Ruff Start Animal Rescue Foundation

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Ruff Start Animal Rescue Foundation Ruff Start Animal Rescue is a registered charity in Alberta, Canada dedicated to giving dogs in need a second chance.
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We rescue, rehabilitate, and match them with loving forever homes. Every dog deserves a fresh start — and we’re here to make it happen Ruff Start Animal Rescue Foundation is a registered charity in Alberta, Canada. Registered Charity

It is our wish that no animal endures the pain and suffering of a life of abandonment and neglect. It is our mission to rescue the mistreated, save the injured and love the abandoned. We strive to build a community that promotes compassion and seeks to strengthen the human-animal bond. Using education, proper vetting, science-based training methods and quality nutrition our goal is to adopt rescued dogs to a well matched forever family.

🐾 ONLY ONE MORE WEEK TO ORDER!🐾Our Ruff Start merch fundraiser is officially LIVE! 🎉❤️We teamed up with Mountain View Pr...
10/12/2026

🐾 ONLY ONE MORE WEEK TO ORDER!🐾

Our Ruff Start merch fundraiser is officially LIVE! 🎉❤️

We teamed up with Mountain View Promotions to create a collection of dog-loving designs that you can wear while helping us keep doing what we do best — giving animals in need a Ruff Start at a better life. 🐶🐾

And there are LOTS to choose from!

👕 T-shirts — $30
🧥 Hoodies — $60
🧥 Zip-up hoodie — $60
🧢 Hats — $30

We have 8 different clothing designs and 3 hat designs, with a variety of colours and sizes available!

Whether you're the person who says "I can't adopt another dog" while already looking at adoption applications… or you simply believe life is better with a dog (or two… or three 😂), we've got a design for you.

🛍️ HOW IT WORKS

These are PRE-ORDERS, so everything is made specifically for the orders we receive.

➡️ Visit our Ruff Start Shop
➡️ Choose your designs, items, colours and sizes
➡️ Place your order
➡️ We'll collect orders for ONE MONTH*
➡️ Mountain View Promotions will produce everything
➡️ We'll contact you by email when your order is ready for pickup! (Expected delivery in November)

📍 Pickup will be available in Calgary, Airdrie, Didsbury, Edmonton and Medicine Hat.
🚫 No shipping is available.

And of course, the best part…

❤️ Every purchase helps Ruff Start continue caring for animals in need. Your support helps us provide veterinary care, food, supplies, training and everything else our dogs need while they're waiting for their forever homes.

So go ahead. Wear your dog obsession proudly. 😂🐾

🛍️ SHOP HERE:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/ruff-start-animal-rescue-foundations-shop?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Pre-orders are open for ONE MONTH ONLY, so don't wait until the last minute!

Thank you for supporting Ruff Start — whether you're wearing our logo, rocking a ridiculous dog shirt, adopting, fostering, donating or simply cheering us on from the sidelines, we couldn't do this without you. ❤️

Happy Thanksgiving from the Ruff Start Family 🐾
10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving from the Ruff Start Family 🐾

🐾 FOSTER HOMES NEEDED — CHIHUAHUAS! 🐾We’re looking for foster homes in Calgary and Edmonton for chihuahuas arriving Wedn...
10/10/2026

🐾 FOSTER HOMES NEEDED — CHIHUAHUAS! 🐾

We’re looking for foster homes in Calgary and Edmonton for chihuahuas arriving Wednesday evening!

We don’t have any behaviour or temperament information just yet, but we’re hoping to find some loving homes ready to help. ❤️

🏡 Already approved or recently submitted a foster application? Please send us a message!

💌 New to fostering? We’d love to hear from you! Please complete a foster application to get started. https://www.ruffstartanimalrescue.com/foster-application

Let’s find these little ones a safe place to land! 🐶💕

💔 THIS is why we’re fundraising. This is what $6,000 means to us.Behind every dollar we raise is a dog who has gone with...
10/09/2026

💔 THIS is why we’re fundraising. This is what $6,000 means to us.

Behind every dollar we raise is a dog who has gone without the care they desperately needed. And sometimes, the reality of what these dogs have endured is harder to look at than words can explain.

