Darling Ruby
Ruby came to our shelter far more sick than any of us ever knew. She had been sick for so long, we wish more than anything that she found her way to us sooner for help.
Sweet Ruby showed up in a carrier covered in severe mats, a filthy coat full of urine and feces, and nails that curled over. Ruby was not found on the streets, she came from someone’s home. She received the best vet care we could offer from the very beginning, and we were very hopeful that we could get her through her illness and find her a loving home. Give her the ability to rewrite her story with a much happier ending.
While she was here, she seemed to be getting better, but lurking underneath was a far greater infection. Ruby ended up with pneumonia that compromised one of her lungs and attacked the other. Coupled with hydrocephalus and additional neurological issues, she just wasn’t strong enough to continue to fight.
We can have comfort in knowing that she was cared for deeply by our Kennel Attendants while she was with us. They worked hard to get her to eat and take her medications. They carried her over to the Y for her walks – which she enjoyed more and more as we cleaned her up a bit and had her feeling better. Ruby came in contagious, so we had to keep her distanced from the other dogs so they could not get sick as well. We know even though she couldn’t interact with our volunteers yet, there are many that had love for her already. They cheered on her recovery.
Unfortunately, dogs are too good at hiding the severity of their illness. We had very high hopes that Ruby could make it through. However, she took a turn in the wrong direction at the end of last week. We had to say goodbye Monday evening. Lucky for her, we have plenty of shelter angels to meet her at the end of the rainbow bridge and guide her. Run free, darling girl. Thank you for letting us love you, Ruby. Even if it was only for a short time. It was an honor to care for you.