Cleveland, OH
We met Barbara Angus about 10 months ago when she filled out our Mutt-Match form and indicated she wanted to adopt a Doberman. Barb and Becca, our Founder and Director, had an immediate connection given their love of the Doberman breed. After months communicating over email, and then both women waiting for just the right dog, Red Ruby arrived at our doorstep this past June. Barb shares her home with her extra large Great Dane Ian, a cat, and a few dog house guests from time to time. She also has grandchildren who frequently visit her home so it was very important the dog we matched her with get along great with everyone. Upon meeting Ruby, Becca knew this would be the dog. However, there was one big issue…..Ruby was blind.
Ruby was well cared for by her former owner, and she was forced to give her up due to the high medical bills associated with finding out she was blind. We took Ruby to Gateway Animal Clinic and found out she was diabetic and immediately began insulin treatment. Her cataracts were a result of having diabetes – a diabetic blindness. We were referred to a eye care specialist in Akron and received the great news a few weeks ago that her cataracts were not that old, and she qualified for a full vision restoration surgery. We have elected to raise the funds necessary to give Ruby back her vision in the hopes that she can see the wonderful family who have taken her in and love her so much.
There have been some bumps along the road, and some bumps into walls in Ruby’s case. She was never spayed so she’s gone into heat, but we plan to have her spayed by the end of the year. She had a strange growth on her foot this month that bubbled up to the size of a golf ball but with antibiotics her foot is on the mend. Her blood sugar levels continue to improve and insulin amounts have increased each month to get her levels to a more stable number. She was most recently tested at 274, and 200 is our end goal.
This week we received a very nice note from Barb, some pictures of Ruby with her grand daughter, and a generous donation. We were so happy to hear that regardless of Ruby’s condition, or the end result of her upcoming eye surgery, she has a forever home with Barb.
Ruby will be getting her eye surgery at the Eye Care Center for Animals next Tuesday morning. Barb and Becca will be waiting patiently during the procedure and then Barb will take Ruby home for a long recovery process. Leading up to surgery Ruby has had to have eye drops in both eyes 2 times per day, and now starting this weekend she will get them 3 times per day. Barb said she is so patient with not only her twice daily insulin pokes, but her drops too.
We need to raise $4,000 to cover the medical expenses for Ruby’s care. Her initial vetting, her spay surgery, her insulin, eye drops and the cataract surgery exceed our fundraising goal.
To help offset the cost of Ruby’s surgery have two fundraisers for her. We are selling $10 raffle tickets for a wonderful basket put together by our volunteer Jeanne. The raffle basket has a $1800 Levin Furniture Gift Certificate and loads and loads of items for you and your dog. We will be featuring the basket on our website and Facebook next week, and then it will be at The Mutt Hutt. Tickets are available by phone (216-664-9660) or by stopping in at 2603 Scranton Road during normal business hours. Special thanks to the anonymous donor who gave us the Levin Furniture gift certificate in Ruby’s honor.
We are also very busy planning a Clam Bake in Ruby’s honor. This event will be held on Saturday, October 5th and information and details will be posted on our website soon. Ruby will be making an appearance at the Clambake to show off her eyes and say thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with her and Barb.
The winning ticket for he Red Ruby Raffle Basket will be pulled at the Clam Bake. The winner does not need to be present.
Thank you all so much for your generous support! We are very proud of our Mutt-Match program and with patience, and your help we are committed to finding are supporters and friends a forever companion. We are so very glad the Barb has chosen to adopt Ruby. They both seem very content with one another.
To make a donation for Ruby, click here:
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/repair-and-restore-red-ruby-s-eyesight/75646
