Remembering Ruby

Ruby joined our family in April 1994 when we lived in Columbus. We rescued her from the animal shelter in Delaware just north of there. She was very shy to the point of shaking when we brought her home. But slowly she warmed up to us. She was meant to be part of Bryan's birthday gift that year, but she attached herself to me, and over her lifetime was not very comfortable around men in general.

She was born Nov. 1, 1993, so she was 6 months old when we adopted her and we think she suffered some abuse as a puppy. She had been a stray before being brought to the animal shelter.

When we moved back to Sidney in the summer of 1995, she endured the drive back in the packed van with grace. We lived in a 2 bedroom apartment for over 3 months before moving to Charm Hill, and she even did well there with 2 cats and our "new" cat Taz... a stray from the neighborhood.

Over the years, Ruby accompanied us on trips to Michigan and in recent years, on camping trips to nearby Ohio State Parks.



Island Trail
Ludington


Ceasar Creek SP


Right after my last entry - bike hike - Jim left for the bi-annual Andreatta reunion in Uhrichsville OH. He was driving his parents to the party location. Ruby had been slowing down for the last month... not eating ... and lately having a hard time breathing. It was so bad on Thursday night that i decided to take her to the vet on Friday afternoon. He said the trouble could be a mass in her lungs or an enlarged heart. He gave some meds to get her thru the weekend, and suggested a blood test and chest x-ray on Monday. I knew in my heart that the tests would not be happening.
It was a very emotional weekend for me dealing with a dying dog and with Jim gone. I decided Sat. to make an appointment to have her put to sleep on Monday, not wanting her to suffer any longer. That Monday, July 14, I took half a day off work so i could spend the last hours with her. She wanted to be in the back yard, so i lied beside her under the shade of the maple trees and rubbed her ears. Jim finally got home after 3pm and we took the sad drive up to the Anna vet office for a teary goodbye.

The first week was really hard - coming home to an empty house. I have to say it has gotten better.
Ruby was with us for over 14 years. She loved her walks in the neighborhood greeting her favorite friends (Sammy, Muffin & Cheyenne) along the way. She led a good life and is now at peace. We remember her fondly.