Pat Bettendorf - Rubys Tale: A True Rags to Riches Story

In putting pen to paper at the start of this book, I was reminded of that old Chinese proverb, A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I was equally mindful of the many friends, relatives, and family members whose strong vocal encouragement kept ringing in my ears: Youve got to tell Rubys incredible story of hope! In the telling of her tale, I stand in awe of the lives shes touched, the hearts shes opened, and the friends she has made across America. So many people, places, dogs, institutions, events, and more make up the life that is Rubys, that I really dont know where to start or end our thanks. Its like trying keep track of every flake swirling in a snow globe. But I do know that Rubys wonderful odyssey might not have made it into print if not for the following

• Ron and Susie Moser, because they cared enough
• Jack Rhodes, my best friend, for pushing me on
• Total Recall School for Dogs, for its unending support
• Kathy Lahlum, for her gift of time and talent to help keep our tribe well trained
• All of Rubys classmates and the rescue groups around America who voted for her
• Karen Delise, for her faith, friendship, and strong encouragement
• Stillwater Animal Hospital, for its kind, compassionate, and excellent care
• Rubys angel from New York, who took care of her medical expenses when we couldnt
• Lisa Meuwissen, for her faith, encouragement, and help in getting me on that airplane
• Ryan Scheife, Rubys book designer. He understood her story and the book shows it!
• Animal Farm Foundation

A special thanks to

• Hotel Palomer LA Westwood
• Hard Rock HotelChicago
• Kendal Hotel & SuitesMiami
• Delta Airlines
• Paul & Joan Pairitz
• Jess Andersen
• Kim Corbert
• Cheri Cunningham
• Puppy Love Caring Canines
• Ginger Monteleone
• The Gang at Rapid Press, Forest lake
• April Michelle Davis, my editor at Editorial Inspirations
• Rubys legal dream team, Snyder, Gislason, Frasier LLC

And, of course, Rubys friends in the media who believed in the little dog who could.

• Rob Olson FOX 9 News, Minneapolis/St. Paul
• Liz Collin WCCO TV News
• Kyle Porter KARE 11 News
• Kathy Berdan St. Paul Pioneer Press
• Pat Phiffer Minneapolis Star Tribune
• Kris Janisch Stillwater Gazette
• Cliff Buchan Forest Lake Times
• Press Publications

Chapter One
It Was Only Supposed to Be for the Weekend!

Like a happy little flea, she sprang up onto the couch and flew off repeatedly. Then she tore around the little reception room like a dog gone mad, spinning as she ran. Her face smiled all the while. It was walk time! Yippie! It was October 2003, and Lynn and I were volunteers for St. Francis Animal Rescue. Because the animal rescue didnt have its own facility, it farmed out the dogs to various boarding kennels, paying discounted rates for their keep. This kennel was close to home, making it easy for us to visit twice a week.

We were known as the Rottweiler and pit bull couple. We had fostered our share and adopted many over the years. So Rotties and pitties were assigned to us. We had walked plenty of both breeds, but this happy six-month-old dark brindle pit bull mix puppy named Ruby caught our eye. There was just something extra special about her infectious, boundless, happy demeanor!

Dogs can be emotionally complex little beings. Science is only beginning to understand that fact, but anyone who has a dog as a true family member already knows this. Rescue dogs are very special cases. Many times, like foster children, they may have issues. But, most often, a pet foster parent may not know anything about the history of the animal unless abuse is obvious. Some rescue dogs may be totally resilient and optimistic. Others, no matter how much care, kindness, love, and structure they receive, have difficulty coming out of that emotional black hole. Some never do.

Ruby was an optimist. She showed no outward signs of mental or physical abuse other than starvation. Just a month or two before, Ruby and her brother had been rescued from an abandoned house, left like unwanted trash. Food and water were gone. Her fur had been falling out in patches. Lynn and I had no intention of adopting or fostering the little tyke. Yes, she was lovable, but we had enough adoptees at home. We had to tell Ruby, Walks over, goodbye Ruby, see you next time. If some spirit had descended upon me deep one night saying, You and the little dog Ruby will share many adventures together, great and small. You will fly side-by-side on an airplane to distant cities and appear on national television. Her picture will be on the front of Milk-Bone boxes across the land. Ruby will receive awards and accolades. The media will print and broadcast many stories about her life and work. People in other lands will be able to read about her. Ruby will become a certified therapy dog, then someday your personal service dog. All of these things will come to pass in due time, I would have replied, Give me a break, and let me sleep! Go away! Youd have better luck with Scrooge! Little did I know all this would be true. But first wed have to be forced to bring her home.

On selected Saturday mornings, Adoption Day was held at various shopping malls or big box pet stores. Ruby was but one of our charges. She sat in a generous wire cage, cute as could be. Ruby, happy to see all of the potential pet parents, was seemingly dog selective. Every time certain pooches stared in her direction, even from a distance, shed let out a gruff, annoying bark. She would not show aggression just that bark, bark, bark. Oddly, this was one of the only times in her life that Ruby used her voice. Later, on radio, she would be known as the narcoleptic barkless wonder dog. To this day, she rarely barks or makes a noise. During these adoption days, I started to feel more protective of Ruby even jealous! Many people stopped by to visit with her. Of course they thought Ruby was cute, funny, and cheerful. The longer they stayed, laughing, playing, smiling, the more fear rose in me. These interlopers might actually take her home! But my job was to help her find a forever home. Seizing the opportunity, I would launch into a short educational course on the history, facts, and fiction of the breed.