My name is Otis!

Meet Otis, the delightful pug mix with a heart of gold! From the moment he walked into his foster home, he exuded confidence and charm, instantly making himself at home. Otis is a true lover, not a fighter; he adores people and warms up to everyone he meets. His playful spirit shines as he initiates play, steals toys from his canine friends, and zooms around the backyard with joy.

Otis is gentle and affectionate, often climbing into laps for snuggles. He gets along wonderfully with other animals and showcases a playful spirit without an ounce of aggression. He is crate-trained, happily eating and sleeping in his cozy crate, and his fosters are in the process of helping him perfect his potty habits. With his retired foster parents at home all day, Otis enjoys frequent outdoor adventures, allowing him to explore and play to his heart's content.

Having been picked up in the Texas Rio Grande area, Otis has quickly adjusted to his new environment and is thriving. Although he is heartworm positive and will undergo treatment, it doesn’t dampen his cheerful demeanor. He loves food, toys, and, most importantly, the company of his people. If someone is looking for a sweet and loving companion to brighten their days, Otis is ready to become a cherished member of their family!

Otis is from Texas.  One big thing you should know is they are heartworm positive - but please don’t let that scare you away from adopting them! After they undergo treatment for their condition they will be completely healthy again, and heartworm is not a contagious disease.

Because they need treatment, they are available exclusively through Ruff Start’s Foster to Adopt (FTA) program. Click here to learn more about this program.

They will get heartworm treatment at one of Ruff Start’s partner veterinary clinics in St. Cloud, so their foster will need to be comfortable getting them to and from the appointments. Treatment will consist of three injections: the first will be roughly 30 days after they enter rescue. Then, the second and third injections will happen 30 days after the first. When they are undergoing treatment, they should be on activity ‘restrictions’ which just means they should relax in their crate or cuddle with you.   Click here to learn more about heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. 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.