Growing with Ruby

[Rick C]

It's been a few months now since Ruby joined us and her outsized paws seem to be receding as she fills out into mature adulthood.

She arrived with no muscle mass, having lived in a crate in a garage with little exercise for about six months, had an untreated ear infection, had hair that was matted, wiry and falling out from improper nutrition, etc, etc.

Her hair now has filled out into a winter coat, is puppy-down soft and she loves to run, run, run . . . . .

Here she was earlier today, up at about 7,000 feet, on a walk in the Rockies. Believe it or not, when we first got her, we were doubting if she was a pure bred Golden given her dysfunctional appearance. No more obviously. . . .



and, below, the snow was deep off the rocks and hard walking up here. The snowcap in the Rockies is about one-third higher than normal with very little melt so far, meaning there could be flooding coming up on the prairies in the next month or so.



Below, Ruby at home last weekend . . . . . . everything is new for Ruby, in spite of her roughly 1.4 years of life. She initially barked at deer and would run half way to the fence at them, but no farther. Now she just looks at them and won't go near them even if they're in the yard. She'll chase if they start first. Abby & Keeper, of course, would careen into a herd of deer in their yard like two bowling balls, scattering them everywhere.



Below, taking a gnaw out of "Kitty," our gnome that has been following us around for more than 20 years. Ruby would be the third generation to take a chomp on Kitty's left ear - never the right ear. Kitty is now free of snow.



Below, Ruby a few weeks ago after a big snowfall, following a meandering snowshoe trail on a closed highway. Several highways like this can be closed December to June to allow wildlife freedom of the backcountry, leaving them as great avenues for walking or cross-country skiing.



Ruby settles in with her new family . . . . Skyler and Carol.



Rick C
www.goldentales.ca

[Love4himies]

Awwwwww, Ruby looks like she is doing just fine and settling in so well. . I bet she feels like she has struck gold living with you and Carol

[Dee-O-Gee]

Wow! What a difference a few months make.

Ruby has filled out beautifully and sure looks like she's having the time of her life. Love the picture of her and the deer!

[CarolynInPEI]

Lovely photos, as always! Ruby is gorgeous!!

[hazelrunpack]

She's just beautiful, Rick! I can't believe the snow you still have. We're deep into mud season--Ruby might enjoy that....send her on over.

Oh, but poor Kitty! Ear abuse is an ugly thing!

[Tundra_Queen]

Rick Ruby has filled out and looks so pretty! I can't believe how close that deer is to your house! U could just open the door and invite it in! LOL

Maybe if u got Ruby a playmate that would give her courage to chase the deer. *S*

[chico2]

Rick,Ruby looks just beautiful,the luckiest pup in the world
Love the deer-pic,just gorgeous..
I have a gnome-kitty just like yours,he is missing his nose and an ear
Nice you visit us ever now and then

[Sylvie]

Ruby looks awesome

I bet she thinks she has died and gone to heaven. What a wonderful life for a dog living with you and Carol. Do you take in humans?