When the team from Ruff Start Rescue (RSR) set out on a mission trip to a shelter in northern Minnesota, their plan was simple: rescue cats. But sometimes, the heart has its own agenda.
“As we walked past the kennels, we were surrounded by barking and jumping,” said Azure Davis of RSR. “Then we saw her — just sitting there, calm, smiling. Her name was Belah.”
Among the chaos, one dog remained still. Belah didn’t bark or cry. She simply extended her front left paw through the bars of her kennel — a quiet, hopeful gesture that changed everything.
“She reached out with that little paw, and in that moment, we were done,” Davis said. “We had come for cats, but we couldn’t leave without her.”
While the crew loaded cat crates into their truck, they put out an urgent call for someone to foster Belah. It didn’t take long — within minutes, a kind soul stepped up.
Belah was carefully lifted into the van and taken straight to RSR’s trusted vet. That’s when the team noticed something unusual: the same paw she used to reach out was a little crooked. She walked with a limp. But she never winced, never hesitated.
After an exam, the vet confirmed Belah had a severe angular limb deformity in her left front leg and carpal hyperextension in her right — likely from birth or an old injury. It wasn’t painful, but it did affect her balance and mobility.
“She doesn’t know any different,” Davis said. “This is her normal. And it doesn’t stop her from living life to the fullest.”
Still, RSR wanted to give Belah the best chance possible. They created a care plan that included gentle physical therapy and a special brace to support her during walks and playtime. Slowly, Belah grew stronger — and her personality began to shine.
“She’s the sweetest, goofiest little thing,” Davis said. “She cuddles like a pro and plays like she doesn’t have a care in the world.”
Her foster family is deeply committed to her recovery, giving her space to grow and play while ensuring her legs stay protected. No roughhousing. No big jumps. Just lots of love and careful encouragement.
Now 3 months old, Belah is mastering crate training, potty training, and her therapy routine like a champ. All that’s left is finding her forever home.
“She’s looking for a family who’ll support her journey and love her just the way she is,” Davis said. “She may move a little differently, but her heart works just like any other pup’s — maybe even bigger.”
If you're interested in adopting Belah, email info@ruffstartrescue.org.
Want to support pups like her? You can donate to Ruff Start Rescue here.
