Police K9 behind the Netflix film ‘Rescued by Ruby’ passes away

The inspiration behind the Netflix film Rescued by Ruby has sadly passed away.

The film follows the story of a state trooper who teams up with a clever but mischievous shelter dog. The movie was filmed in Victoria—and one of the shooting locations was the CRD animal shelter.

Ruby and her handler, Corporal Daniel O’Neil, worked for the Rhode Island State Police.

On May 13, 2022, Ruby had to be put down due to a sudden acute and untreatable illness. She was 11 and half-years-old.

“Today the Rhode Island State Police family is mourning the death of K-9 Ruby,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.

“Her partnership with Corporal O’Neil was a special one and their search and rescue work in our K-9 Unit was a great service to the Rhode Islanders who have needed their help. Her award-winning rescue inspired us and we are grateful for her years of service.”

Ruby served with the Rhode Island State Police for 11 years. She was a mixed-breed dog who was adopted from the Rhode Island SPCA, and was one of the first shelter dogs trained to serve with the department.

In late 2017, Ruby successfully located a lost and distressed teenager who was the son of a shelter volunteer who had cared for her as a puppy.

As a result of this rescue, Ruby was named American Humane Hero Dog Search and Rescue Dog of the Year in 2018.

“K-9 Ruby dedicated her life to serve the citizens of Rhode Island and make a positive impact on every person she ever interacted with. She became a symbol of hope for all shelter dogs, showing the world what a shelter dog can do when just given love and the chance to shine. She had a full, happy, and wonderful life, not only as a trooper, but as part of a loving family. She worked right until the end and never gave up doing what she loved most – making people smile.”

The police department said that Ruby lived with O’Neil and his family, and that they will honour and mourn her privately.