Pug and Jack Russell Terrier Dogs Available for Adoption

This sweet girl has come a long way from her past as a street pup living with a pack, and she's embraced home life with so much joy. She's mostly potty trained (just needs consistency in new environments), crate trained, and leash trained.
Esther may be a little shy at first - she'll need a few days to settle in and feel safe - but once she does, her personality absolutely shines. She is a happy go lucky pup that wants all the belly rubs!
One of Esther's most special qualities is how much she loves other dogs. She's done beautifully with multiple dogs of all sizes and truly thrives in a pack environment. Having canine companions helps her feel confident and brings out her playful, happy side. She would do best in a home with another friendly dog (or two!) to help her continue to blossom.
Esther is SO expressive, she'll let you know she's ready to play with grunts and sneezes, and she'll nudge you and show off her snaggle-toothed smile until you join in. She loves pack walks, games of fetch, and then curling up for a cozy nap (ideally tucked under the covers right next to you).
Because of her background, Esther will need a patient adopter who can give her time to adjust and continue building her confidence. She may be a bit of a flight risk until she settles in, so a secure environment and mindful transitions will be important. But with a little time and understanding, she will be the most lovely companion to your family.

Esther is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 05/01/2026 and will need to be picked up from the Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton, MN between the hours of 9am and noon. Please plan for their arrival accordingly as we cannot accommodate pickups outside of this time frame. Since they haven't arrived yet, they are available exclusively through Ruff Start's Foster to Adopt (FTA) Program. Visit our Foster to Adopt Program page learn more about the FTA program. Once they get to Minnesota, they might require further veterinary care. Ruff Start's veterinary suite is located in Princeton, MN, and, as the foster, you will be required to transport your dog to and from these vetting appointments.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a lively and intelligent small breed known for its boundless energy and strong hunting instincts. With a distinctive white coat and often sporting tan or black markings, these dogs are full of personality and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Jack Russell Terriers are fiercely loyal and make excellent companions for active owners willing to provide the mental and physical challenges this energetic breed needs to stay happy and healthy.

The pug is a small yet sturdy breed known for its charming personality and distinctive appearance. With a wrinkled face, curled tail, and expressive eyes, pugs are beloved for their affectionate nature and playful demeanor. Originating from China, these compact dogs have a smooth coat and require minimal grooming. Pugs are known to be excellent companions, suitable for owners of all ages due to their adaptable and social temperament.

Our vision is simple: We strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving forever home...