Maltese puppies and dogs in Big Lake, Minnesota

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. *This animal is a part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.* Emma's story started a little rough, but we're determined to give her the golden years she deserves! Found as a stray, this sweet senior lady is estimated to be around 11 years old.  What Makes Emma Special: A Heart of Gold: Despite her past, Emma is a sweet girl who craves companionship. She's a quiet soul who enjoys gentle pets and being near her people. Low-Key Companion: Emma is the perfect companion for someone seeking a calm and relaxing presence. Her energy level is low, and she's content to spend her days napping and enjoying quiet moments. Independent Lady: While Emma enjoys being near her people, she's not a big cuddler. She prefers to have her own space and will happily settle down near you rather than on top of you. A Work in Progress: Emma is learning new things every day! We're currently working on house training, and while she's still having accidents, she's making progress. Patience and understanding are key with this sweet girl. Emma's Needs: A Calm and Quiet Home: Emma thrives in a peaceful environment. A home without a lot of hustle and bustle would be ideal. Someone Who's Home Often: Emma gets anxious when left alone, so she needs a family who is home most of the time or willing to work on her separation anxiety. A Single-Level Home (or Minimal Stairs): Emma has difficulty navigating stairs, so a home with minimal or no stairs would be best. Patience and Understanding: Emma is an elderly dog with some medical needs. She needs a family who is willing to provide her with the patience, love, and care she deserves. Ongoing Medical Care: Emma has some age-related health concerns. She has diminished hearing and near-complete blindness. She has an eye removal surgery and a dental cleaning scheduled for mid-July to improve her comfort and quality of life. Her new family will need to be prepared to continue providing her with any necessary medical care. Emma may be a senior with some challenges, but she has so much love to give in her own way. If you're looking for a gentle and affectionate companion who appreciates your presence without demanding constant physical affection, please consider opening your heart and home to Emma. She promises to repay your kindness with endless love and gratitude. Adopting a senior dog is like getting a vintage car – it comes with character, a few extra quirks, and might need a bit more maintenance. Expect occasional tune ups at the vet for oil changes (aka meds), and embrace the fact that those 'normal lumps and bumps' are just part of the well-earned charm package! Ruff Start will share all known health information with adopters and recommendations to keep your senior dog in top shape. Emma is from a local impound.  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.June 25, 2025, 8:16 pm

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Thank you for stopping by to see me!  Please fill out an application to set up  a private meeting.    Hello everyone, my name is Russet.  I am a very tiny 5 lb. Maltese boy about one year old.  I am lots of fun with my random bursts of happy energy but I am also content to hang out with my person all day. One of my favorite things is to play with small tennis balls.  I am great with other dogs of all sizes and with respectful children.  I’m working on potty training but I’m pretty smart so I know I’ll pick it up with some gentle help and a good schedule.  My leash training is coming along so I won’t need a fenced yard to go potty.  Sometimes I freeze when I’m on a leash because I’m not quite used to it yet but I am getting there. I kindly request another dog in the home to keep me company because I get really sad and lonely when my humans leave me. I just can't help but voice my discontent when I'm left alone! I have a lot to say, so  I also bark when I want someone to pick me up or when I'm crated.  Shared walls aren't a good idea for me. I know how to sit when asked.  I’ve never been around kitties but I bet it would be OK because I am such a sweet and laid-back little guy.  My foster mom says I am a super sweet little fella.  I sure would love to have a home of my very own and a family to cuddle up with. Please note that some of our dogs are obtained from shelters, surrendered to our care, or released from breeders. Each animal's bio is based on our experience of the animal within our care, an educated guess based on physical characteristics, temperament and information shared. Each dog receives basic grooming when coming into rescue, but for some dogs they have not received grooming attention until recently and grooming may be required shortly after adoption. This will be at the adopter’s expense, so we encourage you to research the breed and be prepared for grooming expenses. Underdog cannot guarantee hypoallergenic or non-shedding qualities of any dogs in our rescue. Some of the animals come from situations where they are lacking experience in a home and confidence in humans. In turn, they require another companion dog and/or a fenced in yard in their forever home in order for them to feel safe. If you are interested in a particular dog whose bio states those needs and do not currently have them, please understand that your home might not be the right fit. Please use the filter on our Adoptable Dogs page to find the perfect match for your home.     ***Be sure to check your spam/junk folder as sometimes our emails end up there***Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.If you have other questions about me you can email Underdog Rescue at <inquiries@underdogrescuemn.com> ADOPTION EVENTS:      Adoption events are updated at the top of each dogs animals' as their foster home signs up. Check back for updates on which events they will be attending. If an event is not listed within their bio above, the animal is not planning to attend.  Please understand that all of our pets are in volunteer foster homes and sometimes "life" happens and the foster family cannot make it to their scheduled adoption event. If you are traveling from a far distance to meet a specific animal, please understand we cannot guarantee event attendance. We recommend filling out an application and we will set up a private appointment. Private appointments are only scheduled after an application is submitted and approved. ADOPTION PROCEDURE: The first step in our process is to complete an online adoption application on our website: http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/adoptionprocess/   Note: In most circumstances Underdog Rescue will only adopt within 60 miles of Minneapolis, MN.  All of our foster animals can be seen by appointment with an approved adoption application. Contact us at http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/contact-us/ if you have further questions. FOSTER CARE: All of our animals are fostered in individual homes or doggie daycare facilities. While they are in our care, they are part of our families and given lots of love. We work on training, crate-training and socialization prior to adoption, but each bio is written by the foster as they see them, in their home. Each animal's behavior is evaluated and we have a sense of its temperament and personality, but it cannot be guaranteed. We look for adopters who will give each animal the wonderful life and permanent home that he or she deserves in time and with patience.  If you have an interest and ability to be a foster home, please visit our website  www.underdogrescuemn.com/foster-applications  and fill out a foster application. NUTRITION: Nutrition is vital to the rehabilitation and life-long health of our pets.  All of our foster animals are fed a premium diet such as NutriSource, Canidae, Orijen, Nature's Variety, Fromm, Pure Vita, Stella and Chewy's, Primal, or balanced raw diet.  All adopters are required to continue providing premium diets for the life of the animal. YOU CAN HELP: Not able to foster or adopt right now? Please consider sponsoring an Underdog. Your donation will help us buy dog food and pay for medical costs. Visit this link  www.underdogrescuemn.com/donate   to donate.  (Please note: A Paypal account is not necessary to use Paypal. When you get to the Paypal page, just use the link to the left of their login to make your donation via Paypal without an account.) May 17, 2025, 12:42 am

