Volunteer profile: Jenny and Ruby

In 2016, while living in Spain, life changed for me. My husband moved to Thailand as he suffered from SAD and needed a hotter climate, and at the same time, the vets told me my 13-year-old crossbreed dog had only a month to live. I decided to search for a Spanish Water Dog, asking in the local bar if anyone knew of any litters. The bar lady said she had one and brought it in the next day.

This was not the breed I had been looking for, so I declined the puppy. But for two nights, I woke up seeing the cheeky face and coal-black eyes looking at me, so I returned to see if the puppy was still available. At that point, I think Ruby had chosen me. I did my research on the breeds – Black Russian Terrier x Spanish Terrier – and saw both parents. I was told that only two puppies had been born, which surprised me for a medium/large breed. Later, I found out the bitch had killed the rest of the litter, and Ruby was being hand-reared in a cardboard box, riddled with fleas.
At four weeks old, Ruby came to live with Dopey and me. From the start, I could see she was a very special dog. Ruby bonded with Dopey, who in fact lived until he was 18 years and 10 months, and instilled a sense of calm for an older dog frightened of thunder and fireworks.

In 2016, we moved back to the UK to care for my parents and their failing health. I managed to get a job as a carer in the community and was often asked why I could not bring my dog to work and visit the people I was looking after, as it would have given them friendship and happiness during the day.

In 2018, my father died from Parkinson’s, and a year later, my faithful Dopey passed away. Ruby was by my side and knew when to be there for me. Ruby and I joined an agility club to meet new people, and she is always popular wherever she goes. During the pandemic, I was working longer hours and a neighbour offered to walk Ruby, saying it would help her own physical and mental wellbeing, so Ruby was reaching out again.

Ruby was very compassionate with my mother, who had Alzheimer’s, and incredibly intuitive in knowing when we both needed a cuddle due to the stress. My mother used to tell Ruby things she couldn’t say to me. In the last 10 months of my mother’s life, she lived in a care home, where Ruby was always welcome. Ruby would sit quietly whenever a dementia patient was near and wait to be cuddled. She made a real impact in the unit.

It was at this time that I decided to apply to be a Wag volunteer. I was so excited to become part of the Wag family, as I knew what a difference it could make to older people.
Our first placement, two years ago, was Mrs W, who is blind and, due to health reasons, can no longer have a guide dog. On our very first visit, Ruby knew exactly what to do – she touched Mrs W gently so she knew she was there. Mrs W gets down on the floor for games and cuddles, and Ruby is completely spoilt with her own bed, toys and plenty of treats. Ruby and I were also there for Mrs W when her husband died earlier this year in a care home. We’ve become good friends and look forward to our weekly visits full of coffee, cakes, chats, and treats.

We then took over visiting a gentleman whose previous Wag team could no longer continue. This gentleman had dementia and could no longer speak, but when we visited, his face lit up, and the biggest smile would appear. Ruby would rest her head on his lap and look lovingly into his eyes. I always knew then that Ruby had done her job. He treasured a photo of Ruby that I gave to him. Wag kindly arranged for Ruby and me to visit him in hospital, which, unfortunately, was the last time we saw him.

We also visit a medical facility in North Shields, which is a 20-bed unit for patients recovering from surgery before being discharged home. Ruby loves these visits and goes into treat mode. Her timing is spot on and lets me know when we need to change rooms so that everyone is seen in the hour and a half we are there. The staff adore Ruby and keep her own biscuit jar in the staff kitchen.

From one of these visits, Wag contacted me about a request for a home visit from Mr H, who had been especially impacted by Ruby. Since I had just retired, I was able to take on a third placement. Mr H is so grateful for Ruby’s visits, and she sits at his feet and does tricks for treats.

I feel very privileged to be part of these people’s lives. I get so much from visiting, hearing their stories, and learning about their past dogs. What is a few hours a week when it can bring comfort to someone in need?

Ruby and I have also taken part in Press Paws with Wag sessions for companies that support Wag as Corporate Friends, as well as one-off hospital visits, and other events to raise awareness of the good work Wag & Company volunteers with two and four legs do in the community. It’s wonderful to be part of Walk for Wag and meet all the lovely Wag Teams.

Ruby is well known in North Shields and often takes me to someone who needs a cuddle. It’s lovely to hear them say, “That’s just what I needed.” How does Ruby know?

Ruby is my world, and hopefully she feels the same. We share so many adventures and challenges together. Ruby is one in a million, and I’m glad she chose me.