🐾 Our recent medical updates:

Chewy and Bruno have both had their dentals completed! 🦷❤️ These procedures are a huge step toward helping them feel more comfortable and enjoy their senior years.

Today, Cleo and Stella went in to be spayed, another important step in their healing journeys. We knew both girls would need dental work, but when our veterinary partner took photos of their teeth, we were absolutely heartbroken. Their teeth are severely decayed, and the extent of the damage is horrific.

Just look at these photos. These are the mouths of two dogs who deserved so much better.

Cleo and Stella came to us from a breeding situation. They were dirty, underweight, frightened, timid, and undersocialized. They had been used to produce puppies for profit, yet their own basic medical needs went unaddressed. And when they were no longer wanted, they were left behind.

Now, their healing journey begins. ❤️ Both girls are officially spayed, and as they recover, gain strength, and settle into safety, we'll be preparing them for the full dental procedures they desperately need.

And this is something we need people to understand about breeding dogs.

When we think about puppies, it's easy to picture the cute little faces, tiny paws, and the excitement of bringing home a new family member. But how often do we stop to think about the mother and father who produced those puppies? Where do they live? Do they receive proper veterinary care? What happens to them when they're no longer profitable?

Dogs coming from breeding situations can arrive in heartbreaking condition. We've seen it time and time again, and their needs can be extensive. The neglect doesn't always show up in the photos of the puppies being advertised for sale. Sometimes, it's hidden behind closed doors until the breeding dogs are discarded and someone else is left to pick up the pieces.

Cleo and Stella are two of those dogs.

They aren't just former breeding dogs. They're individuals who deserve comfort, kindness, medical care, and the chance to discover what it feels like to be safe and loved. They should never have had to live this way.

We know these conversations can be uncomfortable, but we believe education matters. Where you choose to get a puppy matters. The questions you ask matter. And the lives of the parents matter, too.

❤️ This is why we set our $6,000 fundraising goal.

Every dental, every spay, every surgery, every blood test, and every unexpected medical expense adds up. Our rescue is responsible for helping these dogs recover from the things they never should have had to endure in the first place.

We're getting SO close to our goal, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated, shared our posts, and stood beside us through this challenging time. We’ll be sharing another fundraising update soon!

Until then, please keep sharing our story. Help us give Cleo, Stella, and the many other dogs who come through our doors the fresh start they deserve. 🐾

Because being rescued shouldn't just mean surviving. It should mean finally getting the chance to feel good, live comfortably, and be loved.

🚨 EMERGENCY P*E PAD ALERT! 🚨🚽💩 Our little monsters are at it again! 😂🐶Mabel’s puppies are growing like weeds, and appare...
10/09/2026

🚨 EMERGENCY P*E PAD ALERT! 🚨

🚽💩 Our little monsters are at it again! 😂🐶

Mabel’s puppies are growing like weeds, and apparently their favourite hobby is going through p*e pads at an absolutely UNHINGED rate! 🤣

But it’s not just our tiny chaos crew who need them. ❤️ We have several seniors and special needs dogs in our care who rely on p*e pads every single day, too.

And here’s the problem… WE’RE DOWN TO OUR LAST BOX! 😱

🐾 HOW TO HELP — PLEASE DONATE OR DROP OFF P*E PADS TODAY:

🛒 Donate through Amazon: Purchase p*e pads from our wishlist, and Amazon will ship them directly to us:
🔗 https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/2RXOWMZEK2M4G?ref_=wl_share

📦 Drop off p*e pads in person: Purchase any size or brand of p*e pads and bring them to any of our locations.

Every package makes a difference, whether it’s keeping up with eight little paws-and-potties-in-training or helping one of our beloved seniors stay clean, comfortable, and dry. 🥹❤️

Please help us keep the potty chaos under control! 😂🐾 Click the wishlist link or bring a package to one of our locations today—our dogs are counting on you!

Can’t donate? Share this post now so it reaches someone who can help!

