Every dog has an origin story. Bowes' begins with an organization that wakes up every single morning saying yes.
In August 2021, a 10-week-old hound mix — underweight, nervous, and very tired — came through the doors of Secondhand Hounds in Minnesota. My daughter Alyssa met him, and it was love at first sight. She brought him home, named him Bowes, and the rest is the story behind this entire store.
Secondhand Hounds has since grown into something even bigger. Today, they're known as The Bond Between — Minnesota's largest animal rescue. And if you ask us, the new name fits perfectly.
Who Is The Bond Between?
The Bond Between is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Minnesota, founded in 2009. Their mission is exactly what it sounds like: building and protecting the bond between humans and animals.
Since their founding, they have rescued over 35,000 dogs and cats — with the help of thousands of fosters, volunteers, and supporters across their community. But what makes them truly different is their holistic approach to rescue.
Rather than simply rehoming animals, The Bond Between works to prevent animals from ending up in shelters in the first place — by supporting the pet owners who need help most. Their community programs include:
- A pet food shelf — distributing over 500,000 pounds of food annually to pet owners in need
- Community vetting services — making veterinary care accessible to families who couldn't otherwise afford it
- Tribal partnership programs — extending their reach to underserved communities across the region
- Owner surrender services — a compassionate, judgment-free process for families in crisis
- Respite foster care — temporary placement for pets when their owners face an emergency
Whether you're looking for your next pet, need support as a pet parent, or just want to spend time with animals — The Bond Between is the place for you.
Looking to Adopt?
The Bond Between is foster-based, which means every dog in their care is living with a loving foster family while they wait for their forever home. Each dog has a full bio, and when you find the one, you simply fill out an adoption application linked in their profile. From there, the foster family will be in touch to walk you through the next steps.
Ready to find your new family member? Browse dogs available for adoption at thebondbetween.org.
Bowes: Proof That It Works
Bowes is now four (almost five!) years old. He's a handsome 65lb hound mix who plays frisbee, wrestles with his best friend Luna, cuddles under blankets, and takes his role as Alyssa's loyal companion — and unlicensed therapist — very seriously.
None of that happens without The Bond Between saying yes to a skinny, nervous puppy in the summer of 2021.
He is living proof of what this organization does every single day. And now, in his own way, it's time for Bowes to pay it forward.
How You Can Help
The Bond Between runs on the generosity of people who believe in their mission. Donations are essential to their continued ability to save more dogs and cats — and to take on cases that others simply can't afford, like extensive surgery, hospice care, and respite foster care.
Every donation is tax-deductible, and every dollar goes directly toward animals in their care and the community programs that keep families together. Here are four ways to get involved:
- Donate — give directly at thebondbetween.org; even a small amount makes a real difference
- Foster — open your home temporarily to a dog or cat who needs a safe place to land
- Volunteer — show up for the animals and the people who care for them
- Share — spread the word so more people know this organization exists
Visit thebondbetween.org to donate, apply to foster, or find out how to volunteer.
Find Them in Minnesota
Minnetonka Rescue and Offices
5959 Baker Road, Suite #390
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Minneapolis Resource Center
2501 Minnehaha Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
The BB Vet Center
5959 Baker Road, Suite #380
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Minnetonka Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
📞 952-322-7643
📧 info@thebondbetween.org
Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
From Our Pack to Theirs
At Doggo Dream Shop, we believe dogs are family. The Bond Between believes it too — and they've built an entire organization around proving it.
If Bowes has ever made you smile, consider this your nudge. Give them a follow, make a tax-deductible donation, or share their page with someone who loves dogs. It all adds up.
Because somewhere out there, there's another Bowes waiting for his person. 🐾
👉 Visit The Bond Between — donate, foster, volunteer, or adopt.
👉 Read Bowes' full story — how one rescue dog inspired an entire store.
👉 Bowes Buddies — submit your rescue dog and join the community.