Rat Terrier puppies and dogs in Shelbyville, Tennessee

Tiny Boss Babe Seeking Lap to Rule!Guadalupe (“Lupita”) is an 11-month-old, 8½-pound female believed to be a Chihuahua / JRT / MinPin mix—and she is packed with personality. She is spayed, heartworm negative, up to date on vaccinations, and ready for her forever home.Lupita is a confident, funny little dog with adorable quirks that will keep you smiling. She is very affectionate and loves being on your lap or carried around—she fully embraces her inner diva. She does well with other dogs of all sizes, though she is definitely the dominant dog and prefers companions who respect her leadership. She's definitely a boss babe. She is not a fan of cats and she does enjoy a good chicken chase.Lupita is very playful with medium energy—she enjoys enthusiastic playtime followed by immediate, contented naps once her person sits down. She may even tell you when it's time for you to sit down! She tends to pick her person and becomes deeply devoted, while politely tolerating others.She is best suited for a home without young children and would do best with adults or older children who understand dog boundaries.Lupita is house trained (only a couple accidents when we didn't understand her signals), sleeps quietly through the night snuggled in bed, and does not need (or like) a crate. She is well-behaved when left alone for short periods, but she is still a puppy so there is a need to keep her toy box stuffed so she chews on those things you want her to chew on. She loves toys, especially stuffies with squeakers, and durable chews.If you’re looking for a small dog with a big personality, strong loyalty, and endless charm, Lupita may be the perfect match.Guadalupe is a nine month old female rat terrier mix around 8 pounds Available dogs are met by pre-approved adopters ONLY after a match is made. The application is the first step. Please complete the adoption (or foster) application here: https://www.russellrescuetn.com/application-for-adoption/We do not have any paid staff members. We are 100% volunteer powered. Thx for your patience.If you’d like to help offset the costs of our precious dogs care: Donations can be made via PayPal russellrescuetn@gmail.com or Venmo @russellrescuetn (Russell Rescue Inc, Columbia, TN; Mary Ruth Rogers, last 4 of phone 5889)Find all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/russellrescuetnJanuary 22, 2026, 1:01 am

Randy is a 6 year old, 10 pounds who came rat terrier/chi mix who came to us from Louisiana.Available dogs are met by pre-approved adopters ONLY after a match is made. The application is the first step. Please complete the adoption (or foster) application here: https://www.russellrescuetn.com/application-for-adoption/ We do not have any paid staff members. We are 100% volunteer powered. Thx for your patience. If you’d like to help offset the costs of our precious dogs care: Donations can be made via PayPal russellrescuetn@gmail.com or Venmo @russellrescuetn (Russell Rescue Inc, Columbia, TN; Mary Ruth Rogers, last 4 of phone 5889) Find all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/russellrescuetn  January 13, 2026, 1:13 am

Santana is a 5-6 month old rat terrier male. Shy, sweet and looking for a foster or forever home!  Available dogs are met by pre-approved adopters ONLY after a match is made. The application is the first step. Please complete the adoption (or foster) application here: https://www.russellrescuetn.com/application-for-adoption/ We do not have any paid staff members. We are 100% volunteer powered. Thx for your patience. If you’d like to help offset the costs of our precious dogs care: Donations can be made via PayPal russellrescuetn@gmail.com or Venmo @russellrescuetn (Russell Rescue Inc, Columbia, TN; Mary Ruth Rogers, last 4 of phone 5889) Find all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/russellrescuetnJanuary 24, 2026, 1:22 am

Precious little Taz needs a new place to rest his head. His dad got him as a companion and now cannot take care of him. Taz is considered special needs because of his extremely high energy and can destroy items with his obsessive compulsion to chewing. He also exhibits coprophagia. He will only be adopted to a approved adopter with past experience with his type issuesHe is a pure bred Rat Terrier only 1-2 year old this old.This tiny guy can be your next best friendHe needs a foster or adopter u told we can complete his adoption. Please help this guy stay out of boarding!Russellrescuetn@gmail.comAvailable dogs are met by appointment only and pre-approved adopters ONLY.Our dogs are currently in a foster homes which can answer your questions better than anyone else. We promise our fosters that we will qualify all potential adopters before we ask them to communicate with potential adopters.The application is the first step. Pleae complete the adoption (or foster) application here: https://www.russellrescuetn.com/application-for-adoption/You will be contacted if further information is needed.  We are 100% volunteer powered. Volunteers process the applications and need time above their personal needs and full-time jobs to process the apps.Please have patience. We do not have any paid staff members. Our adoption fee is $300 which includes spay/neuter, DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies, HW check, and microchip. Russell Rescue dogs are fostered in the Middle Tennessee area. We do not ship/transport our dogs, so the approved adopter must be willing to travel to Tennessee. Russell Rescue will try to first place our rescue dogs locally or in surrounding states.Russell Rescue is not open to the public for visiting hours. We do not have a physical location of our own. You can text our team if you need assistance with your app or have questions about your app status: 502-805-7786.January 26, 2026, 12:43 am

Autumn is a one year old rat terrier approximately 12 pounds. He was found as a stray and is shy at first. He is looking for his  forever home or a foster! September 22, 2025, 2:22 am

