Ruby, the mix of German shepherd and Labrador Retriever, came to her owner’s aid when he fainted and tumbled into a ditch.
Ruby, the rescue dog, repaid her owner’s kindness by coming to his rescue after he adopted her from an animal shelter. Peter Bradley and his partner Debbie Ackers, residing in Dorset, England, recently welcomed Ruby into their home from a U.K. animal rescue center, as reported by Dogs Trust Salisbury.
The 5-year-old German shepherd/Labrador retriever mix wasted no time in proving her loyalty to her new family. Shortly after her adoption, while out for a walk with Bradley, he suddenly collapsed due to low blood sugar. Bradley fell into an 8-foot-deep watery ditch, unable to get up.
In a remarkable display of canine instinct, Ruby sprang into action. She remained by Bradley’s side, barking for help until assistance arrived, effectively saving his life.
“I woke up and had no idea where I was or what had happened. I could feel my boots filling up with water but could not find the strength to move. I could hear Ruby barking; she was making sure someone found me; that is a sure thing. Once I found some strength, I tried to climb out, but I could not as the sides were wet,” Bradley recounted in his statement, reflecting on the accident.
Ruby’s fidelity and swift wit paid off; her barking caught the attention of someone nearby, prompting them to investigate the commotion.
The man added, “If Ruby had not barked as she did, I could have been there for an awfully long time without anyone knowing I was missing.”
With the assistance of those who came in response to Ruby’s barks, Bradley managed to emerge from the ditch. Shortly after his initial fainting spell and fall, Bradley succumbed to unconsciousness once more, yet Ruby faithfully remained by his side.
“I must have fainted again at home, and the next thing I knew, my friend was beside me. He found me out like a light and Ruby lying over me. He called paramedics,” Bradley recounted.
“Ruby continued to protect me and let the paramedics assist once she knew they were there to help. I did not want to go to the hospital, so thankfully, the nurses treated me at home instead. With the nurses and Ruby continuing to look after me, I am much better now,” he remarked.
After a whirlwind few weeks with Ruby, Bradley is utterly convinced that he and the dog are destined for each other.
“Ruby has bonded with me and Debbie so well, and it feels like she has always been in our lives. We walk her every day and feel safe with her by our side,” Bradley remarked.
“She really is our hero.”
As Ruby has discovered her forever home, Dogs Trust Salisbury boasts numerous heroic dogs eagerly awaiting loving families. Animal enthusiasts can explore more about these canine heroes on the rescue’s website.