Update on Ruby – 2/26/25

Ruby made it through surgery and did well, and when we visited her last evening things were still looking optimistic. Late last night we received a message from the vet that she was starting to struggle, and about an hour later she passed away. We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken.

Ruby was a loving, gentle dog who didn’t deserve what happened to her. Our children had to witness this horrific incident, and now we are left grieving while also facing thousands of dollars in vet bills trying to save her.

We are still asking for help identifying the man responsible. We believe he may have been an AT&T door-to-door salesman — possibly in his 20s or 30s, medium build, with long black dreadlocks. He shot Ruby and ran without reporting the incident.

Please continue sharing our story so we can find the person responsible and get answers. If you saw anything or have any information, please reach out. Even the smallest detail could help.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us and loved Ruby along the way. She meant the world to us and will never be forgotten. ❤️

2/25/26 Ruby Update

The vets at Hopewell Animal Hospital were able to place Ruby’s esophageal feeding tube today. It was difficult because of all the swelling, but with the help of three doctors they were able to get it placed and also repair part of the wound to the roof of her mouth.

She is stable and seems to be somewhat comfortable. The vets are still hopeful, but we know she has a long road ahead of her.

We will continue to post pictures and updates as we have them. Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out, shared, or donated — Ruby would not still be with us without your help and the incredible team at Hopewell Animal Hospital. ❤️

We Need Help More Than Ever

Ruby has now been transferred to Hopewell Animal Hospital on Taylorsville Road, where the team has graciously stepped in to help save her life. We are incredibly grateful for the compassion they have shown our family and Ruby during this heartbreaking time.

Her veterinary bills have already reached over $3,000, and we are financially tapped out. Despite this, the veterinarian is optimistic that Ruby has a chance, but she will require surgery and significant time to heal.

There is currently a pending police investigation, and we have audio of the incident. The individual involved was an AT&T salesman walking down our street. Ruby barked and ran toward him, but from witness accounts and the scene, she never touched him and he was not injured. The audio makes it clear that he did not yell at her or attempt a warning shot before shooting.

After shooting Ruby, he ran from the scene and did not report the incident to police.

We are devastated and heartbroken, but right now our focus is saving Ruby’s life.

We do have a GoFundMe set up for Ruby, and donations can also be made directly to Hopewell Animal Hospital on Taylorsville Road toward Ruby’s veterinary care.

She is a wonderful dog who is deeply loved and deserves a chance to heal.

We are begging for help.

Every donation and every share brings Ruby one step closer to recovery.

Please help us save Ruby. ❤️

Please Help Us Save Ruby

Tonight, our family experienced something no pet owner should ever have to endure.

Our sweet girl, Ruby, was shot in the snout in front of our home.

Ruby is not an aggressive dog. She has never attacked anyone. She managed to get out of our fence and was in our front yard. According to our neighbors, she wasn’t even barking. A man was walking down the street when we suddenly heard a gunshot — and then we heard Ruby crying.

We ran outside and saw a man with a gun in his hand. He ran off. We immediately called the police.

Ruby is family. She sleeps in our home, plays with our boys, and is part of our everyday life. Watching our sons break down over her pain has been one of the hardest parts of this nightmare.

She is currently receiving emergency veterinary care. The injury to her face is severe, and we are facing unexpected emergency vet bills that no family can truly prepare for. Between imaging, surgery, medications, and aftercare, the costs are quickly adding up.

We hate having to ask for help. Truly. But we are doing everything we can to save her, and we can’t do it alone.

If you are able to donate — no matter how small — it would mean the world to our family. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing Ruby’s story.

She didn’t deserve this. Our boys didn’t deserve this. And we are just praying for healing.

Thank you for any support, prayers, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.