Ruby is a Walker Coonhound who is now age 10. She has lived at Home for Life since age 3 when her family faced divorce and had to move. Ruby had been adopted by the family from a shelter, and was a high energy girl, with a tendency to run away.
In a nutshell, Ruby's behavior added to the stress and heartbreak the kids were already experiencing, but the famly didn't want to put Ruby back into rescue, lose track of her and never know what became of her, especially with the challenges she would present for any new home.
The family asked us to take in Ruby at this critical point. In the years since, it has meant so much to this family that they have been able to maintain their bond with Ruby, even though they now have another new dog. They sponsor Ruby as a family, receive photos and updates, and visit her regularly. Recently, the kids and their mom spent Saturday afternoon at Home for Life®, as they often do throughout the year, catching up with Ruby. The kids are older now, and Ruby more grey-faced, but she will always be a part of their lives and hearts, thanks to Home for Life®.
UPDATE:
Ruby has mellowed as she has become older and her ability to modulate her energy led to her being tapped as a therapy dog for our Peace Creatures® programs. Ruby greatly enjoys her visits to our many outreach sites with her specialty visiting nursing homes and the Washington County Jail. The empathy which was fostered during her time with her family and which continues through their bond with her during visits at the sanctuary translates well to therapy work with vulnerable people. Ruby is sensitive, kind, and loving to the clients we reach. It has been so rewarding for everyone and her sanctuary as well as her family to see this new dimension of Ruby's life develop as she has matured and been able to offer solace and joy through healing peace therapy in her new role as a therapy dog with Home for Life's® Peace Creatures® program.
If you would like to sponsor Ruby, please click one of the buttons below
Below are images from the weekend of July 18, 2016.
