Darling Ruby is a 16yr old Cocker Spaniel who sadly came into Oldies Club care, as her owner, who has since passed away, was unable to care for her. She is now enjoying the love and warmth of Oldies Club foster care in Cambridge. She is deaf, but this doesn’t stop her living life, and whilst she is an older lady, she knows her own mind and is an independent girl, with lots of energy, that has so much love to give, and is looking for that special forever home.
Settled in slowly – Ruby took about 10 days to settle in. She was initially wary and would not come close for strokes, but now comes up willingly for cuddles and attention.
Can be left on her own – Ruby has been left by her foster carer for 2-3 hours maximum. She was initially a little anxious, and would check that her fosterer was still around, but is now much more settled. It is felt that she would not be suited with people that work full time or would need to leave her alone a lot.
Fine with other dogs – Ruby is fine with most other dogs, but as she is deaf and has tunnel vision, she will snap if approached by a strange dog from the rear. Care needs to be taken that any unfamiliar dogs approach her from the front, where Ruby can see them coming. Ruby currently lives in her foster home with another dog and they are best buddies, so could happily live with another compatible doggy chum.
Could live with cats – Ruby has visited a home where a cat lives and all was well, so she could possibly live with a feline friend.
Could live with older children – Ruby does not have experience living with children, but as she is a gentle and sociable lady, it is felt that children over 10yrs, that are respectful of her age and deafness, would be fine.
Great on walks – Ruby loves her walks and is very well behaved and good on the lead. As she cannot hear you calling, her fosterers do not let her stray too far, but she has learnt that when her foster mummy puts her finger on the ground and wiggles it, she comes to her. Ruby is very food orientated, so further training with treats, would be beneficial. She loves chasing her ball and is currently enjoying off lead, 1 hour walks, and is a pleasure to have by your side.
Travels well in the car -Ruby is excellent in the car and goes out for a ride everyday. She has been on journeys of 1 hr + and is perfectly settled.
Favourite pastime – Ruby loves sleeping, sunbathing and her very favourite thing in the world…..eating..especially cheese !
Not keen on – Ruby doesn’t like being picked up . She is an independent lady that knows what she likes !
Ruby’s perfect home – It’s felt that Ruby wold be best suited to a single person or a couple. She does attach herself to people, and becomes your shadow, so a busy household may unsettle her.
Sleeps in her own bed – Ruby likes to sleep in her own bed, or that of the other resident dog. She does not choose to sleep with her humans or get on the sofa, or human chairs.
Health information – Ruby is neutered, vaccinated, wormed and flea treated. Whilst in foster care she has had 3 teeth out. Due to her age Ruby does need to go outside to the toilet regularly, but she has now learnt to let you know, with a little bark, that it is time to go. She did initially have some little accidents, which is understandable in a new home, and which may reoccur when she moves again, but once she is settled, is sure to become dry again, as she is now. She is starting to learn basic sign commands and this can be continued with her new owner(s) Sit, come and lay are are commands she has cleverly learnt !
Other information from Ruby’s foster carer – ” I would describe Ruby as strong minded, independent, happy and contented…..Ruby has been a very interesting foster dog to have , as when she came, she was very underweight at 9.20kilos and the vet felt she may not make it, as she was so underweight, but within 4 weeks she put on 2 kilos coming in at 11.30 kilos and although is still always ready for dinner, what ever the time of day, it is always with a good manner. Ruby is very clumsy, but just rolls with the tumbles, and would put a much younger dog to shame with her agility !”
If you would like to offer dear Ruby a loving forever home, please read our Adoption Procedures for information about the adoption process. You can then contact an Oldies Club Rehoming Coordinator as follows:
Email: rehome@oldies.org.uk
Telephone: 0844 586 8656
Ruby can be rehomed anywhere on the UK mainland – the closer to her foster home the better – subject to a satisfactory home visit. Note that you will be required to travel to the foster home to collect her.
If you would love to offer a home to an oldie but your circumstances aren’t suitable, perhaps you would be kind enough to sponsor one of the special oldies we are caring for that, due to health problems, are unlikely to be offered a permanent home.