Thank you for always showing up for our dogs. ❤️

— Your friends at Ruff Start Animal Rescue Foundation 🐾

🖤 SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS TO US. 🖤Because we genuinely don’t understand how Bruno has been waiting for over a month ...
10/08/2026

🖤 SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS TO US. 🖤

Because we genuinely don’t understand how Bruno has been waiting for over a month with ZERO applications.

Like… have you seen him?! 😭

Bruno is a 10-year-old, 94-lb professional good boy who has somehow managed to check off just about every box on the “amazing dog” list.

✅ Happy
✅ Goofy
✅ Affectionate
✅ Friendly
✅ Gentle
✅ LOVES his people
✅ Loves walks
✅ Loves toys
✅ House trained
✅ Sleeps peacefully through the night
✅ Great with handling
✅ Great in the car
✅ Loves meeting new people
✅ Makes adorable little “Husky” talking noises even though he isn't a Husky 😂

And this guy is THRIVING.

When Bruno came into care, he was around 104 lbs. Today? 94 lbs and absolutely KILLING his weight-loss journey. 💪🏼🐾

He LOVES his walks and has discovered that toys are actually pretty awesome too. He's learning all sorts of things about what it means to be a dog who gets to have fun, be spoiled, get attention, and actually be part of the family.

And honestly? Bruno doesn't ask for much.

He wants to be near his people.
He wants some scratches.
He wants a cozy spot to nap.
He wants to go for a walk.
He wants someone to tell him what a handsome boy he is.
And apparently, he would also like to have conversations with you in his very own language. 😂

After everything, Bruno is now fully vetted, including a full dental, and ready to spend his senior years being absolutely spoiled.

He's 10. He's a big boy. He's not flashy or tiny or the newest dog in rescue.

But he's Bruno. ❤️

And we think someone out there is going to be absolutely obsessed with that.

He deserves the person who sees his goofy smile and thinks, “Yep. That's my dog.”

So we're putting this out there again:

📣 WHERE IS BRUNO'S PERSON?! 📣

If you're looking for a low-key, loving, hilarious, oversized couch potato who will happily accompany you on walks and then come home and melt into your life…

Maybe you've just found him.

📍 Calgary area
🐾 10 years old
⚖️ 94 lbs and losing!
❤️ Fully vetted + dental complete
🐕 Dog-friendly
🏡 Looking for a loving home where he can enjoy his golden years

Please share Bruno. Because somewhere out there is the person who is going to wonder how they ever lived without this big goofy guy. 🖤 https://www.ruffstartanimalrescue.com/adoptable-dogs

The month of September brought 8 wonderful adoptions! 🐾 Clementine, Florence, Luna, Sophie, Mouse, Chewy, Dakota and Cha...
10/07/2026

The month of September brought 8 wonderful adoptions! 🐾 Clementine, Florence, Luna, Sophie, Mouse, Chewy, Dakota and Charlotte were all officially adopted! Congratulations to the wonderful families.

🚨 WISHLIST SOS! Our shelf is looking a little TOO bare! 🐾There are some things in rescue that disappear almost as quickl...
10/06/2026

🚨 WISHLIST SOS! Our shelf is looking a little TOO bare! 🐾

There are some things in rescue that disappear almost as quickly as we can put them away… and p*e pads and FortiFlora are two of them! 😅

Between Mabel’s puppies and all of the other dogs in our care, we go through these supplies constantly. And right now, our stock is getting very low. 🥺

🧻 P*e pads — because puppies + foster dogs + rescue life = LOTS of cleanup!

🦠 FortiFlora — one of those little packets that seems to be needed all the time when you’re caring for dogs with sensitive tummies, transitioning diets, or recovering from illness.

Our shelf is looking bare, and we would really appreciate some help restocking it before we run completely out. ❤️

If you’re able to grab an item (or two!) from our Amazon Wishlist, please know that it goes directly toward caring for the dogs who need us.

