ruff start stx
ST CROIX
UNDERDOGS
Our mission is to proactively search out the dogs who can’t search for help themselves. In addition, we offer educational youth programs to encourage animal compassion and advocacy in their everyday lives.
Featured Dogs
William
Disturbingly emaciated, found on Southeshore, William came to us very weak and malnourished, diagnosed with chronic paraphimosis and a damaged penile muscle. Recovery was a slow, take it day by day, moment by moment, process.
Hard to believe this smiling grey-muzzled, handsome boy below is the same dog. 
Looking great and now feeling great, William is ready to transition to his next stop – whether that’s foster or forever.
His current foster has done an amazing job with their current situation – at no fault of his own he resides in an outdoor shelter but we would love to give him the opportunity to cuddle inside. He is good with other dogs and people, just not a real cat guy.
Looking for a “silver fox” in your life and or just an old man to warm the bed, William is the perfect guy!! 
Please share! William thanks you. 
Kate
It’s been too long.
Mama Kate came to us in February, super pregnant. Since then she has given birth, was the best mama to her litter and all her puppies have long been adopted. Still, Kate sits at our office location for months waiting for her opportunity to spread her wings.
She is walked a couple of times a day by volunteers but she desperately wants, and deserves, more! What we would give to see her run around freely in her own backyard?!
Kate LOVES people and all the attention and affection from them. She is energetic, sweet, and full of personality. But she is getting stir-crazy!! She is long overdue for her opportunity to shine! We believe this beautiful young lady turns 3 years old next week – maybe we can make her birthday wish come true and find her that perfect forever home.
Don’t forget stateside friends, she can travel to you!!!
Dolly
Miss Dolly appeared at the dump one day alone and terrified, she kept to herself in a corner away from people and the other dogs. After a few visits she started to warm up, then her switch just flipped. She would race to greet me when she saw the truck approaching and then would hug my leg as hard as could when it was time for me to leave.
I found several short-term fosters that allowed me to pick her up and float her along for a couple of months but just no interest in adoption and no long-term fosters available. A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to fly Dolly off the island closer to a chance for her real life to begin.
We had a couple of possible fosters stateside, so we decided to go ahead and send her up even though we didn’t have a long-term plan worked out.
The first step was getting her to our friends at Pet Limo, a wonderful boarding and training facility. She was evaluated by their trainers and they have seen NO major issues with other dogs.
She is like a big puppy who just never learned and never had a loving home. So she clings to nice people quickly and can be a little possessive and protective.
They said none of her issues are ones that can’t be worked on with basic training and a strong leader. She is in Miami and ready to move on to a foster or forever home 
It’s her time.
We can send her almost anywhere in the US.
Dolly deserves this so much! My heart is breaking for her, even though I know she is in great hands!
Ruffstartstx.org to apply.
Adoptions@ruffstartstx.org for questions or message us on Facebook!
Let’s get her home!
OUR PROGRAMS
We focus on the ‘unadoptable’ dogs that would normally not make it in a shelter environment and give them the time and attention they need to become safe, adoptable, pets.
ABOUT US
Ruff Start STX is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization located in the U.S. Virgin Islands on the beautiful island of St. Croix.
GET INVOLVED
Whether you contribute financially or as an advocate for the underdogs on St. Croix, you make a real difference.
HELP US END ANIMAL CRUELTY
We have big plans, and we’re going to keep pushing forward to help the forgotten dogs suffering in the present, while promoting responsible pet ownership through our youth and community outreach programs.
DONATE TODAY
Your generosity makes our work possible and is tax deductible.
OUR MOTTO
if they don’t give up, we don’t give up
Your generosity makes our work possible. Whether you contribute financially or as an advocate for good, you make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives.
RESCUE, Rehab, REHome
Descriptions of projects coming soon!
Free Monthly community clinic
Descriptions of projects coming soon!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Future Events will be announced soon!
Adopt Today
join the ruff start rescue
HOW YOU CAN HELP
ADOPTIONS
A new member of your family is waiting to meet you at Ruff Start STX. Browse our list of adoptable underdogs. We will help you with the logistics of flying off island if needed.
FOSTERING
Many times we have underdogs that need specialized care or attention. Our foster volunteers are a critical component of our Rescue & Rehab program.
MAKE A DONATION
We are forever grateful for your monetary donations. There are many other ways to contribute to our fundraising efforts, please click below to learn more.
TRANSPARENT WITH OUR FUNDING
Ruff Start STX has earned the Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar’s Non-profit Profiles.
SO FAR WE HAVE
10
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
297
DOGS ADOPTED
25
YOUTH PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
