O'Connell *Arriving 11/6* D12950 - Shepherd and Labrador Retriever Dog for Adoption

Hi, I'm O'Connell!

I'm a happy, playful pup who loves every moment of the day. Whether I'm playing with my dog friends, hanging out with my people, or just being my silly self, I'm always ready to make the most of life. I have a moderate energy level, so I love a good play session and a chance to burn off some puppy energy!

Speaking of silly, I have the funniest little quirk. When I get excited, I get the zoomies and wag my tail so hard that I practically bend myself in half! I also like to "talk" to my people when I'm excited, so don't be surprised if I have a few things to say. I'm a happy boy with lots of personality, and I'm not shy about showing it!

I'm friendly with everyone and get along well with dogs and kids. I've also done well around cats and rabbits, so I'm off to a great start with all kinds of friends. I seem to adjust to new environments pretty easily, which makes me excited to find a family of my own.

I'm still working on potty training and will need help learning basic obedience, leash walking, and crate training. I'm a young pup with lots to learn, but with patience, consistency, and love, I'm ready to keep growing into the best companion I can be.

If you're looking for a cheerful, playful pup who will fill your days with goofy zoomies, enthusiastic tail wags, and plenty of happy chatter, I might just be your guy!
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O'Connell is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 11/6/2026 and will need to be picked up from the Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton, MN between the hours of 8:30am and 11:00am. 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 to learn more. 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.
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*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.*

The Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile dog breed known for its friendly demeanor and high intelligence. These dogs are often used as guide dogs for the visually impaired, search and rescue dogs, and excellent family pets. Labradors are known for their great sense of smell, strong build, and love of water, making them exceptional hunters and swimmers. With their loyal and loving nature, Labradors have rightfully earned their reputation as one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world.

The shepherd dog breed encompasses a versatile group known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic. With a heritage deeply rooted in herding and protecting livestock, shepherds excel at various tasks ranging from obedience and agility competitions to search and rescue missions. Their protective nature makes them excellent family pets, offering unwavering devotion and a natural instinct to watch over and care for their loved ones. In addition to their remarkable abilities, shepherds are often characterized by their distinctive appearance, including a sturdy build, alert expression, and a signature double coat that provides insulation and protection in various climates.

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