Success Story

From homeless to helping others best describes Ruby's journey from a stray dog to a therapy dog in less than six months! Golden Retriever Ruby was approximately two years old and living as a stray on the streets of Puerto Rico, struggling daily to find food and a safe place to sleep. A Good Samaritan who tried to help Ruby found she was covered with ticks and fleas and she was eventually diagnosed with erlichia - a disease caused by bacteria that infects white blood cells causing lethargy, fever, and a depressed immune system. A local Puerto Rican animal welfare organization, Save a Sato, rescued Ruby, contacted As Good as Gold, and raised the necessary funds for her to be flown to the U.S. An As Good as Gold veterinary partner treated Ruby's medical conditions and spayed her, and she quickly settled in at her new foster home.

One short month later, Ruby was adopted by her forever family. Since then, Ruby has amazed everyone with her accomplishments! She earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen designation in early September. By mid-October Ruby completed the therapy dog testing process and her career as a therapy dog began at a Chicago-area adult day care center. In addition to therapy dog work, Ruby is a star performer in her obedience classes - having completed two sessions - and will continue with more advanced obedience work. 

Ruby is committed to helping others as a therapy dog. It's her way of "paying it forward" and saying thank you to all of the generous people who helped her when she needed it most.