PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island canine whose inspiring story of going from shelter canine to lifesaving police Okay-9 grew to become the topic of a current Netflix film has been euthanized.
State Police mentioned Sunday Okay-9 Ruby was put down Friday following a “sudden, acute, and untreatable illness.” She was 11 years outdated.
Col. Darnell Weaver, superintendent of the state police, expressed gratitude for Okay-9 Ruby’s years of service.
“K-9 Ruby dedicated her life to serve the citizens of Rhode Island and make a positive impact on every person she ever interacted with,” he mentioned in an announcement. “She became a symbol of hope for all shelter dogs, showing the world what a shelter dog can do when just given love and the chance to shine.”
Ruby served with the Rhode Island State Police for 11 years and was dealt with by Cpl. Daniel O’Neil, Weaver mentioned.
Part Australian shepherd and half border collie, Ruby was one of many first shelter canine skilled to serve with the Rhode Island State Police. She participated in quite a few search-and-rescue missions and made many public appearances throughout her profession.
Ruby gained notoriety in 2017 when she positioned a teenage boy who was severely injured whereas climbing within the woods. The boy turned out to be the son of the animal shelter volunteer who had fought to maintain her from being put down.
“She was a total knucklehead,” shelter volunteer and canine coach Patricia Inman had mentioned of Ruby, who had been returned by 5 households for being too rambunctious earlier than O’Neil adopted the then-eight-month-old in 2011.
Ruby earned nationwide recognition for the rescue — the American Humane Hero Dog group named her the nation’s “Search and Rescue Dog of the Year” — and her story was made into the 2022 Netflix film “Rescued by Ruby.”
“She had a full, happy, and wonderful life, not only as a trooper, but as part of a loving family,” Weaver mentioned. “She worked right until the end and never gave up doing what she loved most — making people smile.”
Ruby lived with O’Neil and his household and might be honored privately, police mentioned.
“She was given a chance and she’s been doing everything she can to pay it back,” O’Neil mentioned earlier this 12 months. “You have this dog that was given up on, and she’s changed so many people’s lives.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”