🛒 Our Amazon Wishlist:
https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/2RXOWMZEK2M4G?ref_=wl_share

Every box of p*e pads and every box of FortiFlora might seem like a small thing, but when you’re a rescue going through them constantly, those small things make a HUGE difference. 🐶❤️

Thank you, as always, for helping us keep our shelves stocked and our dogs happy, healthy, clean and cared for. We truly couldn’t do this without you. 🥹🐾

From our entire Ruff Start family — thank you! ❤️

🐾 RUFF START MERCH IS HERE!🐾Our Ruff Start merch fundraiser is officially LIVE! 🎉❤️We teamed up with Mountain View Promo...
10/06/2026

🐾 RUFF START MERCH IS HERE!🐾

Our Ruff Start merch fundraiser is officially LIVE! 🎉❤️

We teamed up with Mountain View Promotions to create a collection of dog-loving designs that you can wear while helping us keep doing what we do best — giving animals in need a Ruff Start at a better life. 🐶🐾

And there are LOTS to choose from!

👕 T-shirts — $30
🧥 Hoodies — $60
🧥 Zip-up hoodie — $60
🧢 Hats — $30

We have 8 different clothing designs and 3 hat designs, with a variety of colours and sizes available!

Whether you're the person who says "I can't adopt another dog" while already looking at adoption applications… or you simply believe life is better with a dog (or two… or three 😂), we've got a design for you.

🛍️ HOW IT WORKS

These are PRE-ORDERS, so everything is made specifically for the orders we receive.

➡️ Visit our Ruff Start Shop
➡️ Choose your designs, items, colours and sizes
➡️ Place your order
➡️ We'll collect orders for ONE MONTH*
➡️ Mountain View Promotions will produce everything
➡️ We'll contact you by email when your order is ready for pickup! (Expected delivery in November)

📍 Pickup will be available in Calgary, Airdrie, Didsbury, Edmonton and Medicine Hat.
🚫 No shipping is available.

And of course, the best part…

❤️ Every purchase helps Ruff Start continue caring for animals in need. Your support helps us provide veterinary care, food, supplies, training and everything else our dogs need while they're waiting for their forever homes.

So go ahead. Wear your dog obsession proudly. 😂🐾

🛍️ SHOP HERE:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/ruff-start-animal-rescue-foundations-shop?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Pre-orders are open for ONE MONTH ONLY, so don't wait until the last minute!

Thank you for supporting Ruff Start — whether you're wearing our logo, rocking a ridiculous dog shirt, adopting, fostering, donating or simply cheering us on from the sidelines, we couldn't do this without you. ❤️

Meet Scruffy & Patches— an adorable brother-and-sister duo who are officially looking for their forever home OR a foster...
10/05/2026

Meet Scruffy & Patches— an adorable brother-and-sister duo who are officially looking for their forever home OR a foster home together! ❤️

These approximately 4-year-old Pekingese/terrier mixes are basically two little cartoon characters who somehow came to life. 😂 Between their ridiculous underbites, silly personalities, and love of cuddles, they are pretty hard to resist.

🐶 Scruffy is the chill, confident, cheeky brother. He loves his people, other dogs, toys, walks, and naps. His favourite hobby? Pulling a toy out of the basket and throwing it around by himself. 😂

🐶 Patches is the sweetest, cuddliest girl who ever lived. She’s loving, playful, and wants to be wherever her people are. She is also the more nervous of the two and can struggle with anxiety, especially when she feels left out. She is currently on calming medication while she adjusts and will need a family committed to giving her the time, patience, and consistency she needs to build confidence. ❤️

Together, these two are affectionate little shadows who love hanging out with their people, playing with toys, going for walks, and then collapsing into a good nap.

They are house trained, dog-friendly, and great little companions. They’ll need continued leash training (because apparently walking politely is beneath them 😆), and cats/small animals are untested.

📍 Currently in Calgary

We are looking for someone who can welcome BOTH Scruffy & Patches into their home — whether that’s as their forever family or as a foster home while we find their perfect match.

Patches may need a little extra patience, but we promise: she is worth it. And Scruffy will be there to make sure you’re never bored. ❤️

👉 Interested in fostering or adopting Scruffy & Patches?
Foster: https://www.ruffstartanimalrescue.com/foster-application
Adopt: https://www.ruffstartanimalrescue.com/dog-application-form

Address

Didsbury, AB

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