Since it is over 7 months now since my sister Ruby moved in to enjoy the fruits of my labour I figured it was time I gave an update on how she is going. She is like a different dog. She has really settled in and is laughing all the way as she eases into her twilight years. She is oh so happy, increasingly confident and even cheeky sometimes. Mum is overawed by Ruby’s transformation but I’m not surprised. I knew they were meant for each other. Still, it is very heart warming to watch how Ruby has blossomed under the torrent of love and affection of my pack.
Maybe there is such a thing as too much love!
Not all smooth sailing…
The first 7 months hasn’t been without its challenges. About the time Barney came to visit Ruby had to have a mammary tumour removed and then at Christmas she had another op to get her ear fixed at which time she also got her teeth cleaned and two rotten teeth pulled out (yikes). She has also had lots of tummy upsets and it wasn’t until mum got her allergy tested and discovered that she was allergic to almost everything that she has been able to bring it under control.
Not Happy!
But I’m suspicious. I think it’s all a con. Ruby gets cooked chicken and vegies EVERY day while mum and my step dad live on lentils and beans. I’d do bad poops too if I knew mum was gonna fuss over me like that.
All things dog!
Now that Ruby is getting more confident she is starting to guard the house (she even had the phone man shaking in his boots. I was so proud). She is also super vigilant about possums and loves to chase cats, just like me! The only weird thing she does (to me anyways) is she loves to eat possum poop!
Ruby has such a sweet nature so it isn’t surprising that she has made lots of friends at my favourite park where her and mum go most days. And I’m also pleased to see that she has discerning taste – she doesn’t like the same dogs that I didn’t like! The park and the nearby duck pond are her regular haunts. Ruby loves the ducks!
Nice duckies….
There is a sooky side…
I loved the water. I loved the beach and the river and I loved going for walks with mum, rain hail or shine. But Ruby hates water. She wasn’t impressed with the beach….
You’ve got to be kidding! You want me to do what?? A dog could drown in all that water!
…. and she won’t go for a walk in the mornings if it is raining and as for baths…. she carries on like a real baby when it’s time for a bath (it’s a bit embarrassing really).
Why did you make me have a bath??? I could have drowned!
Boyfriends??
I had a boyfriend down the road who left for the bridge about a year before me. He was eleven. Ruby is trying the long distance thing. She has fallen for an overseas guy with a fancy accent. I couldn’t imagine having a boyfriend I couldn’t rough and tumble with but Ruby seems happy enough with it (but then again, I know she still struts her stuff at the park with the younger dogs – I see everything.).
This is the life…..
So happy!
Happy and loved
Like me, Ruby loves sharing the bed with mum and my step dad, she loves her walks (as long as it’s dry) and she loves a little bit of silly play. One of her favourite toys is one of my favourite old toys, this squeaky soft ball…. how happy does she look???
Loving and being loved is the best feeling in the world
Life is too precious not to keep loving…
Mum still misses me too much. I guess that’s to be expected. A love like ours is one of those once in a lifetime loves. But, mum loves Ruby too, just in a different way and I’m OK with that, in fact I’m really happy for both of them. I was mum’s heart dog, her protector, her best friend. This time it is mum’s turn to be the protector of Ruby. Where I was cocky Ruby is less certain of herself and where I was full of tom boy enthusiasm and boisterousness Ruby is all lady-like, gentle and delicate.
Yep, no doubt about it, Ruby has got herself the perfect home to retire in. She can grow old in comfort, cosseted by the most loving mum and dad a doggie could ever ask for. I hope she realises she has me to thank for smoothing the way for her!
Love and kisses
Spirit Magnum
Spirit Magnum….It’s so good to “get to know you” even better!!I’ve seen your heartfelt, supportive and informative posts throughout this site and it’s an honor to finally “meet” you!
You are quite prolific at painting the story of Ruby’s journey and pinpointing every precious aspect of her personality (which clearly you helped shape).
I know your Mom still misses you beyond words and I know also you are letting her know everyday in dozens of ways you are still connected and never more than a sloppy kiss away.
Rubyis doing a great job as your trainee in how to always keep loving.
Thank you for bringing all sorts of “warm fuzzies” to our day.
With gratitude for a beautiful soul with a magical soul, Sally and Happy Hannah
awww Magnum it looks like your sister has the love of a life time. I am glad your mom has given her a chance to blossom and she knows you are watching out for them.
Michelle & Sassy
What a great post to catch us up on Ruby. I’m so glad she’s acclimated into your family so well. She needs you all just as much as you all need her. Great photos and stories. Thanks so much for sharing and letting us know that it is possible to love again.
Sally and Happy Hannah – sorry but I am known to ramble on (I’m old and a spirit so I figure I can get away with it). I’ve been watching your progress from afar and hope that I don’t see Hannah for years (no offence).
Michelle and Sassy, thankyou. There is nothing like hearing from blood relatives.
Thank you Julie and Hunter. Our hearts just keep expanding to fit in more love.
Kisses
Spirit Magnum
Boy Ruby, I can totalllllly relate. When I found my peoples I was kinda a mess too. I mean living with dummyheads the first time around really gave me bad health. When I found my forever people I had all sorts of vet visits. They were worried about me but it’s all good, I’m a strong boy just like you’re a strong girl. But even now I like to give ’em a good scare just to keep them on their toes. Heee! Hee!
And look, here’s the thing. Water is very scary at first, but if you start slow you might find that you like it. I used to hate it too, now I can’t get enough of it. Of course having other dogs around to show off in front of really helps to get you going. Maybe you need to hang out with more dogs around the water so you can see how much fun it can be?
You are a very pretty girl Ruby. I love seeing you smile!
Oh isn’t it lovely once you realize how much Ruby has become a part of your life? My Mom can totally relate to the part about loving Wyatt in a different way than she loved me. This week she realized that Wyatt has been on the road with her and my dad longer than I was! Can you believe it? Well, traveling with Wyatt, it’s not the same, it’s different, but that doesn’t mean the times are any less special. It all adds up to one beautiful life because there’s a dog in it. I’m so glad you opened up your heart to keep loving too!
Ruby looks terrific (other than the sad photo in the cone!). She’s so furtunate to have found your pack. It’s beautiful to know there is one more happy dog in this world.
Karen,
Love all the pics. I am so happy to hear that life with Ruby is good! Magnum will always be missed and is irreplaceable but I’m sure that she is happy that you have learned to love and laugh again. Keep us updated. Best wishes
Maricela and Spirit Bruno