2022 -- H 8263

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXTENDING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF STATE POLICE K-9 RUBY

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Serpa, Chippendale, Amore,
Noret, Hull, Bennett, C Lima, and Cortvriend

     Date Introduced: May 18, 2022

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with heartfelt sadness that this House has learned of the passing of

Ruby, a noble and acclaimed State Police K-9, whose search and rescue work saved many lives

and earned her the gratitude and respect of those she helped and the members of the Rhode Island

State Police; and

     WHEREAS, State Police K-9 Ruby had a difficult youth. She was a mix of border collie

and Australian shepherd, with endless energy to burn and the need to work. Unfortunately, these

same qualities that ultimately made her an outstanding search and rescue dog, almost cost her life;

and

     WHEREAS, Ruby was an abandoned dog who had been deemed unadoptable after being

placed with a family but returned five times to the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals. Within hours of being euthanized, she was given a final chance when the

State Police selected her for training in their K-9 Unit; and

     WHEREAS, It has been said that intelligent dogs rarely want to please people whom they

do not respect, so when Ruby teamed up with State Police Corporal Dan O'Neil, his dedication to

her and her loyalty to him resulted in a partnership that saved lives and inspired our country to

honor Ruby with the title "American Humane Hero Dog Search and Rescue Dog of the Year" in

2018; and

     WHEREAS, One of Ruby's best-known rescues occurred in 2017, when Ruby found an

injured teenager in time for rescuers to save his life. As fate would have it, the rescued young

man's mother had been key to Ruby entering K-9 training years earlier and the coincidence, as

well as the happy ending for all, inspired the 2022 Netflix movie, "Rescued by Ruby", a

documentary film, "Searchdog" and numerous news features across the country; and

     WHEREAS, Ruby served with the State Police for eleven years and in addition to her

many search and rescue missions, she frequently appeared in schools and at community events;

and

     WHEREAS, It is often said that "Having a dog will bless you with many of the happiest

days of your life, and one of the worst." Ruby the K-9 Rescue hero passed away after being

diagnosed with a sudden and untreatable illness. She is deeply missed by all; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses deepest sympathy on the passing of State Police K-9 Ruby and extends sincere

gratitude for her years of service; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to State Police Corporal Dan O'Neil.

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