Ruby dog

When I was in hospital for kidney problems I found out that the puppy I was on a wait list for had died during birth. I sobbed and was bereft. My poor special little friend I'd been hanging my heart on didn't make it into this world. I said to Dad there and then in the hospital room that we would use our phones google and his dog contacts to find me a new puppy and not stop till we succeeded. That pup represented my hope and I needed it to go on. That's when we found out about a friend of dads' Runt of the litter, little Ruby who if she survived her runtdom would be the perfect pet - a sweet little Boston terrier girl. I was sold and that day we received the first pictures of a little lady with a spot on her shoulder.

The first photo of my girl, of course she is at the front of the pack, despite being the smallest

The day we picked her up she knew she was mine. She slept in my lap all the way home and I began the arduous training and socialisation process that was very fun but also hard work for a little dog with a small bladder and a very sick girl.

Training and socialising

She had to go to the toilet 4 times a night - at 2am and 6am so I was a wreck. I also was inconsistent in my training so she started to pee inside. I then got a book called perfect puppy guide and it helped me to be consistent in teaching her to sit before feeding and also to reward her when she peed outside with food to reinforce correct behaviour. After following this regime and exposing her to a range of environments I had a well mannered little lady on my hands. She has become my companion on my days of sickness and days at home. When I cry she literally licks my tears. When I have sleepy chemo days she nestles into my legs and makes a blanket cave. She is so attuned to me and just wants me to be happy and well. She is the best decision I ever made and I am so grateful for her company every day. On my days off we adventure to the beach, my pottery studio, the dog park and dog training school where she has so far made it to grade 2. Everything is exciting and new through her little eyes.