Ruby and her new owner have trained hard to give back to others
A dog who was left unattended for long periods of time inside a conservatory and was nervous of being touched is now a therapy dog who helps elderly people, fulfilling a lifelong dream of her new owner’s.
German shepherd cross collie Ruby, now two, was rescued by the RSPCA after concerns for her welfare were raised in December 2022.
She was taken in by RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre, in Somerset.
Deputy Manager Anita Clark said: “Ruby was rescued by RSPCA inspectors after being kept in unsuitable conditions in a conservatory. She was underweight and was being left for long periods of time unattended by her owner.
“It didn’t take long for her to come out of her shell in our care. She was cuddly, energetic, and eager to please, although she could be insecure, and often far too clever for her own good!
“We knew we’d need to find her a home with someone who understood her need for lots of exercise and mental stimulation, but who also had the patience and commitment to continue her training and help guide her.”
Ruby had had little exposure to the outside world so was quite nervous and didn’t like physical touch.
Deborah Smith, now living in Winchester, Hampshire, was looking for another dog to keep her 13-year-old Alfie – who’d also come from West Hatch – company. And she’d always dreamed of getting involved with pet therapy.
“Therapy dog work was something I’d been interested in for some time but the time had never been right for me and Alfie..
“I knew he’d be a great mentor to a young dog, though, and we started looking for a friend for him. When we first went to meet Ruby she was very anxious but you could tell she wanted to be affectionate and we took to her immediately.”
Deborah and her partner – who have since separated – knew Ruby needed work but were willing to put in the time and took her home in April 2023.
When they parted ways, Deborah took Ruby and her former partner kept Alfie on.
“We felt Ruby would be best with me as I had the time to train and interact with her,” Deborah, 66, said. “It seemed a good idea for Ruby and myself to have a challenge to focus on so I pursued my dream of becoming a therapy dog team.
“We had a fantastic and supportive trainer who was determined to get us through but knew there was a lot of hard work ahead due to some of Ruby’s behaviour, as she was nervous being touched and pulled on the lead.”
The duo spent nine months slowly and gradually working on Ruby’s worries and training for the therapy role with Therapy Dog Training UK.
Deborah added: “It was demoralising over many months to feel that she was not making the progress I’d hoped for. The trainer kept us motivated and knew that this little worried dog would eventually get there.”
In December 2024, the pair had their assessment and to Deborah’s ‘utter delight’ passed.
She said: “I am very proud of her; she’s such a willing, loyal and loving dog. She has blessed me enormously.
“I live in an over 55 housing complex where the vast majority of residents really love interacting with Ruby and constantly ask how her training has gone. They were very emotional when told she had passed!
“Many of the residents love to feel her coat and give her fuss and treats. She gives a lovely excited ‘yip’ when she sees people she knows!”
The pair hope to start getting out and about this year to help people in their local area and have already had enquiries from two local nursing homes who’d like Ruby to go in and spend time with their elderly residents.
Deborah also hopes Ruby will be able to help with the school reading scheme too. She said: “It would be lovely to see Ruby helping a child who struggles with their talking or reading develop their confidence.”
