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with a big blocky head and bigger heart. He’s full-grown but still has the goofy energy of a playful puppy. Whether he’s flopping into your lap like a ragdoll for cuddles or zooming around in bursts of joy, Marty will make you smile.
Marty was rescued from an abandoned house along with four other dogs, and despite that tough start, he’s learning that people can be kind. He may be cautious when first meeting new people, but give him a little time and patience, and you’ll see just how affectionate and silly he really is.
He loves attention and is eager to please, but like any goofy pup, he’s still learning some manners. When excited, he may mouth a bit, but he takes gentle correction well and is already making progress.
New environments or sudden changes can overwhelm Marty, so he’ll do best with someone who can go slow, respect his boundaries, and help build his confidence. When he gets confused or scared, calmly giving him space and speaking gently helps him settle — and once he’s relaxed, he’s back to his lovely, floppy self in no time.
A few things to know about Marty:
He gets along great with friendly, gentle dogs but can be bullied by more dominant ones. He’s prone to carsickness, so he’ll need motion-sickness meds for longer rides. He’s recovering from past flea dermatitis, and his hair is growing back! One Zyrtec a day keeps his skin happy and itch-free. Marty is a sweet little guy who just wants to feel safe, loved, and part of a home. If you’re patient, kind, and looking for a dog who will be endlessly loyal once he trusts you, apply to meet Marty today!
Marty is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 8/22/2025 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. Click here to learn more about the FTA program. 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.
If you are interested in getting to know this animal better, please fill out an adoption application. An adoption application is the best way to show your interest in an animal and is not a binding contract.
To learn more about Ruff Start’s adoption process and the care our foster animals receive, please visit our How to Adopt page.
If you are unable to adopt but want to help this animal and others in our care, you can donate to support the medical and veterinary needs of all Ruff Start Rescue animals.