This rescue was named in honor of its founder, Robert E. Williams—my husband - a man of heart, integrity, honor, service, and unwavering devotion. Fiercely independent and steadfast in his convictions, Robert lived with confidence in his abilities and dedicated his life to serving others. Beneath that strength was a man who spent his life striving for more...but he was enough.

Robert’s entire life was rooted in service. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and went on to serve his home State of New Jersey as both a police officer and a probation officer. For eight years, he led as union president within the police department, always advocating for others.  Robert was committed to his family by caring for his aging parents and remained  the dependable and  safe “go-to” for his family and friends in need of help or advice. He always knew what to do, and he did it with conviction.

 

But among his many accomplishments, perhaps none spoke more deeply to his soul than his lifelong love and protection of dogs… it was with dogs—especially the forgotten, the broken, the unwanted—that Robert found his truest calling.  In 2016, he founded and was President of Ruff Start Animal Rescue of NJ, a reflection of his dream to create a safe haven for neglected, homeless animals. Today, the rescue bears his name, honoring the legacy he left behind.  

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Robert was never happier than when he was surrounded by our dogs or witnessing the transformation of a once forgotten dog finding a family, a home, and a sense of worth. He dreamed of building a sanctuary—not just a rescue, but a place of peace and love, especially for senior and sick dogs who had nowhere else to go. A place where they could spend their final days knowing they mattered and were deeply loved.

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Robert may no longer walk beside us, but his spirit lives in every rescue we make. Though Robert ran out of time, his dream lives on through me ..through us.   My greatest hope is that I can honor his memory by continuing the mission he started—with the same heart, strength, and compassion that defined his life.

 -Susan Calandriello,  President