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'Hero' Rhode Island K-9 who inspired Netflix's 'Rescued by Ruby' euthanized

Ruby became famous in 2017 after she tracked down a teenager who had suffered serious injuries while hiking in the woods

A Rhode Island dog who was the subject of a Netflix movie that chronicled her rise from a shelter dog to a lifesaving police K-9 was euthanized on Friday, May 13. K-9 Ruby was put down after a "sudden, acute, and untreatable illness," according to State Police. She was 11 at the time of her death. When she was four months old, she was adopted from the Rhode Island SPCA and became one of the first shelter dogs to be trained to serve with the agency.

After Ruby's sad demise, state police superintendent Col. Darnell Weaver expressed his gratitude for her years of service. “K-9 Ruby dedicated her life to serve the citizens of Rhode Island and make a positive impact on every person she ever interacted with,” Weaver said in a statement. “She became a symbol of hope for all shelter dogs, showing the world what a shelter dog can do when just given love and the chance to shine.” 

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Ruby's passing was announced in a Twitter post by R.I State police. The tweet read, “We're saddened to announce the passing of K-9 Ruby following a sudden, acute, and untreatable illness. Ruby was rescued from the RISPCA & served admirably for 11 yrs. Please keep Cpl O'Neil, his family, and the K-9 family in your thoughts.” 

Ruby was well known for the Netflix hit ‘Rescued by Ruby’ which shared her real-life story. The film also starred Grant Gustin, Scott Wolf, and Kaylah Zander.

The story of Ruby 

Ruby became famous in 2017 after she tracked down a teenager who had suffered serious injuries while hiking in the woods. The young man turned out to be the son of the animal shelter volunteer who had once saved her life. The youngster was rushed to a local hospital in "grave medical condition" and made a full recovery.

Ruby had been returned by five families for being too aggressive before Daniel O'Neil adopted the then-eight-month-old in 2011. She was named the nation's "Search and Rescue Dog of the Year" by the American Humane Hero Dog Society after the heroic rescue. 

Colonel Weaver said, “She had a full, happy, and wonderful life, not only as a trooper, but as part of a loving family,” adding, “She worked right until the end and never gave up doing what she loved most — making people smile.” He added that Ruby will be honored in a private ceremony.

"RIP Ruby"

Several people shared their condolences on social media after the news broke. One user wrote, “RIP Ruby … you will be missed. Thank you for your service 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💙🖤💙🖤💙🖤💙🖤💙🖤💙🖤” Another tweeted, “Sorry to hear K9 Ruby had to be put down god bless her and sending a prayer to RI police dept and her handler Corporal O'Neil god bless to all.” One user wrote, “RIP Ruby thank you for your service. Thank you Corporal O'Neal and your family for giving Ruby her forever home my condolences to you,” while another said, “RIP sweet pupper…thank you for your service. Prayers lifted for your family.💔🙏🏻🌈🐾😢”