Morkie puppies and dogs in Princeton, Minnesota

Joey is as cute as can be, but to be successful with a new person, he needs someone with previous experience with shy/fearful dogs and is home much of the time. Joey is a 6 yr old, 10# male Maltese/Yorkie mix that came from a breeding operation, and he hasn't had the same socialization as a house pet would have had growing up. He is very shy with people, and although he's made some progress with his foster mom, it's been a slow process. Joey follows her around and wants to come close to her, but doesn’t really like to be picked up. He doesn’t like any pressure against his body but tolerates it - does best lifted up from under his belly area. He is a happy little dog that loves to run and play with the other canines in the foster home – he's cautious with people. Joey has learned to jump up on furniture, and at night he will jump up on the foster's bed (which is low to the ground) and sleeps with her and the other dogs. So he's making progress, and has the potential to continue trusting and interacting with his person, but it's going to take time and patience. His placement should be in an adult-only home, with someone that has experience with shy-fearful dogs . Joey is potty trained. During the day, he looks at you when he needs to go out (it's up to you to notice him there), and does fine on the flight of stairs to get down into the yard. If left for more than 4 hrs., he’ll use the pee pad. Because he's confined to the bedroom at night, he'll bark if he needs to go out. Joey needs a secure, small fenced in area to do his business because he doesn’t go on walks, and doesn’t do his business on a leash. Joey does come when foster calls him, but if he got out, he would be so frightened he would run off and not come to strangers. He rides in the front passenger seat of the car. Joey has spurts of energy when he will run and play with other small dogs – he really enjoys his relationships with the other dogs in the home, and should not be an only dog. No experience with cats. He is food motivated, which will be a help in training, but needs to watch his weight. Doesn't seem to shed, but his coat will mat. Unfortunately, he doesn’t tolerate brushing very well. Joey needs grooming about every 8 weeks. He is neutered, and had a dental cleaning done in January of this year – 27 teeth were extracted, 13 teeth remain. Current on distemper and rabies vaccinations. His microchip is registered to Second Chance. Transitioning into a new home might be almost like starting over again for Joey. This is a journey his new adopter can take him on. He needs a person that is familiar with dogs that want to trust people, but aren't quite able to do that without guidance, and a person that can keep him safe as he learns to navigate life. You need to accept him as he is, because change is slow. His adopter should have some experience with shy/fearful dogs. Gypsy is a delightful little girl. Very smart & oh, so cute! You can just check with the 3 little boy dogs that she lives with in her foster mom’s home. They think she is the greatest ever! Especially her best friend Joey. Gypsy is a Cairn terrier mix, and about 6 yr old, and currently weighs 13#. She has no interest in toys. Interests do include; lounging, food, following her foster mom around & playing with Joey & the other small dogs. She loves to be petted & tummy rubs are heavenly, but she is not a lap dog. Gypsy is a pretty quiet girl & rarely barks. She prefers her known familiar places & does not enjoy the uncertainty of new people or experiences. She walks OK on a leash, but doesn’t really enjoy it yet – afraid of birds overhead and cars on the road, and won’t do her business on a leash (so she needs a secure fenced yard for that). Her favorite place is her home. She is very food motivated & gets under foot when food is involved, so one must be steady on their feet. Her foster uses a piece of dry weight control food as a treat because she has gained weight and should drop 1-2#; too much extra weight puts stress on her legs, joints. Her foster home has a doggie door so she can go out at will except at night. Most homes don’t have this set-up, so she should be let out every 4 hours or so. She will use a potty pad indoors if available. Gypsy is very easy to have around, and so is Joey. Gypsy’s ideal home would be a quiet adult dog-experienced home where someone is home much of the time, a secure fenced yard so she can do her business and play, and her best friend and playmate Joey to go through life with. Gypsy is not a big barker, but will if new person comes into the home. Her foster mom says she has a "princess" complex - doesn't like bad weather and instead uses pee pads inside; if weather good, uses doggie door and doesn't need to ask to go out. The household routine is all dogs go out once in the middle of night. Gypsy is left loose in the house when her foster mom is gone (up to about 5 hrs) with pee pad down for emergencies. She sleeps in bed with foster and the other dogs at night on a heated mattress pad - bed is 18 inches off floor, so can get up without any assistance, but she might need doggie steps to get up on a regular bed. Gypsy rides OK in a car - sits in passenger seat, shakes a little. She has a sweet temperament, never snapped, never bitten. No exposure to cats - only plays with other dogs - no interest in toys or chews. Gypsy doesn't mind being picked up, doesn't like to be held or have pressure against her body, but loves to be touched and get pets on her terms. She doesn't know any commands, doesn't come when called unless food is involved (or she otherwise wants to). Her coat does not mat, and she doesn't need much brushing (likes being brushed). Gypsy will need to be groomed about every 3 months. Gypsy is spayed, current on vaccinations, and her microchip is registered to Second Chance. If you have any questions, or if you have a special place in your heart for special needs dogs and want to meet Joey and Gypsy, please call 651-771-5662. Because they are a bonded pair, they will only be adopted out together; the fee for the pair is $350 . A home visit may be required.

