K-9 Ruby Who Became Famous After Rescuing Glocester Teen Dies At Age 11 After Sudden Untreatable Illness: “Today the Rhode Island State Police Family Is Mourning the Death Of K-9 Ruby”
K-9 Ruby Rescuing Glocester Teen Dies At Age 11 CREDIT: COURTESY OF DAN O’NEIL
SCITUATE – K-9 Ruby died on Friday after a sudden, acute, and untreatable illness, according to the Rhode Island State Police.
In 2017, the K-9, whose story was adapted into the Netflix film “Rescued by Ruby” in 2022, famously rescued a lost Glocester teenager.
The boy was the son of a shelter volunteer who had looked after her since she was a puppy. Ruby was named Rescue Dog of the Year in 2018 and the American Humane Hero Dog Search as a result of this rescue.
Ruby was euthanized on Friday, May 13th, at the age of 11 ½.
“Today the Rhode Island State Police family is mourning the death of K-9 Ruby,” said Col. Darnell Weaver, RISP Superintendent.
“Her partnership with Corporal O’Neil was a special one and their search and rescue work in our K-9 Unit was a great service to the Rhode Islanders who have needed their help. Her award-winning rescue inspired us and we are grateful for her years of service.”
Ruby was handled by O’Neil and spent 11 years with the RISP. She was a mixed-breed dog and one of the first shelter dogs trained to serve with RISP after being adopted from the Rhode Island SPCA.
She and O’Neil volunteered with the Community, Diversity, and Equity Unit and participated in many search and rescue missions as part of the K-9 Unit. They also appeared in schools and at many events.
“K-9 Ruby dedicated her life to serving the citizens of Rhode Island and making a positive impact on every person she ever interacted with.
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.
She had a full, happy, and wonderful life, not only as a trooper but as part of a loving family. She worked right until the end and never gave up doing what she loved most – making people smile.”
As per Nrinow, Ruby lived with Corporal O’Neil and his family. She will be honored privately.
