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when first meeting new people, but give her a little time and reassurance and she blossoms into the sweetest lap companion you could ask for. Once she feels safe, Winnie loves being close to her person and will happily curl up in your lap for cuddles and quiet time.
Winnie does well with adult women and both big and small dogs. She can be a little unsure at first, especially around new dogs, and may try to act tough if another dog approaches her person. She responds very well to gentle correction and quickly learns to accept dogs that respect her space and her tiny size. She does best in calm, respectful dog interactions and is very even-tempered overall.
She is leash trained, crate trained, does well in the car, and truly wants to please. Winnie may whine a bit when crated and can bark at unfamiliar dogs, but these behaviors improve as she settles in and feels secure. When she first arrives in a new environment, she may potty a little due to nerves, but that stops once she feels safe and comfortable. She will give a warning growl to other dogs around food or treats, but she has never shown this behavior toward humans.
Winnie came from a high-kill shelter and appears to have been mistreated in the past. She is very submissive and will often roll onto her back when approached, a sign of both her gentle nature and her desire to please. It’s clear she’s been craving love and stability, and once she bonds, she attaches deeply to her person. She loves attention, enjoys being outside, and would thrive with someone who wants a lap dog that can also enjoy some outdoor time. Because she is tiny, a secure yard or close supervision outside is important, as she could slip through small spaces.
Winnie is looking for a patient, loving home that understands shy dogs and is willing to give her the reassurance she needs. In return, she will give unwavering devotion, sweet cuddles, and the kind of companionship that makes you feel truly chosen. Winnie is ready for a forever home where she can finally feel safe, loved, and never let down again!
Winnie is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 2/7/2026 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. 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.