Ruby

My story

Ruby German Shepherd Dog (medium coat) Large Female   Ruby is a 78 pound, 4 year old, female, spayed German Shepherd who is up to date on her vetting.  She was originally purchased from a breeder.  Unfortunately, she is not a good fit for her family and they are hoping to find her a new home to adore her and better meet her needs.  Ruby is currently living with a family member who has Alzheimer's and the unpredictability of their interactions causes her additional anxiety.   She is an energetic, working breed who would thrive in a home with someone who could meet both her physical and mental exercise needs.  She is intelligent and has excelled with training in the past.  A home that can offer her clear direction, consistency and focus on reinforcing desirable behaviours would suit her best.   Ruby has a big, scary bark but is very excited to greet visitors and welcome them into the home.  She is friendly with people young and old but would need to be supervised around smaller children due to her size and excitability.  We do not know how she would do with cats in the home.  She has played with other dogs and attended doggy daycare.  She isn't always good at reading other dogs' communications and sometimes annoys them with her persistent licking and pawing at them.  A family member has a Boxer mix she has played with, however, their play tends to escalate, get out of control, and tip over into fights.  Play sessions need to be closely supervised and the dogs need to be redirected and separated when the intensity starts to build prior to the play getting out of control.  Ruby can also react to other dogs she sees on leash walks.  She will jump around and a handler who is comfortable managing this behaviour would be a best fit for her.   She is a very sensitive soul and has had issues with colitis and pica in the past.  She takes daily medication which has helped significantly manage both.  Ruby is also quite anxious and suffers from sound phobias.  She takes anti-anxiety medication to help with both and her new home would need to be willing to continue her medications and work with their veterinarian to help her live her best life.     If you are a lover of large, loyal dogs who bond closely with their people and are looking for a sidekick to take along on all your adventures, Ruby just might be the dog for you!  Please complete our Adoption Application on our website to find out more about Ruby. June 13, 2026, 12:59 pm

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Ruby, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.