Lifestyle | Ruby’s Story: A Rescue Dog

Nearly four years ago I was awarded my 1st Class Joint Honours degree in Business Administration with Computing with a Year in Industry and my parents asked me what gift I would like as they were very proud of me. That is where this story begins..

Sadly, we had lost our 12 year old dog Pippa quite suddenly who was a rescue dog and I was finding it really hard to come to terms with it. In fact I wouldn’t even stay in the house on my own because it just felt so eerie and empty without her so I asked if my gift could be another dog. I don’t believe you can ever replace a a pet. They are a part of the family and loved more than you can ever imagine but I felt that I could love another animal and give them another chance at life.

We knew we wanted a rescue dog because there are so many needing homes and my dad suggested a Jack Russell so the search was on. We started looking online which was hard after losing Pippa and also headed to Battersea dogs home. It’s heart breaking to walk past the cages as I would love to take every single one of them home but we made sure we had strict criteria we needed to stick to so it made it slightly easier. We were looking for a 6 month – 1 year old dog who could live on their own (i.e not with another dog) and interact well with children as my niece is often at my house.

After filling in some forms we headed to the holding area and I soon spotted this tiny tri-colour Jack Russell who immediately came over to the door of the cage to say hello. She was friendly and timid but I instantly fell in love and was desperate to meet her up close. She also gave my mums hand a kiss through the bars so she must of liked us too! We went back to the reception and asked to see ‘Capella’ and we were directed to a side room. After chatting to the staff a little and being handed some treats Capella was soon brought into the room and she ran straight over to me and rolled over for a tummy rub. Her tail was wagging like crazy and she was so excited as she greeted each one of us and loved the attention and treats she was given. It was clear she trusted us too as she wouldn’t have rolled over.

Shortly after, my boyfriend and I were asked if we wanted to walk her and of course we jumped at the chance so off we went for a stroll in the garden area. I was suprised by how well Capella was on the lead seeing as she was still a puppy (I was expected her pull) but she was much more interested in catching bugs, playing and sniffing. She was very comfortable around us.

We returned to the room and mum and dad asked me what I wanted to do.. of course I said I wanted her.. I loved her from the second I saw her! Unfortunately we were running short for time as we needed to be somewhere and had been there much longer than we thought so there wasn’t time to complete the rest of the forms etc so we had to return a couple of days later. It was heartbreaking to walk away and leave Capella but I knew we would be returning soon to take her home.

As you can imagine, I was very excited over the next couple of days. We went shopping and bought everything a dog could ever wish for. She had bundles of toys, treats, a bed, brush etc so she was definitely very spoilt… that hasn’t changed! 

On the 25th June 2010 we headed back to Battersea and within minutes of being there Capella was brought out to see us. Much to my suprise she recognised us and was extremely excited to see us! After taking her to another enclosed area for us all to see her run around and investigate we filled in some more forms, bought yet more toys and treats and then headed home.  Capella sat on my lap for most of the journey and enjoyed looking out of the window on her new adventure. During the trip we decided we were going to change her name because we didn’t really like Capella and it wasn’t really suitable for a girl. It was just chosen for her because the World Cup was going on so all the dogs that were recently found were given football related names. I had trouble thinking of one but my mum came up with lots of suggestions and the one we all loved was Ruby. A new life and a new name for Capella aka Ruby!

After a tough start in Ruby’s life, being abandoned on a golf course at only 6 months old and being abused life couldn’t be more different for her now. Roo definitely rules the roost at home and loves her luxuries. She is spoilt rotten with toys, treats and attention and is a very happy little dog. She is completely unrecognisable to the dog we brought home four years ago. She has come out of her shell, is no longer timid at all and feels comfortable going anywhere in the house she wants and doing anything she wants. When we first brought her home she was afraid to get on the sofa or go upstairs and would think she had to stay in the garden, no matter the weather. After a lot of encouragement she settled very quickly and became more and more cheeky as the days went on .. this hasn’t changed either!

Roo is a huge part of our family and we all love her to bits.. it’s very obvious she loves us all too! She is extremely affectionate and it always amazes me how dogs can be so loving so trusting of people despite everything they have been through in their past. They say that although a dog will love everyone in a family they will cling more to one person and that has definitely happened with me and Roo. She definitely sees me as her mum and we are always playing or having snuggles. She is amazing. Happy 4th Birthday Ruby Baby!

If you’re thinking of getting a dog consider taking a look at those who have had a hard start in life and are just looking to be loved and find a happy home. Some rescue centers are Battersea Dogs Home, Dogs Trust and the RSPCA. Of course there are also other animals than dogs that also need rescuing too just have a google and you will soon find places. 

Even if you can’t home a animal every little helps so if you can make a donation, papers, blankets or toys the rescue centres are always very grateful.

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