About Us
We are a Minnesota non-profit, 501(c)(3) bully breed animal rescue.
Our team is dedicated to rescuing dogs left homeless for whatever reason. We focus on dogs in public shelters where they are at an elevated risk of euthanasia.
We place dogs in loving, responsible, committed foster homes until the comprehensive adoption process is complete. The adoption process includes taking considerable care in finding good matches and educating prospective adopters about the responsibilities and costs of bringing a bully breed dog into their homes and lives.
We are determined to keep administrative expenses extremely low so that virtually every dollar taken in goes directly to the care of the animals.
We remain highly committed to the welfare of the dog beyond the adoption process.
We understand that our relationships with local shelters, our fellow rescue warriors, and humane organizations keep us going and able to help as many homeless dogs as we can.
And, most importantly, we are thankful for you helping our rescue! Our volunteers, supporters, and FOSTERS are the heart of our organization. Thank you for partnering with us to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome!
Our Team
Beth Paris, Founder/Director
651-210-9338
Paul Yelle, President/Board Member/Training Coordinator
763-498-2488
Beth Lee, Vice President/Board Member/Applications Coordinator
507-430-1066
applications@4pitssakerescue.com
Casey Niesen, Treasurer/Board Member
651-329-2619
Kalie Duellman-Selix, Vetting Coordinator
651-214-2239
Jamie Soule-Vinova, Admin/Social Media Coordinator
Foster Mentors
Leslie Day | 715-928-1120
Rachel Lane | 715-456-3037
Kate Beaudette | 651-214-3094
Fostering 101 – What to Expect as a Foster
Provide a safe, structured, and loving environment for the dog coming into rescue. In most cases, we do not have a full history of the dog. However, we will have an idea of their temperament and how they interact with other dogs and people. This is done by an assessment with our rescue team. A dog’s true personality will come out with time and routine. An integral part of the success of the dog from the shelter environment to loving home is following the HOUSE RULES.
Provide daily care and training that helps the dog learn a consistent routine.
Attend all rescue sponsored training sessions and communicate with your foster mentor about any or all concerns.
Transport the foster dog to all vetting appointments and meet and greets.
COMMUNICATE with your foster mentor. Please let us know any concerns, questions, or updates you may have. It takes a community working together to help rehabilitate dogs in need, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
Fostering is a lot of work but a very rewarding experience. By being a foster, you are saving a life and helping the dog to find a forever family they deserve!
Join the Pack Page on Facebook to share pictures of your foster dog and post updates!
The House Rules – What it’s all about:
House rules for the dog:
No furniture – this includes beds, couches, chairs, etc.
No roaming off leash inside or outside. This means leashed for all interactions – inside or outside.
No jumping on people – this includes yourself, family members, and guests.
No biting, nipping, mouthing – even in play.
No pulling on leash.
No doggy daycare, dog parks or playdates with other dogs.
House rules for the humans:
Dog should be in the crate or clipped to you unless being taken outside on leash to go potty and to practice your lessons.
Keep dog on leash at all times – this includes inside the house. dog should be clipped to you if not in crate.
Training sessions should NOT be more than 5-10 minutes at a time until otherwise instructed. end every session on a positive note.
When you have the leash in your hand, you’re training!
If you’ve had a bad day, do not pick up the leash to train! You must be calm and neutral to have successful results.
Always correct any unwanted behaviors quickly and appropriately.
It’s up to you to follow through! You are responsible for the up keep in training. If you follow our instructions you will have success!
Guidelines for Successful Transition for Fosters & Adopters
Crate the dog unless on leash with you. The dog may be crated next to other animals. If the dog is anxious, nervous or scared, you should then crate the dog in a room by itself.
Leash the dog at all times when not crated. Yes, this means leash the dog to you in the house (this helps a lot with bonding too) and out in the yard (use of a long line is A-OK here). The dog needs to start learning that YOU are everything.
Letting the dog have full freedom of your home and yard is just telling him to do whatever he pleases and right now, he doesn't have that right because it's YOUR house. You need to remember that, so he learns to respect it.
No walks, car rides, pet store excursions, other animals (unless crated next to them) etc. until the dog is reliable on leash. This means the dog doesn’t pull, jump or lunge. Training sessions with your professional trainer, inside your home or in your yard ONLY. Trips to the vet are excluded from this.
