Beloved K-9 Ruby, Who Went From Shelter Dog To Hero, Has Crossed The Rainbow Bridge

Rhode Island State Police and the world are mourning the death of K-9 Ruby.

The department shared the sad news of her passing on Facebook, “We’re saddened to announce the passing of K-9 Ruby following a sudden, acute, and untreatable illness.”

Her story of how she went from a shelter dog returned several times to becoming a K-9 and rescuing an injured boy in the woods is an inspiration to all.

Ruby, an Australian shepherd and border collie mix, was a rambunctious puppy who was adopted and returned five times to the shelter before she found her calling and forever home.

She was adopted by Corporal Daniel O’Neil with the Rhode Island State Police and was one of the first shelter dogs to be trained as a K-9 for the department.

The once naughty and energetic puppy turned into a K-9 veteran who lived a full life serving her community and entertaining everyone with her crazy antics.

K-9 Ruby was a vital part of the Search and Rescue team. One of her rescue missions went viral and she was named American Humane Hero Dog Search and Rescue Dog of the Year in 2018. Her story was also turned into a movie on Netflix. In 2017, she located a lost and injured boy hiking in the woods who happened to be the son of a woman at the animal shelter who saved her. The 2022 Netflix movie “Rescued by Ruby” debuted in February.

She received the fame and glory she deserved before crossing the Rainbow Bridge on Friday. The hero was 11.5 years old and will be missed by all.

Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, said in a press release, “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. 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.”

Ruby and O’Neil made several appearances at community events and schools over the years. Locals were able to meet the heroic pup and see what a goofball she really was.

The O’Neil family is mourning the loss of a faithful partner and family pet. The local community and all who met her are heartbroken and sent their condolences.

Ruby will never be forgotten.