Ruby

 Ruby is a very special family member. We adopted Ruby a little over 1 1/2 years ago and we were told by the rescue she was 12-14 years old then. She had incontinence which is controlled with medication. She had 5 sebaceous cysts with one the size of a golf ball. We scheduled an appointment for her and had those removed. They did not tell us she was deaf but we quickly discovered she was. She is senior and was recently diagnosed with severe arthritis in her spine. She is on a Rx regime for that but she is pretty stiff and walks stiff legged. Our goal is to make her as pain free and comfortable as possible in her last years. 

We can tell from her earlier behavior she was not treated well. We have helped her overcome those abuses and she has mellowed well now. I believe that Ruby is the fur family member I respect the most because she has come so far in the time we have had her. She has a multitude of medical problems coupled with some now diminishing psychological problems. With medication she grinds through her day and does her best. She wants to be by our side, even though it is sometimes tough for her to get up due to her arthritis. She does not let it get her down and will even go for a short walk down the driveway on her good days. 

I know from my own experience that weather changes effects pain levels. Ruby does not show by outward signs any pain but we know she must be impacted by the weather. Throughout this she continues to maintain her loving and gentle demeaner. What is not to respect in this tough girl who does not allow her medical situation to stop her. I have noticed she is slowly getting worse but she just keeps a good attitude and forges on each day. 

While we have only had her for a short time - out of the 7 German Shepherds we have had I mostly admire her grit and determination. Our past boy Echo had many health problems also and was at the top of my list for the same qualities but Ruby does not let her situation dictate her daily conduct. We are fortunate to have her in her senior years and what an honor to be able to make her life more comfortable. We believe she is now 14 1/2 years old. 

Ruby is the second senior we have adopted and she and Bozley both made a huge impact on both of us. Adopting a senior demands the best in us but it also brings out the best in us. If you have a chance to adopt a senior I highly recommend it as what we have received from Ruby in return is beyond explanation and has enriched our lives tremendously.  I truly admire and respect Ruby...you rock girl...Wish we had had you earlier in your life.