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Winnie is a gentle, affectionate little soul with the kind of eyes that look straight into your heart. She may be a bit shy when first meeting new people, but give her a little time and reassurance and she blossoms into the sweetest lap companion you could ask for. Once she feels safe, Winnie loves being close to her person and will happily curl up in your lap for cuddles and quiet time. Winnie does well with adult women and both big and small dogs. She can be a little unsure at first, especially around new dogs, and may try to act tough if another dog approaches her person. She responds very well to gentle correction and quickly learns to accept dogs that respect her space and her tiny size. She does best in calm, respectful dog interactions and is very even-tempered overall. She is leash trained, crate trained, does well in the car, and truly wants to please. Winnie may whine a bit when crated and can bark at unfamiliar dogs, but these behaviors improve as she settles in and feels secure. When she first arrives in a new environment, she may potty a little due to nerves, but that stops once she feels safe and comfortable. She will give a warning growl to other dogs around food or treats, but she has never shown this behavior toward humans. Winnie came from a high-kill shelter and appears to have been mistreated in the past. She is very submissive and will often roll onto her back when approached, a sign of both her gentle nature and her desire to please. It’s clear she’s been craving love and stability, and once she bonds, she attaches deeply to her person. She loves attention, enjoys being outside, and would thrive with someone who wants a lap dog that can also enjoy some outdoor time. Because she is tiny, a secure yard or close supervision outside is important, as she could slip through small spaces. Winnie is looking for a patient, loving home that understands shy dogs and is willing to give her the reassurance she needs. In return, she will give unwavering devotion, sweet cuddles, and the kind of companionship that makes you feel truly chosen.  Winnie is ready for a forever home where she can finally feel safe, loved, and never let down again! Winnie is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 2/7/2026 and will need to be picked up from the Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton, MN between the hours of 9am and noon. Please plan for their arrival accordingly as we cannot accommodate pickups outside of this time frame. Since they haven’t arrived yet, they are available exclusively through Ruff Start’s Foster to Adopt (FTA) Program. Click here to learn more about the FTA program. Once they get to Minnesota, they might require further veterinary care. Ruff Start’s veterinary suite is located in Princeton, MN, and, as the foster, you will be required to transport your dog to and from these vetting appointments.  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.January 24, 2026, 11:44 am

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Pebbles is a little ray of sunshine wrapped in fur! She’s gentle, happy, and loves being near her favorite people. She’s quiet, smart, and even-tempered, making her the perfect lap buddy for cozy snuggles or relaxing afternoons. Pebbles is crate trained, eager to please, and loves a soft blanket to curl up on. Her shiny little eyes will melt your heart every time she looks at you! Pebbles gets along well with other dogs, but she would also be content as an only dog with plenty of love and attention. She’s easygoing, friendly, and always ready to bring a smile to your day. Pebbles is heartworm positive, but by the time she moves to her new home in Minnesota, she will have completed 30 days of doxycycline treatment. She’ll be ready for all the cuddles, love, and fun that her forever family can give her. Pebbles is looking for a loving home that can support her treatment and give her the affectionate, happy life she deserves! Pebbles is from Texas.  This pet is currently undergoing treatment for heartworm disease and is available through our Foster-to-Adopt (FTA) program. Activity must be restricted for several weeks during recovery. RSR will cover the full cost of treatment. RSR will provide heartworm preventatives until the retest is due. The adopter will be responsible for scheduling the retest and obtaining any follow-up prescriptions through their veterinarian. Click Here to learn more about heartworm disease.   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.January 20, 2026, 2:17 pm

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Bonnie is a gentle little soul with a heart full of love, just waiting to feel safe and cherished in her forever home. She may be a bit unsure at first, but Bonnie warms up quickly and blossoms once she knows she’s safe. She’s incredibly sweet, affectionate, and calm, with a soft, quiet presence that makes her easy to have around. Bonnie loves curling up beside her people, especially if she can be covered up with a cozy blanket. One of her favorite things is rolling onto her back and looking at you with those trusting eyes, asking for belly rubs. Bonnie does well with adult men and women, children over 10, and small dogs. She’s comfortable either as an only dog or with a quiet companion, as she has a naturally low-key personality. She’s leash trained, crate trained, rides well in the car, and enjoys toys and lap time. She’s eager to please, gentle, and affectionate, with a shy but playful side that comes out as she gains confidence. Despite a very difficult past involving abuse, Bonnie has shown remarkable resilience. She came into rescue in poor condition but has come a long way and continues to thrive with love and patience. She is a quiet little girl who doesn’t bark much and prefers peaceful environments. Bonnie can be a bit picky with food and doesn’t care for dry kibble. She does best with canned baby food or home-style meals such as cooked chicken, turkey, or ground beef mixed with rice and vegetables. Mealtime is much happier for her when it feels comforting and nourishing. Bonnie is looking for a kind, patient home that understands gentle dogs and will continue to show her that life can be safe, warm, and loving. In return, she’ll be a devoted companion who wants nothing more than to snuggle close and be loved. Bonnie is truly one of those quiet treasures — soft, loving, and deeply grateful for every ounce of kindness. She’s ready to leave her past behind and spend her days wrapped in blankets, belly rubs, and unconditional love! Bonnie is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 2/7/2026 and will need to be picked up from the Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton, MN between the hours of 9am and noon. Please plan for their arrival accordingly as we cannot accommodate pickups outside of this time frame.  Since they haven’t arrived yet, they are available exclusively through Ruff Start’s Foster to Adopt (FTA) Program.   Click here   to learn more about this program.   This pet is currently undergoing treatment for heartworm disease. Activity must be restricted for several weeks during recovery. RSR will cover the full cost of treatment. RSR will provide heartworm preventatives until the retest is due. The adopter will be responsible for scheduling the retest and obtaining any follow-up prescriptions through their veterinarian. Click Here to learn more about heartworm disease.   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.January 24, 2026, 12:50 pm