A message from Azure Davis, Ruff Start Rescue's Founder & Executive Director
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 has carried me through the years are the eyes of the animals who need us. The fear, the uncertainty, and the small glimmer of hope that reminds us why this work matters. They deserve safety and healing, and you help make that possible.
Fifteen years later, that same need is still here. And what gives me strength is knowing this mission is not mine alone. Every foster who opens their home, every volunteer who shows up, every supporter who believes in this work helps carry each life that comes through our doors. You make this work extraordinary.
Because of this community, you help families stay connected with the pets they love, ensure access to affordable care, and remove barriers that stand in the way of safety and stability. This is only the beginning, and it is just one small part of why, together, we are More Than Rescue.
Being More Than Rescue means supporting animals while also uplifting the people and communities who care for them. Since the beginning, more than 31,000 animals have been saved and we have hosted 12 Wellness Clinics that provided vital care to hundreds of pets in need. In the last year alone, we donated 28,000 pounds of food and supplies to families and, on average, took in 12 animals a day. Behind every number is a life you helped heal.
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.
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.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Azure Davis
Executive Director & Founder
Ruff Start Rescue
Donate today at givemn.org/ruffstartrescue
#GTMD25 #MoreThanRescue #Minnesota #AdoptDontShop #Rescue #GiveToTheMax
Ruff Start Rescue has grown from a single plea for help into a compassionate community dedicated to animal welfare and family support. Since its founding in 2010, this Minnesota-based organization has saved more than 31,000 animals, emphasizing that rescue is not just about saving pets but also about empowering the people and communities that care for them. One of the key initiatives is the Wellness Clinics, where vital care is provided to hundreds of pets who might otherwise go without treatment. These clinics address common health issues and help remove barriers to accessing affordable veterinary care, ensuring pets remain healthy and families stay connected with their beloved animals. Additionally, Ruff Start Rescue's substantial donation efforts, including 28,000 pounds of food and supplies distributed to families in need within the last year, demonstrate their holistic approach to pet welfare. Their commitment extends beyond rescue to preventing hardship and promoting stability within households, acknowledging that a pet’s wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the support their family receives. The story of Tad Arthur encapsulates the transformative work Ruff Start Rescue undertakes. Arriving fragile and fearful, Tad’s gradual recovery highlights the kindness and expert care foster homes provide. With patience and love, rescued animals regain their spirit and find forever homes, a journey made possible through generous donors and dedicated volunteers. The organization’s efforts are amplified during Give to the Max Day, when donations are matched up to $80,000, doubling the impact and enabling Ruff Start Rescue to expand access to care, save more animals, and support families further. This community-driven event fuels ongoing rescue operations and wellness initiatives critical to the nonprofit's mission. Supporters are encouraged to visit givemn.org/ruffstartrescue to contribute and be a part of this lifesaving mission. Ruff Start Rescue continues to embody the spirit of being More Than Rescue—uplifting animals and the people who love them through compassion, care, and community involvement. In summary, Ruff Start Rescue’s mission extends far beyond saving animals; it’s about creating a resilient community where pets and their families receive the support and resources they need to thrive together. Your involvement makes every rescue story possible and helps ensure a brighter future for countless animals and their human companions.
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