RIP Ruby Pearlđź’”
Sometimes life just doesn’t work out, no matter how well all the pieces fit.
I (Katrina) walked into the dog shelter for something totally unrelated and saw a terribly frightened little ole pitty. She was such a “pittyfull” girl and she tugged at my heart strings. I started asking staff about her and I felt so connected to her instantly.
Her story was so sad. After being a beloved pet, her previous owner started battling cancer and was unable to care for her. She surrendered her to the shelter in hopes of finding her a forever home. The shelter was so good to her, but she was so scared as she left the only home she had known. After deciding I couldn't leave her, I picked her up the next day.
I didn’t plan on taking her and it was all spur of the moment, so while we were supposed to be only taking in a dog if a foster home is lined up, with her I did not. For a few days she stayed in boarding in one of our geriatric suites where she could decompress and breathe. I was perplexed, as finding pittys a home can be challenging on the best of days but especially difficult for a 13 year old senior pitty, and I worried I would never find her a home. On day 3, a miracle happened.
One of my amazing doggie clients Sakshi, had recently passed away and her fur mama Jessi (who is hands down one of the kindest people and best pet parents I know) popped into my head. I figured I would share this girl’s story with her and maybe she could help me find her a foster home, but instead she decided to TAKE HER HOME! To say I was happy was an understatement. Within a few days, Jessi and her boyfriend Bobbie made the 2 hour drive to Toledo and picked her up after her mammory and eye tumor removal surgery. Jessi lovingly changed her name to Ruby Pearl❤️
Life wasn't so easy for them with Ruby, as her new geriatric brother didn’t want to share his space and the beginning was rough, but they never gave up! They got an animal behavioralist and trainer to work with both dogs, and even lived on separate floors of their home to make sure both dogs acclimated safely. We all kept our fingers crossed that Ruby would find her forever home; however, deep down I always prayed it would be Jessi and Bobbie because Ruby chose them to be her people, and they fought so hard to give her a normal happy life. Ruby Pearl spent her days with Jessi comforting her patients, and had a doggie sitter when she couldn't go to work. Her life quickly became perfect. Ruby Pearl went from the terrified mess to a happy healthy loved dog.
Today I got the news we all dreaded, and believe me when I tell you, as I write this I am sobbing. Our old girl Ruby Pearl started retching today causing Jessi to get her into her vet. After x-rays and testing, it was determined our sweet girl was full of cancer and her lungs full of fluid. The amazing vet staff explained that because of her advanced age and the aggressiveness of the cancer, euthanasia would be the most humane option. We all love her enough to not prolong her suffering and let her go. We are all crushed, but with the bitter comes the sweet and the most amazing thing happened. Jessi and Bobbi officially adopted Ruby Pearl tonight! She will be passing over the rainbow bridge tomorrow surrounded by her people as a adopted dog, not a adoptable dog.
So although my heart’s devastated tonight, my heart is also full because I know Ruby Pearl has spent the last 5 months in such a compassionate home filled with love, respect, and patience. She may not have been with us for a long time, but she was here for a good time and I cant help but think Sakshi sent both myself and Jessi to cross Ruby Pearls path because she knew we would help her❤️❤️
Please say a prayer and send positive vibes to us all especially Jessi and Bobbie. We all will need them.