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Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Ruby’s story begins with loss, but it doesn’t end there.
After the heartbreaking death of her owner, Ruby suddenly lost the person she loved and trusted most in the world. Everything familiar disappeared overnight, and this gentle little dog found herself entering rescue at nearly nine years old.
But even in the sadness of that beginning, something hopeful is taking shape: the chance for Ruby’s story to become one of healing, kindness, and second chances.
Ruby is a nearly 9-year-old Jackapom who came into our care after her owner sadly passed away. From the moment she arrived, it was clear she had been deeply loved. She is gentle, affectionate, and completely used to home life. She carries that quiet trust in people that only comes from years of being cherished.
Now, it is our turn to honour that love by giving Ruby the future she deserves.
Ruby’s story is not one of blame or judgement. She was clearly deeply loved, and her weight gain likely happened slowly through comfort, routine, and affection. What matters now is helping her move forward with kindness, healing, and the chance to feel well again.
When Ruby arrived in our care, she weighed 11.5kg with a Body Condition Score of over 9/9. For a dog her size, her ideal weight is around 5kg, with a healthy Body Condition Score of 4–5/9.
This means Ruby is not just slightly overweight. Her obesity is already placing dangerous strain on her joints, heart, breathing, and overall quality of life. Every step she takes is harder than it should be.
Research from the University of Liverpool found that overweight dogs can live up to 2.5 years less on average than dogs at a healthy weight. Those missing years are not just numbers. They are walks in the sunshine, peaceful naps, gentle cuddles, and precious time feeling comfortable in her own body again.
Since coming into our care, Ruby has already made an incredible start.
With a carefully managed diet plan, gentle exercise, and ongoing monitoring, she has already lost 1kg and now weighs 10.5kg. While that may sound small, it is a huge milestone for Ruby and proof that her future can change.
Part of Ruby’s recovery includes a specialist prescription weight loss food recommended by our veterinary team. This food is essential to help her lose weight safely and steadily while protecting her health.
Unfortunately, prescription veterinary diets are far more expensive than standard dog food, creating another ongoing cost in Ruby’s rehabilitation journey.
Alongside her weight loss treatment, Ruby urgently needs extensive dental work, including several tooth extractions.
Untreated dental disease can cause constant pain, infection, and discomfort, affecting a dog’s ability to eat, sleep, and enjoy daily life. Sadly, many dogs suffer silently with dental pain for months or even years.
The cost of Ruby’s dental treatment at a standard veterinary practice could reach £800–£900, but this treatment is essential. It is not cosmetic or optional. It is the difference between ongoing pain and finally being comfortable again.
Ruby cannot do this alone, and neither can we.
Every stage of her recovery depends entirely on the kindness of supporters who believe every rescue dog deserves comfort, dignity, and a second chance, no matter their age or condition.
When you donate, you are not just helping Ruby. You are helping dogs like Ruby — animals who arrive in rescue frightened, grieving, unwell, or in pain, and who desperately need compassionate care, veterinary treatment, and the chance to feel safe again.
Your support helps provide:
Most importantly, your donation helps give vulnerable animals the chance to heal and enjoy a better future.
Ruby’s journey is already underway, but dogs like her still need your help every day.
Please donate today and help us continue giving rescue dogs the second chances they so deeply deserve.
Text RUBY to 70470 to donate £1.
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
When you buy a gift for a Rain Rescue animal, it will help us to provide the care the cats and dogs in our centre need.
Treat them to a cosy place to sleep, a treat and a toy, or nutritious food to keep them strong. It’s a great way to donate, thank you.
Founded in 2002, our charity has saved the lives of thousands of the cats and dogs most at risk in and around Yorkshire. Our rescue centre provides the space and support needed for these abandoned animals to recover, thrive and find a loving home.
