“We Came to Rescue Cats — But Then We Met Belah”
When the team from Ruff Start Rescue (RSR) set out on a mission trip to a northern Minnesota shelter, their plan was simple: save cats.
But the moment they walked through the shelter doors, everything changed.
“Cats were the mission … until we met Belah,” said RSR founder Azure Davis.
Among the rows of barking, restless dogs, one kennel stood out. Inside sat a quiet, gentle pup — perfectly still amid the chaos.
“There she was, sitting quietly, smiling through it all,” Davis said. “At that moment, we were hooked.”
Belah reached her tiny paw through the kennel bars — and with that one simple gesture, she captured everyone’s hearts.
Suddenly, a team prepared to load cats into their truck found themselves making room for one unexpected passenger.
Within minutes, RSR posted an urgent call for a foster. One caring volunteer stepped up almost instantly — and just like that, Belah’s new life began.
At the vet clinic, the team noticed something unusual: Belah’s left front leg, the same one she had reached out with, looked deformed.
Tests revealed the truth — a severe angular limb deformity in her left leg and carpal hyperextension in her right. Likely from birth defects or an old injury, the condition wasn’t painful, but it made her steps wobbly.
“Her condition isn’t painful,” Davis explained, “but it does cause some instability.”
Even so, Belah didn’t seem to care. Her tail wagged. Her eyes sparkled. Her zest for life was unstoppable.
RSR designed a special treatment plan — complete with physical therapy sessions and a custom leg brace to keep her stable. Slowly, Belah grew stronger.
“Despite her challenges, Belah is an absolute joy!” Davis said. “Her sweet, goofy personality shines every day.”
Her foster family supports her every step of the way — literally — giving her plenty of playtime, soft splints for walks, and all the love she could ever need.
At just 3 months old, Belah has already mastered crate training, potty training, and her daily exercises. She’s thriving — happy, brave, and ready for her next chapter.
Now, she just needs a forever family willing to keep helping her heal — and love her for exactly who she is.
“She’s ready to find a home that will give her the love, care and patience she needs to thrive,” Davis said.