This effort truly took a village. Complete strangers acting in concert to save an animal in need. It was also my first introduction to an incredible organization called Ruff Start Rescue.
The St. Louis Park Home Depot store is where I seek out plant bargains in the spring. On Easter weekend, I found myself at the mystery end of the store. Where serious DIY folks buy unwieldy pieces of lumber for those complicated home projects. And so I found myself leaving through an unfamiliar exit point. When I spotted Koko, for a fleeting moment I wondered if Home Depot had their own store cat; a mouser perhaps (not the case!) When she allowed me to pick her up and I felt that belly full of kittens, I knew I was stepping into a rescue operation that involved not just one cat, but a family of cats.
Re-entering the store, I quickly rallied a group of concerned customers and staff. Koko’s collar ID tag bore her name and a 55411 address. No phone number. I was committed, but needed help. An impressive young Home Depot staff member took the initiative to call the nearby PetSmart, and was told Koko could be brought over and scanned for a microchip. A box was assembled by the store manager, my young helper picked up the make-shift carrier, me trotting by his side, and within minutes we were in the hands of the caring staff at PetSmart. No chip, but they said they could keep her while I drove over to NoMi to knock on the door of that 55411 address. This was a trip I had to make, and it confirmed that Koko’s owners were no longer in the area. A neighbor sitting out on her porch told me that she knew Koko. Definitely the sweetest cat ever! So, back to PetSmart.
In my absence, Ruff Start Rescue had been contacted. Within an hour I heard from a rescue coordinator who was posting Koko’s information on Ruff Start’s fostering site. On Easter Sunday, a text confirmed that Koko was heading to a foster home where she could safely deliver her kittens. A miracle!
To wrap up this story, a few words about Ruff Start Rescue. Visit ruffstartrescue.org or follow them on Facebook for more information, including how to provide support and steps for surrendering an animal.
- Ruff Start is based in Princeton, Minnesota. Their work includes transporting animals to Minnesota from out-of-state high-risk areas in collaboration with other rescue organizations.
- Animals are typically immediately placed in foster homes before being put up for adoption. Ruff Start do not operate shelters.
- Ruff Start have a no kill policy, except when necessary for humane reasons.
- Their program, veterinary services, and a small paid staff are funded by adoption fees, gifts of supplies, donations (they have 501(3)(c) status), and the occasional grant.
- Before being put up for adoption, animals are fully vetted, given their shots, and neutered as needed.
- Ruff Start’s new and enthusiastic Director of Development, Naomi Bothe, told me they have three critical needs:
- Donations (visit ruffstartrescue.org to learn about the many giving options)
- Foster homes to expand their network
- Building awareness about their organization