Rescued by Ruby 2022

In the midst of chaos, Ruby, a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm, has been passed from pillar to post at the local shelter, accumulating an impressive seven adoptions and rejections in just six months. Her inability to be trained or controlled has resulted in her being returned to the shelter time and again, leaving many to wonder if she’ll ever find a forever home.

Meanwhile, Rhode Island state trooper Daniel O’Neil (Daniel) has been chasing his dream of joining the K-9 search and rescue team for years. With only one last chance to qualify before he turns 30, Dan is determined to make it happen. However, his hopes are dashed when he discovers that the unit lacks the funds to import any more German Shepherds, the breed typically used in search and rescue teams.

As Dan’s frustration mounts, he learns that his wife Melissa is pregnant with their second child, adding an extra layer of urgency to his quest for a promotion. Desperate to provide a better life for his growing family, Dan becomes fixated on joining the K-9 program, not just for personal fulfillment but also to improve his pay and benefits.

Pat, an advocate at the shelter, is desperate to spare Ruby’s life, begging her colleague Rick to give the feisty half-border collie one last chance. When he reveals that they plan to put her down in the evening, Dan springs into action, visiting the shelter and convincing Pat to let him take Ruby home with the hope of training her for the K-9 program.

As Dan and Ruby embark on their journey together, it becomes clear that they share a kindred spirit - both are high-energy, enthusiastic, and determined to succeed. However, their paths won’t be easy, as they face failure after failure in their attempts to train and work together effectively.

Sergeant Zarella sets the bar high for potential K-9 teams, requiring not just physical aptitude but also a strong temperament, focus, calmness, and compassion from both dog and handler. Ruby’s initial progress is promising, but her impulsiveness ultimately leads to chaos when she disturbs a bee’s nest during training.

Melissa intervenes, reminding Dan that he overcame dyslexia and hyperactivity to complete the police academy, leaving him to wonder if he should take a more unconventional approach with Ruby - perhaps homeschooling her to help her develop the skills and focus needed to succeed. As Dan ponders his next move, one thing is certain: he and Ruby are in this together, and their journey will be filled with twists, turns, and plenty of excitement.

As the six-week mark approaches, Ruby demonstrates her exceptional skills by acing the examination, paving the way for her team’s long-awaited activation. Months later, they’re summoned to a crime scene, where their keen senses are put to the ultimate test. Despite Dan’s thorough investigation, he fails to detect any signs of human remains, leaving him feeling disheartened and disregarding Ruby’s subtle cues. Feeling frustrated and ignored, Ruby takes matters into her own paws, disappearing into the night. It isn’t until Zarella reveals that the victim was indeed buried beneath concrete at the exact location Ruby had indicated that Dan realizes his mistake in underestimating his K-9 partner’s remarkable abilities.

Dan frantically searches for Ruby, driven by a mix of guilt and concern. Eventually, he tracks her down, reuniting with his trusty companion. With their bond stronger than ever, they’re deployed to locate Michael, a young hiker who’s gone missing in the midst of torrential rain and darkness. After hours of searching, Dan and Ruby finally find the boy, safe but shaken. As it turns out, Michael is none other than Pat’s son, leaving the grateful father deeply indebted to Dan and his loyal K-9 partner. This triumphant rescue mission not only saves a life but also catapults Dan to the esteemed position of full-time K-9 officer, cementing Ruby’s status as an invaluable asset in the field.