding starts Monday, November 25th at 8 am and runs through Monday, December 2nd at 8 pm. Shop for yourself or someone on your holiday list, all while saving lives. It’s a win-win! ???? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gBuCxXxq