Photo: Courtesy of the Rhode Island State Police.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Sunday morning, the Rhode Island State Police announced the passing of 11-year-old Ruby, one of the first K-9's trained to serve with officials on many search and rescue missions.
R.I. State Police say Ruby was euthanized on Friday following a sudden, acute, and untreatable illness. Ruby was adopted from the R.I. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and for 11 years, the mixed breed served alongside her handler Corporal Daniel O'Neil.
“Her partnership with Corporal O’Neil was a special one and their search and rescue work in our K-9 Unit was a great service to the Rhode Islanders who have needed their help," said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety.
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Ruby earned the title of American Humane Hero Dog Search and Rescue Dog of the Year in 2018 after she located a lost teenager who happened to be the son of a shelter volunteer who had cared for her as puppy. The rescue was inspiration for the 2022 Netflix film, "Rescued by Ruby."
"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. She had a full, happy, and wonderful life, not only as a trooper, but as part of a loving family. She worked right until the end and never gave up doing what she loved most – making people smile," the RISP said in a statement.
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