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Thank you for stopping by to see me!  Please fill out an application to set up  a private meeting.  Come and meet me at an Adoption Event!! I will be at Chuck & Don's Forest Lake 1960 W Broadway Ave Building 2, Forest Lake, MN 55025 on Saturday, June 28th 12:00-2:00 pm . I will be on the outdoor patio ready to meet you. Please email inquiries@underdogrescuemn.com for questions regarding the dogs. Cove is a 9-pound pocket of fluff and gentle soul wrapped into one precious Maltese package. At 4 years old, she’s learning the ropes of indoor life and discovering that humans, soft toys, and cozy laps might just be the best things ever. While she’s still a bit shy about being picked up, once she's in your arms, she completely melts—like a marshmallow that finally found its hot cocoa. Cove is quiet, kind, and as low drama as a Hallmark movie. She’s happiest when snuggled next to another dog (seriously, she needs a doggy buddy to show her the ropes), and she’s already mastering the art of “go outside” and “come back in for treats.” Cove isn’t leash-trained yet, and sudden chaos or commotion can startle her, so she’ll need a calm, patient home with a fenced yard and gentle routines. She's crate trained, still a work in progress for house-training, and well on her way to becoming a pro-level lap dog. This girl has made amazing progress, and her foster family can’t stop gushing about her sweet nature and adorable little face. If you’re looking for a quiet companion with a soft heart and even softer fur, Cove may be your perfect match. Please note that some of our dogs are obtained from shelters, surrendered to our care, or released from breeders. Each animal's bio is based on our experience of the animal within our care, an educated guess based on physical characteristics, temperament and information shared. Each dog receives basic grooming when coming into rescue, but for some dogs they have not received grooming attention until recently and grooming may be required shortly after adoption. This will be at the adopter’s expense, so we encourage you to research the breed and be prepared for grooming expenses. Underdog cannot guarantee hypoallergenic or non-shedding qualities of any dogs in our rescue. Some of the animals come from situations where they are lacking experience in a home and confidence in humans. In turn, they require another companion dog and/or a fenced in yard in their forever home in order for them to feel safe. If you are interested in a particular dog whose bio states those needs and do not currently have them, please understand that your home might not be the right fit. Please use the filter on our Adoptable Dogs page to find the perfect match for your home.   ***Be sure to check your spam/junk folder as sometimes our emails end up there*** Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.If you have other questions about me you can email Underdog Rescue at <inquiries@underdogrescuemn.com> ADOPTION EVENTS:      Adoption events are updated at the top of each dogs animals' as their foster home signs up. Check back for updates on which events they will be attending. If an event is not listed within their bio above, the animal is not planning to attend.  Please understand that all of our pets are in volunteer foster homes and sometimes "life" happens and the foster family cannot make it to their scheduled adoption event. If you are traveling from a far distance to meet a specific animal, please understand we cannot guarantee event attendance. We recommend filling out an application and we will set up a private appointment. Private appointments are only scheduled after an application is submitted and approved. ADOPTION PROCEDURE: The first step in our process is to complete an online adoption application on our website: http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/adoptionprocess/   Note: In most circumstances Underdog Rescue will only adopt within 60 miles of Minneapolis, MN.  All of our foster animals can be seen by appointment with an approved adoption application. Contact us at http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/contact-us/ if you have further questions. FOSTER CARE: All of our animals are fostered in individual homes or doggie daycare facilities. While they are in our care, they are part of our families and given lots of love. We work on training, crate-training and socialization prior to adoption, but each bio is written by the foster as they see them, in their home. Each animal's behavior is evaluated and we have a sense of its temperament and personality, but it cannot be guaranteed. We look for adopters who will give each animal the wonderful life and permanent home that he or she deserves in time and with patience.  If you have an interest and ability to be a foster home, please visit our website  www.underdogrescuemn.com/foster-applications  and fill out a foster application. NUTRITION: Nutrition is vital to the rehabilitation and life-long health of our pets.  All of our foster animals are fed a premium diet such as NutriSource, Canidae, Orijen, Nature's Variety, Fromm, Pure Vita, Stella and Chewy's, Primal, or balanced raw diet.  All adopters are required to continue providing premium diets for the life of the animal. YOU CAN HELP: Not able to foster or adopt right now? Please consider sponsoring an Underdog. Your donation will help us buy dog food and pay for medical costs. Visit this link  www.underdogrescuemn.com/donate   to donate.  (Please note: A Paypal account is not necessary to use Paypal. When you get to the Paypal page, just use the link to the left of their login to make your donation via Paypal without an account.) June 26, 2025, 3:53 pm