Buster is a charming 10-year-old, 17-pound gentleman who proves that age is truly just a number. He’s fixed, heartworm negative, up to date on vaccines, and has recently had a full dental — he’s healthy, comfortable, and ready for his forever home.Buster has a playful side and loves squeaky toys and playing fetch. While he has some minor age related vision loss, it doesn’t slow him down — he confidently enjoys exploring the yard and spending time outdoors. A fenced in yard will be important for his safety.He has a very sweet temperament and gets along well with dogs of all sizes. He’s also cat-indifferent, making him a great fit for a multi-pet home. Buster does have some mild food guarding, which is easily managed by feeding him separately.Buster truly shines as a companion. He loves to snuggle, sleeps peacefully beside you at night, enjoys car rides, and is not anxious or overly clingy. He does not like being crated and doesn’t need one, as he’s well-mannered and content just being near his people.If you’re looking for a loving, playful, and easygoing dog who will happily share both adventures and quiet moments, Buster would make a wonderful addition to your home.  **Meet Buster the Christmas Miracle Pup!** 10 years young • JackRat extraordinaire • Professional Snuggler & Foster Superstar If your holiday wish list includes *one* sweet, gentle, slightly goofy soul who rocks the perfect mix of pep and cozy… well, Santa just delivered. Meet **Buster**—the dog with the world’s most expressive ears and a heart that could melt the snow off your roof. Don’t let the “senior” label fool you! This guy has the spirit of a pup, loves his daily strolls, and then turns into a warm, snoring blanket when it’s time to settle in. Truly the **best of both worlds**.Here’s why we’re completely obsessed with him already: Knows sit, lay down, and even pops up like a little meerkat to take treats *so gently* Anti-crate activist (he respectfully declines, thank you very much ) Sleeps through the night like an angel and doesn’t move until you do Recovering from a rough flea past — treated, healing, and just needs a little holiday TLC Not totally housebroken yet, but smart, eager, and rocking his belly bands Gets along great with other dogs & couldn’t care less about cats Will 100% chase a running chicken… and honestly, same Pure sweetness, pure gentleness, pure heart-melting magicFor a 10-year-old, Buster has **so much love and life** left to share — and we know his playful side will only grow as he settles in.If you’re wishing for a dog who wants to sleep in your bed, stroll by your side, and quietly steal your heart… **Buster is ready to go home for the holidays.** Adopt a little Christmas magic — adopt Buster.Apply online https://www.russellrescuetn.com/adoption-application or email Russellrescuetn@gmail.com if already approved Apply online https://www.russellrescuetn.com/adoption-application or email Russellrescuetn@gmail.com if already approved Heartfelt Plea for Buster Some stories stay with you — and Buster’s is one of them.This sweet 10-year-old JackRat had his whole world turned upside down when his loving mom lost her home. With nowhere else to go, she and Buster lived together in her car. She adored him deeply, but shelters wouldn’t allow dogs… and she was forced to make the most selfless, heartbreaking decision a pet parent can make: ensuring his safety, even when she couldn’t secure her own. She entrusted Buster to us so he could be cared for, loved, and given the chance at a brighter future. And now, after vetting, dental care, flea protection, and a much-needed bath, Buster is safe — but he still doesn’t have a place to call home. Buster needs a foster home.He deserves to sleep in a warm bed, not feel homeless another day. He deserves to know he is wanted. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real difference — how to show gratitude by giving back — this is it. Opening your home to Buster, even temporarily, could be the miracle he’s waiting for.  Foster or adopt — the first step is the application:https://www.russellrescuetn.com/application-for-adoption/ Russell Rescue is 100% volunteer-powered.Our dogs live in foster homes, not a facility, so approved applications are required before meet-and-greets. Volunteers work around full-time jobs and family obligations, so we truly appreciate your patience.Please consider opening your heart and home. Buster has already lost so much — let’s help this deserving senior boy find the stability, love, and warmth he’s been missing. Available dogs are met by appointment only and pre-approved adopters ONLY.Our dogs are currently in a foster homes which can answer your questions better than anyone else. We promise our fosters that we will qualify all potential adopters before we ask them to communicate with potential adopters.The application is the first step. Pleae complete the adoption (or foster) application here: https://www.russellrescuetn.com/application-for-adoption/You will be contacted if further information is needed. We are 100% volunteer powered. Volunteers process the applications and need time above their personal needs and full-time jobs to process the apps.Please have patience. We do not have any paid staff members. Our adoption fee is $300 which includes spay/neuter, DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies, HW check, and microchip. Russell Rescue dogs are fostered in the Middle Tennessee area. We do not ship/transport our dogs, so the approved adopter must be willing to travel to Tennessee. Russell Rescue will try to first place our rescue dogs locally or in surrounding states.Russell Rescue is not open to the public for visiting hours. We do not have a physical location of our own.Available dogs are met by appointment only and pre-approved adopters ONLY.Our dogs are currently in a foster homes which can answer your questions better than anyone else. We promise our fosters that we will qualify all potential adopters before we ask them to communicate with potential adopters.The application is the first step. Pleae complete the adoption (or foster) application here: https://www.russellrescuetn.com/application-for-adoption/You will be contacted if further information is needed. We are 100% volunteer powered. Volunteers process the applications and need time above their personal needs and full-time jobs to process the apps.Please have patience. We do not have any paid staff members. Our adoption fee is $300 which includes spay/neuter, DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies, HW check, and microchip. Russell Rescue dogs are fostered in the Middle Tennessee area. We do not ship/transport our dogs, so the approved adopter must be willing to travel to Tennessee. Russell Rescue will try to first place our rescue dogs locally or in surrounding states.Russell Rescue is not open to the public for visiting hours. We do not have a physical location of our own. You can text our team if you need assistance with your app or have questions about your app status: 502-805-7786.January 22, 2026, 1:01 am

We are a first come, first serve only facility. Please call us at 931-684-6552 immediately if you have any questions!