Golden Retriever puppies and dogs in Big Lake, Minnesota

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. I just joined my foster family and we are still getting acquainted with one another. Once they learn more about me, they will add more information here! Freddy is from a local reservation. 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. *Rescue puppies are notorious for losing their birth certificates before entering our rescue. We cannot guarantee the breed or size they will be full grown.* 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.March 7, 2025, 1:02 pm

Age: Approximately DOB 8/6/2022 Weight: 72lbs Dog friendly: Yes, with proper introduction Cat friendly: Unknown Kid friendly: When properly introduced Potty trained: Yes Crate trained: Unknown FENCED YARD REQUIRED They usually call me ‘ Lou’ at my foster home. I get along great with my two dog sisters and I’m incredibly loyal to my foster mom. My human brother and sister are teenagers and I love them, but I spend the most time with Mom, so she is definitely my favorite! I’ve been here for quite a while because I needed to learn that other dogs and people can be just as wonderful and will love me just as much if I am able to give them a chance. I think I would be great in a home with another playful dog, but it would definitely take me a while to get used to a new friend. I also think I would be a great dog for someone who just wants to spoil me, but introductions to new friends would always need to be done slowly. I love to play with and chew on my toys, and I’m very good on a leash, but my foster mom has a fenced in backyard so we don’t take a lot of walks. I’m tall and like to explore the counter if Mom leaves anything out when she is not around. You will need to take care of me by keeping things that smell good, taste good, and are fun to chew on out of reach unless they are meant for dogs. I have been working hard to become more confident in myself! But, I still need a family who knows about nervous dogs and their behavior, is willing to be patient with me, and able to get to know me gradually. This means we will need to visit a few times before I feel more comfortable with you. I’m willing to do the work and I promise I’ll be forever loyal to you if you are willing to take the time to get to know me! Oh yeah, I love any and all treats so please be sure to stock up! You should definitely bring some when you come to meet me! Adoption Fee: $495

Dunne, which is pronounced “Dune,” is a very special boy who made the journey all the way from Afghanistan to come live in Minnesota. He is a sweet, gentle, 50 pound golden mix born between 7/2021 & 1/2022. He is starting to adjust to his new surroundings and has learned so much in the last few weeks. Poor boy has not had much for socialization, we are working with him but needs more time to learn to "be a dog" so he NEEDS another dog to show him how to dog! Dunne loves to be around his people so much that being kenneled is hard for him. He is not a fan of the kennel, he gets calming treats when we have to leave or when he has to be in his kennel. He loves car rides and loves to be brushed and pet. He nudges your hand for neck scratches. He also loves getting a bath. He is very concerned about pleasing others and is easily trained.  He has a very mild, sweet disposition with a low energy level. He would probably love a doggie companion to help show him how cool it is to be a dog in the USA. He will be a dedicated companion with lots of love to give. Dunne is a blank canvas and would love to have a person that will love him and teach him how to be the dog he knows he wants to be.   We’ve got some exciting news about this pup’s age! Thanks to DNA testing from Embark, we’ve got a fresh take on how old they really are. A big shoutout to Embark for generously donating these tests for us to explore! You might spot a difference between Embark's findings and our original guess—after all, no test or person is 100% accurate. It’s all part of the adventure!   Adoption fee includes: Full veterinary exam, Alter, Prepaid microchip, Dewormed, Rabies vaccine (if age appropriate), Distemper combo vaccine(s) appropriate to age, Bordetella vaccine, 4DX (over 6 months of age), Flea/tick and heartworm preventative while in rescue. Adoption fee: $425.00 Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.March 3, 2025, 10:49 am

