They say that timing is everything. One day, a couple in California went on a hike and ended up doing something extraordinary—they saved four lives! As they walked near a creek, they heard strange noises. Curious, they investigated and found a shocking surprise right before their eyes.
An Unexpected Discovery
In the middle of nowhere, a mom dog was giving birth to three tiny puppies. Without hesitation, the couple called for help, and soon the dog family was rescued. Thom McCallum, a dedicated dog rescuer from Berkeley, California, took in the mom and her three puppies. However, the fostering process was not without its challenges.
Learning to Trust Again
Thom named the timid mom dog Ruby. At first, Ruby was very reserved and did not trust Thom at all. Despite Thom’s efforts to make Ruby comfortable, she had a long way to go. It was clear that Ruby had a rough past and needed time to heal from her previous traumas.
A Slow but Steady Transformation
Thom devoted himself to caring for Ruby’s puppies around the clock, which was the easier part of the journey. Ruby, although a fantastic mother to her puppies, took a while to come out of her shell. Day by day, Ruby began to warm up to Thom, realizing that he was there to help her. Eventually, she let down her guard and started to trust her new human companion.
Thriving in a New Home
Over the course of a few months, Ruby transformed into the biggest lovebug. She became so attached to Thom that she wouldn’t leave his side, not even for a second. Thom shared with The Dodo, “Ruby won’t leave my side. She goes everywhere I go. She’s really thriving now.”
Source: @thomohawk
Thom and Ruby, along with her puppies, trained together, played in their spacious yard, and learned to go on walks. When the puppies were old enough, Thom found each of them a loving home. The great news was that all three puppies were adopted by families who lived nearby. Jax and Kirby found forever homes just a few miles away, while Tito was adopted by a family next door. Thom and his neighbor even built a gate in their back fence so that Ruby and Tito could play together whenever they wanted.
Ruby’s New Role as a Foster Mom
Source: @thomohawk
Watching Ruby thrive after being abandoned was a rewarding experience for Thom. Ruby continued to see her puppies almost daily, and Thom realized she would make an excellent foster mom. Together, they fostered many dogs in need, including tiny puppies. Ruby embraced her new role and loved taking care of other dogs.
Eventually, Ruby got a new companion, Pogo, a dog who was saved from the hills at just four months old. Pogo had been hit by a car and had his leg amputated, but he adapted perfectly to Thom’s and Ruby’s home. Thom shared on Instagram, “Ruby and Pogo love life and doing everything together.”
A Happy Ending for Ruby and Pogo
Source: @thomohawk
Recently, Thom, his girlfriend, Ruby, and Pogo moved to a bigger home in Berkeley. The dogs couldn’t be happier with the extra space to showcase their cheerful personalities and take cozy naps. Ruby, once an abandoned mom who trusted no one, now has a loving family and a happy home.
Source: @thomohawk
Thom’s dedication and Ruby’s transformation highlight the power of love and patience. From a timid, distrustful dog to a loving, nurturing mother and companion, Ruby’s story is a heartwarming reminder that with the right care, any dog can find its way back to happiness.
