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 sickness." She was 11 years outdated.
Col. Darnell Weaver, superintendent of the state police, expressed gratitude for Okay-9 Ruby's years of service.
"Okay-9 Ruby devoted her life to serve the residents of Rhode Island and make a constructive affect on each particular person she ever interacted with," he mentioned in an announcement. "She grew to become an emblem of hope for all shelter canine, exhibiting the world what a shelter canine can do when simply given love and the possibility to shine."
Ruby served with the Rhode Island State Police for 11 years and was dealt with by Corporal Daniel O'Neil, Weaver mentioned.
Half 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 mountain 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 complete knucklehead," shelter volunteer and canine coach Patricia Inman had informed The Related Press 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 Canine group named her the nation's "Search and Rescue Canine of the Yr" - and her story was made into the 2022 Netflix film "Rescued by Ruby."
"She had a full, joyful, and fantastic life, not solely as a trooper, however as a part of a loving household," Weaver mentioned. "She labored proper till the tip and by no means gave up doing what she beloved most - making individuals smile."
Ruby lived with O'Neil and his household and shall be honored privately, police mentioned.
"She was given an opportunity and she or he's been doing all the pieces she will be able to to pay it again," O'Neil mentioned earlier this yr. "You may have this canine that was given up on, and she or he's modified so many individuals's lives."
Regardless of her lauded search-and-rescue profession, Ruby's mischievous spirit was irrepressible: Three years in the past, she bolted close to a state park, turning up protected and sound after a 19-hour search. Extra lately, she returned from a toilet break with a reside skunk writhing - and spraying - in her jaws.
The antics have been a part of what made Ruby, effectively, Ruby. Above all, she was a superb canine.
"In case you present them love and compassion and also you give them a sure kind of stability, they will present their true colours," O'Neil had mentioned.
