PJ's Rescue started off as a far fetched idea between a group of 5 dedicated women. They wanted to provide a safe haven for bully breed dogs that were climbing the charts as the dogs most likely to be euthanized once in a shelter or adoption facility. With half of the original 5 living in Texas and the other half living in Minnesota, the group bonded together and made their dreams a reality in 2018.

With limited help and increased medical and transportation costs for animals in need of extra care, their rescue efforts remained small, but impactful. The team built relationships within the community both in Minnesota and Texas and PJ's Rescue became a registered 501c3 non-profit rescue.

As the team grew their connections within their communities, the team rescued dogs of all shapes and sizes, provided training, and rehomed the animals in homes around the Northland.

The founders based in Texas saw such a need for additional help, they created their own rescue based in Texas and have continued to provide aid to those animals who need it most.

The next big change for PJ's Rescue came when Tina, one of the original founders, gave up her full-time job as a dog groomer to take on the rescue's director role and Tracie, another one of the original founders, is now the rescue's treasurer on top of keeping her full-time job. Tina and Tracie have since brought on a group of dedicated board members and volunteers to continue the journey of saving as many animals as they can. These volunteers come from all backgrounds and walks of life, but they all have one thing in common - their love for animals.

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The rescue has grown to 29 regular volunteers (and many more willing to lend aid in emergency cases) which has resulted in more than 700+ dogs and cats being fostered and adopted into their fur-ever homes. The rescue which once solely focused on bully breed dogs has opened its doors to dogs of all breeds with the addition of some cats along the way. 

With the rescue growing, the volunteers soon began reaching out to local businesses, friends, and family members to help provide support. "We can't do it alone" quotes Tina as she recounts the many nights she's spent with volunteers completing intake processes, giving baths, grooming, and providing comfort to the new rescues. "The volunteers are just one piece to this puzzle, without donors our rescue efforts couldn't exist at the volume that they do" quotes Tracie. 

As of 2025, the rescue has moved to focus on providing community resources by hosting monthly food donation nights and various discounted bathing opportunities for pups in need.