Sadly, not every dog has the chance to live a life full of love and comfort. Many dogs are forced to survive in harsh conditions, with no affection or warmth. These poor animals have to scavenge for scraps and drink rainwater just to stay alive.
Even when a kind human rescues these pups, it can take a long time for them to understand that they are finally safe. Trusting humans again after such a tough life is a slow process.
One such dog was a beautiful PitBull named Ruby. She spent her life in a forest, and when a kind woman tried to help her, Ruby was very hesitant to trust her.
A Dog Alone in the Woods
Source: The Dodo
When MaryAnne found Ruby, a full-grown dog living alone in the woods, she was heartbroken by the sight. Ruby was so malnourished that her bones were visible.
MaryAnne tried to approach Ruby and take her in, but Ruby only allowed her a few pets before disappearing back into the woods. “I knew there was no way she was going to make it through the winter as small as she was,” MaryAnne told The Dodo.
With winter approaching, MaryAnne was determined to earn Ruby’s trust and help her gain weight before the cold set in.
Gaining Trust, One Step at a Time
From the day she found her, MaryAnne went into the woods every single day for weeks, bringing Ruby tasty food and trying to show her that there was nothing to fear.
Ruby would come close to take the food, but then she would quickly retreat to her “safe place” in the woods.
As spring arrived, MaryAnne noticed some progress. By early summer, she managed to coax Ruby out of the woods.
“It took a few months to get her to come to me day after day,” MaryAnne said. She was thrilled when Ruby finally gathered the courage to come all the way to her backyard for her meal. After that, MaryAnne could sit with her for about twenty minutes, talking to her in a calm and sweet voice.
Feeling Like a Dog Again
MaryAnne’s next goal was to put a collar on Ruby, and surprisingly, this proved to be easier than expected. “I think she was starting to feel like a dog. She was beginning to finally realize what love was,” MaryAnne said.
For the first time in her life, Ruby started to have fun. Her previous life had been so harsh that she didn’t know what it was like to play or be happy. MaryAnne spent days throwing a ball for Ruby, waiting for the moment when Ruby would figure out what to do with it.
After a few days, Ruby finally caught on. She became the happiest dog, loving to chase her new favorite toy and begging MaryAnne to throw it again. Ruby had come out of her shell, standing at the edge of the woods each day, waiting for MaryAnne to call her so her day could begin.
Source: TikTok
Overcoming Fears
However, Ruby was still hesitant to come inside the house. “She had so many of her followers asking me just to grab her and bring her inside. She just wasn’t that kind of dog. She still was very fearful of force and enclosures. She needed to do this on her own time,” MaryAnne explained.
Source: TikTok
The day Ruby finally came inside, MaryAnne couldn’t contain her excitement. It wasn’t just about Ruby stepping inside the house; it was about this fearful dog letting MaryAnne into her heart and understanding that she was there to help.
A New Beginning
Ruby wasn’t the only one saved in this story. By giving Ruby the love and care she deserved, MaryAnne found a sense of purpose in her life. MaryAnne’s patience and dedication paid off, and she created a beautiful bond with Ruby.
Being an animal rescuer is one of the most fulfilling roles out there. If you want to feel the indescribable warmth of saving an animal, consider heading to your local shelter and offering a helping hand.
Thank you, MaryAnne, for your unwavering patience and love. Ruby’s story reminds us of the impact we can have on animals’ lives. If you’re thinking about rescuing a pet, I promise you won’t regret it.