Hi! I'm Gypsy! I'm a beautiful golden retriever mix, about 3 years old (born 10/2021). I'm at that perfect age – not a crazy puppy, but not a slowpoke senior either! I've had a bit of a bumpy start in life, moving between homes a few times. But I'm ready for my *forever* home, and I'm hoping you're the one! My sweet golden eyes are hoping to convince you that I'm the missing piece in your family. Because of my past, I do have some anxiety, especially when kenneled for long periods. But don't worry! I take a daily anxiety medication that helps me feel much better. It's super easy – just hide it in a pill pocket with my morning meal, and I gobble it right down! It's *very* important that I get this medication *every* single morning. It's not something I can take occasionally, and I shouldn't stop taking it suddenly. My foster mom strongly recommends I stay on it for life to help me feel safe and secure after my rough start. I'm a fun-loving girl! I adore playing with toys, kids, and most other dogs. I can be a little bossy with *some* female dogs, but I get along fine with most. Cats? I'm curious at first sniff, but then I usually just ignore them. I've been around cats in other foster homes and done well. I'm a fantastic car rider – I love watching the world go by! I'm also crate trained (I might whine a little when you leave, but I settle down quickly) and house trained. I'm the perfect blend of cuddly and playful. I'll happily snuggle up with you on the couch for movie night, but I'm also ready for some zoomies in the yard or a good run! Won't you please give me my happy ending? I promise to be your loyal and loving companion forever and always. I'm just a brown-eyed girl, waiting for you! Adoption fee includes: Full veterinary exam, alter, rabies vaccination, prepaid microchip, dewormed, Distemper combo vaccines appropriate to age, Bordetella vaccine, heartworm and flea/tick preventative while in rescue. Adoption fee: $395.00 Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.February 25, 2025, 11:38 pm

Meet little Rico, a Golden Retriever/Poodle mix puppy! He is a sweet boy who is happiest when he is with you. He is the most chill and easygoing of his siblings. He is currently still sleeping with his sisters at night, but will soon be transitioning to a kennel so he's ready for his new home. He loves all people, kids, and other dogs and is an overall happy pup. Rico is doing great working on potty training and should have it down soon!  He is just a little love, and will make a fabulous companion for a family!!   Adoption fee includes: Full veterinary exam, Alter, Prepaid microchip, Dewormed, Rabies vaccine (if age appropriate), Distemper combo vaccine(s) appropriate to age, Bordetella vaccine, 4DX (over 6 months of age), Flea/tick and heartworm preventative while in rescue. Adoption fee:  $595.00  Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.March 7, 2025, 1:45 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.    Hi I'm  Candycorn !  I'm a beautiful lady who came into rescue with some secret cargo in my tummy.  I was a good mama and raised my babies and sent them all on to new homes.  Now it's my turn!  With new people and in new places I'll admit I get nervous and I either find a safe corner to hide in or I'll possibly bark.  At home with my foster mama where I'm familiar with things I'm a completely different dog.  I have the bestest happy smile, my tail doesn't stop wagging and I get the cutest dance and zoomies.  I gently jump against my fosters mamas leg so she can give me hugs and kisses.  Sometimes I kiss back!  When she stops I gently put my paw on her arm so she knows I want more.  I also love when she gives me chin and cheek scratches and I should probably mention tummy rubs are great too.     I get along great with all dogs and like to chase and wrestle when they're my friends.  I would do best having a doggie sibling in my new home so they can help me learn the routine in my new home and help me be more confident.     At home I am learning to walk on leash.  It's going great since I trust my foster mom.  It's fun jumping around in the grass and feeling the sun shine down on my face and the wind in my fur.  I haven't pottied on leash yet for her, but I do know that I should do all my business a fenced area so I do request one in my home.   I am kennel trained and I never potty in it.  I'm too smart for that!  I'm usually quiet in it too.  I know it's a safe spot when I need it too, though I prefer to be out hanging around my mom's feet instead.  When she's working I'm usually laying under her desk close to her in case she needs me.  You get treats there and pets haha!   I really like toys!  The soft ones are my favorite to chew on. I never had toys before rescue. I don't always like to share them, but I've learned mom will trade me for them and she'll gently play tug of war with me.     I haven't met any kids yet, but I think I'd be ok with older respectful kids who would be kind and gentle with me.  Fast movement and loud noises are overwhelming and I don't want to get scared and have to run and hide.  A quiet home where I can be a spoiled princess would be awesome.     Come and meet me and I promise you'll find that with a little time to learn that I'm safe and can trust you with my heart that you'll find a loving and loyal family member in me that will love you unconditionally! 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 adopters 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 th eir 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.) December 15, 2024, 3:26 pm