901.696.RUFF
Our Ruff Roots
The Mission
At RuffHouse Sanctuary, our mission is to provide a safe, loving refuge for abused, abandoned, and senior dogs—offering them healing, dignity, and a second chance at life. We provide a home environment where each dog is treated with compassion and love, and given the opportunity to thrive—whether that means staying with us forever or finding a new, loving family. Guided by the legacy of unconditional care, we stand as a voice and shelter for the forgotten.
Hearts Behind the Cause
RuffHouse Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) program under the SueBella Foundation, is a safe haven for abused, abandoned, and senior dogs. Nestled in a home environment, we provide our canine residents with love, stability, and the opportunity to heal—physically and emotionally. Here, the pups learn basic manners, socialize, and, when possible, prepare for adoption into loving forever homes. The SueBella Foundation was created in honor of Sue Cobb, who exemplified a selfless life of giving and caring for the most vulnerable. Her heart was unparalleled, filled with deep and genuine compassion. Two of her beloved rescue dogs now live at the sanctuary, continuing her legacy since her passing in May 2022. At RuffHouse, we are committed to carrying forward Sue’s mission of care, protection, and second chances.
The Ruff Pack
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All things bright and beautiful All creatures great and small All things wise and wonderful The Lord God made them all
Cecil Frances Alexander
Rewriting Ruff Beginnings
Nikki
Nikki
Nikki
Nikki’s story began when she was just around 12 weeks old, found all alone wandering a job site in Olive Branch, MS — with no homes nearby and no one in sight. Despite her rough start, Nikki has grown into a happy, affectionate, and outgoing girl. The vet believes she may be a Labrador/Great Pyrenees mix, and she does have the signature double dew claw on one of her back feet — a unique little trait that just adds to her charm.
Nikki is truly one of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet. She treats everyone—human or canine—as a new best friend. She loves to play, wrestle, and romp around with others, always with a joyful spirit and never a hint of aggression. Her playful nature is matched by her intelligence; Nikki is incredibly smart and curious, which also means she can be a bit of an escape artist if not given enough space and stimulation.
At about one year old now, Nikki is in the prime of her youthful energy and would thrive in a setting where she has room to run and a purpose to fulfill. She’d be an ideal fit for a farm or a home with a very large, secure yard where she can stay busy and be part of an active routine. Nikki is up to date on all her vaccines, as well as flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. She is completely housetrained and she is ready for a home that will embrace her big heart, playful nature, and adventurous spirit.
Hooch
Nikki
Nikki
Hooch is truly one of the sweetest, most lovable boys you’ll ever meet. It’s hard to believe he hasn’t been adopted yet — especially considering he spent nearly five years patiently waiting at the Horn Lake Animal Shelter. When we visited the shelter to help ease overcrowding, Hooch immediately caught our eye. He sat so calmly in his kennel. In that moment, we knew we had to give him a chance outside of the shelter walls.
Since joining us, Hooch has continued to impress everyone he meets with his gentle, easygoing nature. He absolutely adores people and gets along wonderfully with other dogs — a true social butterfly with a heart of gold. Hooch enjoys a good game of fetch and lights up when he sees a ball, but he’s just as content to lounge quietly with a chew toy, whether it’s a bone, a hoof, or an antler. He’s not one to bark or make a fuss — he’s a peaceful presence who simply wants love and companionship.
A true gentleman through and through, Hooch loves hugs, belly rubs, and any kind of attention. He has the calm, grateful demeanor of a dog who’s been waiting a long time for his forever home, and he’ll make a loyal, loving addition to any family. Hooch is fully up to date on vaccines, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm medication. He is completely housetrained and as they told me at the shelter, "bombproof", meaning nothing rattles him. After years of waiting, he’s finally ready for the second chance he so deeply deserves.
Lilac
Nikki
Lilac’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. She was found wandering the streets, alone and in pain, suffering from a prolapsed uterus that required emergency surgery. Thankfully, the compassionate team at the Horn Lake Animal Shelter acted swiftly, providing her with the life-saving care she desperately needed. Once she healed, Lilac came to us at RuffHouse Sanctuary, ready to begin a new chapter — one filled with love, play, and hope.
Now fully recovered, Lilac has blossomed into a vibrant, affectionate girl with a big personality. She absolutely loves to play — especially with a ball — and is always eager to romp around with other dogs. She’s social, curious, and full of energy. Like many young, enthusiastic pups, Lilac sometimes gets a little too excited during play, and she has a tendency to nip when dogs rush past her. We're actively working on helping her manage that excitement, and she’s already showing great progress.
When things are calm, Lilac’s sweet, snuggly side shines. She becomes a complete cuddle bug, happiest when she’s curled up beside you or soaking up your attention. She craves companionship and wants nothing more than to be near her people, offering love and affection in return.
Lilac is current on all her vaccines, as well as flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. She is housetrained. She’s a resilient, loving girl who’s been through a lot — and she’s more than ready to find a forever home that will give her the structure, patience, and affection she truly deserves.
Lulu
Ollie
Lulu is an incredibly sweet and gentle soul with a heart full of love. She’s a bit more sensitive than her siblings and can be timid in new situations, but once she feels safe and secure, her playful personality shines through. Like her brother and sister, Lulu is bursting with energy and thrives on playtime. Her favorite game? Playing ball — though, in true Lulu fashion, she gets just as much joy out of sneakily stealing the ball from her siblings as she does chasing it herself! Her mischievous little grin and playful antics are sure to keep you laughing.
