ralphie *arriving 6/27* d11468

Meet Ralphie, a lovable little guy with a big appreciation for snack time!
This handsome 3-year-old Jack Russell Terrier/Rat Terrier mix came all the way from Texas and is ready to find a family of his very own. Ralphie can be a little shy when meeting new people, but give him a few minutes and you'll quickly discover the affectionate, goofy sweetheart hiding underneath. Once he trusts you, he's happiest curled up beside you on the couch, soaking up attention and enjoying the good life. Ralphie has a low-key personality. While some dogs are always on the go, Ralphie prefers lounging with his people and casually hanging out with his canine friends. He sometimes enjoys playing chase with smaller dogs and would love a calm canine companion who respects his space. He is not interested in roughhousing and prefers friendships that are relaxed and easygoing.
One of Ralphie's favorite things in the world is mealtime. He gets so excited when food is involved that he always checks nearby bowls just in case someone left behind an extra snack. Because of this enthusiasm, he will need a family that can continue working on his manners around food and understand that resource guarding can be part of his behavior. Ralphie has lived with children, but because he can accidentally knock little ones over and has some guarding tendencies, a home with older, respectful children would likely be the best fit. He also prefers that people leave his mouth alone and will let you know with a warning look if he's uncomfortable.
This sweet boy is still learning some of the basics. He is working on potty training, doesn't quite understand leash walking yet, and is figuring out things like jumping onto furniture and navigating doggy steps. The good news is that he's eager to learn and gains confidence with patient guidance and encouragement. Ralphie may complain for a few minutes when confined, but he settles nicely once he realizes everything is okay. He enjoys the company of other dogs, loves being near his people, and has all the makings of a wonderful companion for someone willing to help him continue building confidence.
If you're looking for a gentle, goofy lap dog who would rather cuddle than cause trouble, Ralphie might just be your perfect match.

Ralphie is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 06/27/2026 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 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.