Sadly, not every dog enjoys a life full of love and warmth.
Many are left to endure harsh conditions, deprived of affection and support, scavenging for scraps and drinking rainwater to survive.
Even when these dogs are eventually rescued by a kind human, it often takes a considerable amount of time for them to trust again and understand that help is genuinely offered.
One such dog was a lovely Pit Bull named Ruby, who, after spending her life in the woods, was extremely reluctant to trust the humans trying to assist her.
Doggo in the Woods
When MaryAnne found a full-grown dog living alone in the woods, she felt an overwhelming sense of sadness for the condition of the animal.
The dog, Ruby, was so emaciated that her bones were painfully visible.
MaryAnne attempted to approach and rescue her, but Ruby would only permit a few gentle pats before retreating back into the shadows of the woods.
“I was certain she wouldn’t survive the winter given her frail state,” MaryAnne recounted to The Dodo.
With limited time to spare, MaryAnne was resolute in her mission to earn the trust of this frightened dog and help her gain some much-needed weight before the bitter cold set in.
One Step at a Time
From the moment she discovered Ruby, MaryAnne made it a routine to visit the woods daily for several weeks, bringing along delicious meals and showing Ruby that there was nothing to fear.
Yet, Ruby would only venture close enough to accept the food. Once she snagged it, she quickly returned to her “safe haven,” as MaryAnne termed it.
As spring unfolded, MaryAnne noted signs of improvement, but it wasn’t until early summer that she finally succeeded in coaxing Ruby out of the woods.
“It took several months of daily visits for her to approach me regularly,” she shared.
This dedicated rescuer felt overjoyed when she witnessed Ruby muster the bravery to venture all the way to her backyard for her favorite meal.
After that, they were able to enjoy some quality time together, with Ruby sitting calmly beside her for about twenty minutes while MaryAnne spoke to her in a soothing voice.
MaryAnne’s next objective focused on fitting a collar around Ruby’s neck, which fortunately turned out to be a much simpler task than she anticipated.
“I think she was beginning to accept her identity as a dog. She was starting to grasp what love actually meant,” commented MaryAnne.
At long last, Ruby began to experience joy.
Feeling Like a Puppy
Due to her unfortunate past, Ruby had never been exposed to happiness or fun, which meant she had no understanding of what a ball was.
MaryAnne dedicated her days to playing fetch with Ruby, eagerly anticipating the moment she would realize how to engage with the ball.
After a few days, Ruby finally understood and became the most exuberant dog!
She reveled in days filled with chasing after her newfound favorite toy and pleading with MaryAnne to toss it again. At that moment, Ruby truly emerged from her shell.
Ruby would wait at the edge of the woods, eager for MaryAnne to call her name, signaling the start of her joyful day.
Despite this progress, she remained apprehensive about entering the house.
“Many of her followers urged me to just take her inside. However, she wasn’t that type of dog. She was still quite fearful of being forced into enclosure. It was crucial that she approached this on her own terms,” MaryAnne explained.
When Ruby finally decided to step inside the house, MaryAnne’s heart overflowed with joy. This small act signified not just Ruby’s acceptance but also her understanding that MaryAnne was there to help.
Final Thoughts
Ruby’s rescue wasn’t just her salvation; MaryAnne discovered a profound purpose in her life through the love and care she provided.
I would like to take this moment to express gratitude to MaryAnne for her unwavering patience and commitment to Ruby, and I am overjoyed that their story ended on a positive note.
Being an animal rescuer is indeed one of the most rewarding experiences, and if you seek a profound sense of warmth and fulfillment, consider volunteering at your local shelter.
I assure you, it will be a decision you cherish.
