Adopt

My name is Banjo!

Posted 1 week ago

Cared for by Ruff Start Rescue
Adoption process
1

Submit Application

2

Meet the Pet

3

Sign Adoption Contract

4

Take the Pet Home

My basic info

Breed
Shepherd (Unknown Type)/Husky
Color
Tricolor (Tan/Brown & Black & White)
Age
Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID
21723978

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with kids
Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.



Meet Freddy
(formerly Banjo)

Freddy didn’t come into rescue quietly. He showed up on trash night of all times, running straight up to his TX volunteers like he’d finally decided it was time to be safe. No collar, no microchip, just a scrappy, skittish guy who’d clearly been on his own for a while. Neighbors later shared he’d been roaming the area for about a month, dodging leashes but happily accepting food. When Freddy was ready, he chose his people.

And once he chooses you, he’s all in.

Freddy is a one-year-old, active pup who is affectionate, sweet, and loyal to his core. At night, he turns into a full-on cuddle pretzel, melting into you for belly rubs and forehead kisses like it’s the best part of his day (because it is). He loves toys, loves his people, and is happiest when he’s close to the humans he trusts.

He’s also a smart cookie. Freddy picked up cues like sit, stay, off, and leave it quickly and is very food motivated, which makes training fun and rewarding. Once he feels secure, he’s generally a pretty quiet guy and has learned not to bark unless someone unfamiliar is at the door.

Freddy does best with dogs he knows and is comfortable with his canine siblings, but he can be unsure around unfamiliar dogs and new people at first. He takes some time to warm up, so a patient adopter who understands that trust is earned (and worth it) will be important. Because of this, he’d thrive in a calmer home that avoids heavily populated walking areas and gives him space to build confidence.

He loves running around the backyard, going on walks, and burning off energy. An active person or family who can give him regular exercise would be ideal. He can be strong on leash and does best with a confident handler. A gentle leader has worked well for him.

Car rides make Freddy nervous, though he does settle once underway. For longer trips, he uses medication to help him relax.

Cats haven’t been introduced yet, but Freddy is very interested in wildlife like deer and raccoons, so a cat-free home may be the best fit.

Freddy doesn’t ask for much. A steady routine, clear boundaries, patience, and love. In return, he gives unwavering loyalty, affection, and a whole heart once you’re in.

If you’re looking for a devoted companion who will choose you the way Freddy chose his foster, he just might be your guy.

Banjo is from Texas.

If you are interested in getting to know this animal better, please fill out an adoption application. An adoption application is the best way to show your interest in an animal and is not a binding contract.

To learn more about Ruff Start’s adoption process and the care our foster animals receive, please visit our How to Adopt page.

If you are unable to adopt but want to help this animal and others in our care, you can donate to support the medical and veterinary needs of all Ruff Start Rescue animals.  



Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.
December 28, 2025, 9:55 am
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
21723978
Contact
Address
PO Box 129, Princeton, MN 55371

Their adoption process

1.

Submit Application

Your application simply shows that you are interested in an animal; it is not a binding contract.

2.

Meet the Pet

Your chosen animal’s foster home will reach out to you to discuss the pet you are interested in. If applicable, schedule a meet and greet!

3.

Sign Adoption Contract

An Applications team member will send the electronic adoption contract to you to be signed. They will also request adoption fee payment.

4.

Take the Pet Home

Once adoption agreement and payment are complete, you take your new pet home!

Additional adoption info

After adoption we’d love to remain a resource for you if you have questions or concerns you need help addressing with your new pet. Please reach out to us at adoptionfollowup@ruffstartrescue.org if we can be of any assistance.

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based rescue, meaning no animals are available at the Princeton, MN office for public viewing or adoption. All animals in our care reside in foster homes with few special exceptions for our adoption center animals, who are housed at our partnering facilities temporarily before adoption. To meet a Ruff Starter you may be interested in adopting, please submit an adoption application on our website.

More about this rescue

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit companion animal rescue that primarily serves communities throughout the state of Minnesota, as well as states in the south with severe pet overpopulation. We rescue stray, neglected, abandoned, and surrendered dogs and cats as well as ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other critters. Most of our work is accomplished by a complex network of volunteers, fosters, and supporters, all of whom come together to save thousands of animals each year.

Since our inception, we’ve firmly believed that a home is usually a far more desirable environment than a shelter or a kennel for most companion animals in need of a forever family. As a result, we rely nearly exclusively on volunteers to provide foster homes for rescued pets until they find their adoptive homes. Please note: this means no animals are available at our facility for public viewing.

Each pet in our care is provided with routine vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, microchipped, given internal and external parasite preventatives, and tested for common bloodborne pathogens such as heartworm and feline leukemia. Advanced veterinary care is provided to any animal that requires such services before adoption.

If you are interested in fostering, adopting, or volunteering, please fill out an applicable application at our website: www.ruffstartrescue.org.

Other pets at this rescue