Ignore crying and/or barking. If you run to the dog each time they bark, whine, or cry, you are teaching the dog that doing those things gets your attention. The dog must learn to be secure when you are not there.
Start training sessions slowly - 5-10 minutes a day and always end on a positive note.
Refrain from introducing the dog to resident pets. As the dog begins to relax more and look to you more for direction, introduce the dogs/pets slowly.
You will notice a HUGE difference in your new dog by following the house rules. You will see a smile start to come out. You will see more goofy quirks come out. You'll also begin to get a glimpse of behaviors you will want to correct with training. But you will have a healthy start in training your dog because you've given the dog a chance to get to know you and trust in your guidance and direction.
The main point to remember: SLOW DOWN! Don't push your new dog to accept many different things and give the dog the opportunity to get to know you. Two weeks may seem like a long time, but it’s very short in comparison to the next 8 or so years you will have with your new companion!
Foster Guidelines
RESIDENT ANIMAL INTRODUCTIONS. When it is time to introduce your foster/adopted dog to your resident dog, please contact a board member to assist in the introduction.
SUPERVISION. Your dog must be supervised at ALL TIMES when not in their crate. No zip lines or tie outs should ever be used.
DOG PARKS . Foster dogs are not allowed at dog park and adopters are highly discouraged from bringing their adopted dog to a dog park. Bringing a dog to a dog park is a recipe for disaster and puts you and the rescue at risk.
VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS. When planning your next vacation or weekend away, please let a board member know immediately. We ask for at least a 2-week notice to find a TEMP foster. The Rescue relies on donations to cover vetting & boarding. We ask that you do your best to find an approved foster to assist. If we cannot find an approved foster, our last resort is boarding the foster dog during your absence.
TRAINING. If you feel the foster dog needs training other than what you can provide, please contact Paul Yelle (763-498-2488). Training is an integral part of the dog’s rehabilitation.
MEET & GREETS. Fosters are required to bring the foster dog to all requested meet & greets. All applicants are fully approved PRIOR to meet & greets. Our coordinator will not schedule a meet & greet without fully completing the application process. This protects you as the foster as well as our foster dogs. A board member will be present at all meet and greets. Being on time is also a requirement.
DOG FOOD. Dog food is donated and free to fosters and always available. Since the food is donated, the food may vary in brands. This can cause some dogs to have loose stool. If you choose to purchase your own dog food for the foster, this is considered a donation to the rescue. You will not be reimbursed for food unless there are special dietary restrictions. Prior approval from a board member is required. Food can be picked up in St. Paul or Newport. If you are unable to pick up at our available locations, we can discuss alternative options. Please request food when your foster is at ½ bag so if a different brand is provided, you have plenty of food to mix in.
CRATES/KENNELS. Kennels/Crates are available for you to borrow from the rescue. These can be picked up in St. Paul. Prior approval is required by a board member.
SUPPLIES. Our rescue provides crates, bedding, collar, leash, and bowls for the foster dog. We also have training tools, slow feeders, some toys, booties and more. If your foster dog is in need of something we do not have, please contact Beth Paris (651-210-9338) and we can discuss what would be appropriate and helpful for the dog. Items purchased outside of what we have and supply would be considered a donation.
VETTING. Foster dogs may require vetting while in your care. As a foster, you are asked to bring the animal to these appointments. We will work with you and your schedule for all vetting appointments. DO NOT call the clinics to schedule your own appointments.
**It is IMPERATIVE you do not miss appointments and that you arrive ON TIME to your appointment.** If you are unable to transport your foster to an appointment, contact us immediately for a transport. We have a vetting coordinator that can also do nail trims, assist with bathing and expressing anal glands. Our vetting coordinator will also microchip the foster dog and provide vaccines as necessary. Our vetting partners are WellHaven in Woodbury, Animal Emergency and Referral Clinic, Southview Animal Hospital and All Paws Animal Clinic in WI.FOSTER UPDATES “PUP-DATES.” While the foster is in your care, we would appreciate that you send us pictures and videos. Social media is an excellent way to get exposure for your foster dog. Updated pictures always capture the attention of our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube followers. We also ask that our foster help in creating the bio for the foster dog. Bi-weekly updates are requested for all foster dogs. If any behavioral issues arise, we must be contacted IMMEDIATELY.