Is Rescued by Ruby a True Story? Netflix drama film ‘Rescued by Ruby’ is directed by Katt Shea. It follows Dan, a state trooper who develops an unusual bond with his rescue dog Ruby. He wants Ruby to join the K-9 team, but her rambunctious and unpredictable personality makes it tough to calm her down and train her for the job. Despite the fact that many people have given up on Ruby, Dan remains committed to his goal and works relentlessly with the adorable puppy.
‘Rescued by Ruby,’ a touching story about a man’s love for his dog and a tribute to how loyal dogs can be, is a must-see for animal lovers. The film’s heartwarming tale, which is full of emotional moments, and the cast members’ realistic performances make the audience wonder if the story is based on a true story. Let’s see what we can do to check whether this is the case.
Is Rescued by Ruby a True Story?
Is Rescued by Ruby a True Story? The story ‘Rescued by Ruby’ is based on a genuine story. It follows Rhode Island State Trooper Corporal Daniel O’ Neil and his canine companion Ruby through their lives. He enrolled in the police academy in 2004 and joined the K-9 unit in 2011. Around that time, he met Ruby, an Australian Shepherd/border collie mix.
The eight-month-old puppy had been abandoned to a shelter at the age of 4-5 months and had been adopted five times before being returned due to her out-of-control behavior. “She was a jerk to the core… She sprung to her feet and bit the end of her leash. She was adamant about not sitting or lying down. She was constantly on the go. “She was unusual, and she demanded a particular person,” Patricia Inman recalled in an interview.
Patricia volunteered at the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), where she fostered Ruby whenever she was returned and even intervened to save her from being euthanized. She also tried training the dog to change her behavior but eventually realized Ruby needed a career to make the most of her abilities. Another person who saw scope in the dog was investigator Joseph Warzycha of the Rhode Island SPCA.
Also Read: Where are Daniel O’Neil and Ruby Today?
Only two hours before Ruby was to be terminated for being unadoptable, Warzycha approached Rhode Island State Police Trooper Matthew Zarrella, who organized and gathered the department’s K-9 unit. Matthew adopted Ruby and partnered her with Daniel, commencing her career as a top search and rescue dog. Though Daniel was captivated by her tenacity and determination, he found it difficult to train her and gain her trust.
Because he suffers from dyslexia and hyperactivity, Daniel could identify with Ruby’s struggles. Ruby overcame all expectations and graduated from the academy at the top of her class, despite the fact that she was not purebred like other K-9 dogs. When a teen teenager went missing for 36 hours while hiking near his home in the area in October 2017, things took an unexpected turn.
The police officer was directed to the boy who had been gravely hurt after falling into a gully by the experienced canine, and Daniel and Ruby joined the search and rescue mission. Ruby was able to inform authorities of their location despite the lack of a radio or GPS signal, and the youngster was eventually rescued. To everyone’s surprise, he turned out to be Patricia’s son, who was overjoyed to see her old friend. The wonderful lady’s efforts were rewarded when the dog she had saved returned the favor by saving her son.
According to Daniel, Ruby was overjoyed to see Patricia again, saying, “Ruby came jumping up, and it was like a long-lost family member… It seemed as if they’d never been apart. Ears dipped, tail waggled.” For her bravery, Ruby was selected Search and Rescue Dog of the Year by the American Humane Hero Dogs in 2018. This tragedy also brought her into the spotlight, allowing Daniel and others to advocate for the adoption of shelter animals.
Daniel and Ruby have been working together for approximately 11 years and have completed numerous other search and rescue missions for their squad. In an interview, he said with respect to the film’s truthfulness that it is not at all contrived and is a true portrayal of their story. He also praised actor Scott Wolf’s portrayal of Matthew Zarrella, comparing it to that of his senior.
To summarise, ‘Rescued by Ruby’ is a touching true story that teaches compassion and the value of never giving up on one’s dreams. It also emphasizes the need to give rescued animals a second chance as well as the important role dogs play in society.