Ruby Gets A Second Chance

SAN ANGELO, TX – As Christmas fast approaches many people decide to bring a pet into their lives. While giving a pet a home is always commendable, this holiday season consider adopting or fostering a pet. Giving a displaced pet a home can be a wonderful experience for the whole family and it makes a difference in the life of the pet.

Such is the story of Victoria Paul and Ruby, who have become inseparable after Victoria adopted the German Shepard last August. Ruby was up for adoption after she was taken to the Broken Arrow German Shepard Rescue Ranch in Christoval after an incident with her previous owner during the Fourth of July holiday this year.

Concert-goers took videos of a man beating the dog and then shared those videos on social media. The outrage caused by the sight of how the dog was treated prompted a police investigation. Eventually, the dog's owner surrendered the German Shepherd to the Christoval rescue organization. The former owner told his side of the story here.

Here is the video:

For Victoria, Ruby’s story resonated on a personal level. When she learned about Ruby’s situation, she immediately applied to adopt her. But Victoria went beyond simply submitting an application, she penned an essay describing why she felt Princess, as Ruby was previously known, would be a good fit for her family. 

In the second week of August, Ruby was brought home to Victoria and the two have been together since then. Victoria told LIVE! that the journey with Ruby hasn’t always been easy, but that with patience and love they had allowed Ruby to feel safe and welcomed. In the beginning, Ruby was distrustful of everyone, except Victoria, but soon began to open up to her new surroundings. While Ruby still isn’t comfortable with people directly approaching her, she has lots of love to give to her new family.

“She is just the best dog. She’s great and she’s good with kids,” said Victoria. “She is the happiest, go-luckiest dog.”

Since the beginning Ruby has been protective of Victoria, laying on top of her at bedtime and accompanying her to work. According to Victoria, Ruby’s behavior is consistent with her previous training to become a service dog and her wiliness to ensure her owner feels safe and is protected.

“When I run somewhere and I leave her home because it’s going to be quick, when I open the door, she is right there waiting for me,” said Victoria.

Ruby is currently undergoing service dog training and is excelling in her duties. She is dedicated and takes her training seriously. According to Victoria, Ruby loves playing with the other dogs in the home, but as soon as she puts on the service vest she is focused on her duties as a service dog. Ruby is thriving in the Paul household and has become a part of the family; Victoria considers Ruby another one of her kids.

Ruby and Victoria have made a major impact in each other’s lives and they are a true testament of the difference a second chance can have in the lives of pets and their new owners.

“When you adopt a pet, they bring a certain kind of love to your home that is loyal and amazing, just hard to describe.”

For anyone interested in adopting or fostering a pet contact Concho Valley Paws or the City of San Angelo Animal Center. There are many pets in the Concho Valley that are in need of a home and a second chance to be part of a family.