Popcorn is about 18 lbs., 14 years old and according to Google lens, a West highland terrier. Animal Care Services thought he was a Maltese mix and foster mom thinks he could be a Schnauzer/Maltese mix but knows for sure that he is the cutest scruffy EVER!!! His journey hasn't been all snuggles and treats as he lived on someone's apartment patio for years, lying in poop, grass and other debris until Animal Care Services came for him and God's Dogs Rescue was able to save the little scamp. While he still loves his humans, other gentle pups his size (cats unknown) and his squishy toys and chewy, understandably he has a few emotional scars especially regarding vet visits and grooming. Slow, patient progress in these areas has helped him be more confident, but will need a patient adopter to help him adapt. Things that make Popcorn super happy are spending time with his humans after he gets to know them, car rides and walks in the park. He loves, loves his squishy toys and generally carries one around with him. His most favorite game is for his person to chase him and pretend to take his squishy away. He also like to run zooms and if there isn't a person to play with he will often throw his toys for himself. Doesn't that just make you want to throw his stuffies so he can play?? He's a healthy guy for his age with just a few old man issues (beginnings of cataracts) that he takes supplements for and should continue taking. His liver enzymes were high when tested but he is on a med to help them normalize. Can you give this boy the right lap to live in?? He needs very patient/knowledgeable adopters, no children- adult only because he will bite if afraid... It is a work in progress but he is becoming the goofy boy he was meant to be while living on the nasty hot and freezing porch for most of his 14 yrs :( GIVE HIM A CHANCE!!! Local adoption only $200 (in TX)

Riley is a 10 pound 5-year-old Maltese who loves to cuddle and play fetch. We have had him since he was 8 weeks old. Due to my long term physical health issues from a fall and an upcoming major surgery, we can no longer provide the care for our little pups. Riley is potty and kennel trained. The first 2 years we had him in a crate at night and when we were away. For about 6 months he slept with us in bed. Over the last 3 yrs at night and when we were away he was in a 3x3 playpen at the lake or a 3x6 playpen at home. His sibling had anxiety issues and needed to sleep with Riley in a play pen. Riley is easy going and doesn’t chew on anything or get into trouble. Riley has no issues wearing a harness or being leashed for walks or potty breaks. He does tend to pull; however, with a simple Bah (Bark Busters Training) and holding the leash properly he will walk beside you. Seasonal Allergies he takes Apoquel. Allergy to Chicken and beef ingredients