Lulu is the kind of pup who bonds deeply with her people and blossoms with patient love and encouragement. She’s the perfect mix of spirited and sweet, always up for an adventure but happiest when she knows she’s loved and safe. She is is fully up to date on vaccines, as well as flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. She is fully housetrained. With a little time and trust, Lulu will reward her forever family with unwavering loyalty, affection, and lots of silly moments that make every day better.
Ollie
Ollie
Ollie
Ollie and his two sisters were part of a “surprise litter” born to a resilient mama dog who was rescued just in time. Their mother had been heartbreakingly abandoned — left in a crate in the heat by her former family when they moved away. Despite such a rough start, Ollie has grown into a smart, sweet boy with a big heart and a gentle spirit. While we’re not sure of his breed, what we do know is that he’s a natural protector. Ollie takes his role seriously — he’s always keeping a watchful eye on his yard and the people he loves. He’s brave without being aggressive and loyal to the core.
When he’s not on duty keeping his family safe, Ollie’s favorite way to spend time is playing ball. He lights up with excitement at the sight of a toy and could happily chase it for hours. He’s eager to please, affectionate, and has zero bad habits — just a loving nature and a desire to be close to his humans. Ollie is fully up to date on vaccines, as well as flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. He is fully housetrained. He’s ready for a forever home that will appreciate his loyalty, his playful energy, and the love he has to give.
Rosie
Ollie
Ollie
Rosie was super shy and timid as a young puppy, often hiding behind her siblings and hesitating to explore new surroundings. But with time, love, and gentle encouragement, she has blossomed into a confident, energetic girl with a heart full of joy. Now, Rosie is a total superstar when it comes to playing ball — it’s truly her favorite activity. She lights up at the sight of a tennis ball and will race across the yard with lightning speed, often outpacing dogs twice her size. Her athleticism is impressive; she can leap gracefully into the air and catch the ball mid-flight with stunning precision. Rosie’s playful spirit and boundless energy make her the perfect companion for an active home. Rosie is fully up to date on vaccines, as well as flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. She is fully housetrained. Whether it's a game of fetch, a jog in the park, or a hike through the woods, Rosie is always ready for the next adventure — and she’d love nothing more than to share it with a forever family. Rosie is current on vaccines, flea & tick, and heartworm.
Ruff Guide To Pet Recovery
When You've LOST A Pet...
- Search Your Neighborhood:
Walk around calling your pet’s name calmly.
Bring a favorite toy or treat to help attract them
Search early in the morning and late at night when it's quieter.
- Leave Familiar Scents Behind:
Place an item of worn clothing or your pet’s blanket near the spot they were last seen or outside your home.
The familiar scent can help guide your pet back.
- Put Out Food & Water:
Leave out food, water, and a familiar item like their bed or toys.
This can encourage your pet to stay in the area or return.
- Notify Local Shelters:
Contact nearby shelters with a full description and photo of your pet.
Visit in person if possible, as staff may describe animals differently than owners would.
- Post Online Immediately:
Use platforms like PawBoost, Facebook groups, and Nextdoor.
Include clear photos, time and place last seen, and your contact info.
- Create and Distribute Flyers:
Make flyers with a current photo and your contact information.
Distribute them in your neighborhood, local stores, vet offices, and community boards.
- Check Microchip Information:
If your pet is microchipped, contact the registry to ensure your contact details are up to date.
Report your pet as lost in their database.
- Visit and Call Nearby Vets & Animal Control:
Someone may bring in an injured or found pet.
Provide a flyer to reception desks where possible.
- Remain Calm and Persistent:
Pets can survive for days or even weeks while lost.
Continue checking back with shelters, updating your online posts, and patrolling your neighborhood.
When You’ve FOUND a Pet…
Finding a lost pet can be emotional — for both of you. Here’s how to help reunite them with their family safely and responsibly:
1. Secure the Pet Safely
Keep the pet in a calm, enclosed area (yard, garage, or quiet room). Approach slowly — even friendly pets may act defensively when scared.
2. Check for ID
Look for a collar with tags (name, number, city license). Take clear photos of the pet and any tags right away.
3. Scan for a Microchip
Take the pet to a vet or shelter — most scan for free. Local options:
• Horn Lake Animal Shelter – 662-393-5857 – hornlake.org
• DeSoto County Animal Shelter – 662-469-8004 – desotocountyms.gov
• Southaven Animal Shelter – 662-393-6939 – southaven.org
• Memphis Animal Services – 901-636-1416 – memphisanimalservices.com
4. Post on Lost & Found Pet Networks
Reach more people by sharing on:
• PawBoost – pawboost.com
• LostMyDoggie – lostmydoggie.com
• Nextdoor – nextdoor.com → post in “Lost & Found”
• Facebook Groups:
- Lost and Found Pets of DeSoto County, MS
- Lost and Found Pets of Memphis, West TN, East AR, North MS
• Reddit: r/memphis
📸 Include: clear photos, where & when found, collar/markings, contact info
5. Create Flyers
Include a large photo, bold “FOUND DOG” or “FOUND CAT,” location, date, and your contact info. Post at vet offices, pet stores, gas stations, community centers.
6. Notify Local Shelters
Even if keeping the pet temporarily, call all local shelters in case someone is searching:
• Horn Lake – 662-393-5857
• DeSoto County – 662-469-8004
• Southaven – 662-393-6939
• Memphis – 901-636-1416
7. Care for the Pet
Provide food, water, and a safe space. If you can’t keep the pet, contact a shelter or rescue
8. Beware of Scams
Ask for proof of ownership (photos, vet records, unique traits like “Which paw is white?”). Don’t hand over a pet without verification.
9. No Owner Found?
After 7–10 days: • Check your local stray hold laws
• Consider fostering or rehoming through a rescue
• Schedule a vet check and vaccinations
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