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 exemplifies a compassionate approach to animal rescue that goes far beyond simply saving animals from immediate danger. Over the past 15 years, this organization has built a supportive community that not only rescues vulnerable pets but also addresses the broader needs of the families and neighborhoods caring for them. Their commitment to providing access to affordable veterinary care, pet food, and essential supplies speaks volumes about their recognition that animal welfare is deeply intertwined with human wellbeing. The journey of Tad Arthur, a rescue dog who arrived frail and frightened but gradually found strength and love through Ruff Start Rescue's care, reflects the transformative power of patience and dedicated foster support. Stories like Tad’s highlight why each animal deserves more than just rescue—they deserve a second chance at a happy, healthy life surrounded by love. Ruff Start Rescue’s model includes hosting Wellness Clinics, which have been instrumental in offering critical health services to hundreds of pets who might otherwise lack care due to financial barriers. Their impressive distribution of over 28,000 pounds of food and supplies annually also illustrates their dedication to keeping families and their pets connected and stable during challenging times. Importantly, the organization’s success is a testament to community involvement—from foster families opening their homes to volunteers and donors who fuel this lifesaving mission. Campaigns like Give to the Max Day amplify these efforts, doubling the impact of each dollar donated and preparing Ruff Start Rescue for continued growth and outreach. By focusing on both the animals and the communities that shelter them, Ruff Start Rescue embodies the philosophy of being "More Than Rescue." This approach ensures that the organization's impact resonates beyond individual lives, fostering a network of care that uplifts entire communities while honoring the bond between pets and people. Joining or supporting this community means contributing to compassionate, meaningful change that empowers both pets and their families.
