Ruby, a Rhode Island dog made famous by the 2022 Netflix movie, “Rescued by Ruby,” was euthanized on Friday following an untreatable illness.

The American Humane Hero Dog organization named her “Search and Rescue Dog of the Year,” for her assistance rescuing a teenage boy who had been injured while hiking through the woods. The story was featured in popular the Netflix film.

Ruby was a shelter dog at the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She had been returned to the shelter numerous times and was about to be euthanized when she was removed by the Rhode Island police 11 years ago and trained as a rescue dog. 

Part Australian shepherd and part border collie, Ruby lived with Corporal Daniel O’Neil of the Rhode Island State Police, who was her handler, and his family. She accompanied the police on many rescue missions throughout the years, and was one of the first shelter dogs to work with the Rhode Island State Police.

Col. Darnell Weaver, superintendent of the state police, thanked Ruby, a K-9 dog, for her service:  “K-9 Ruby dedicated her life to serve the citizens of Rhode Island and make a positive impact on every person she ever interacted with,” he said. “She became a symbol of hope for all shelter dogs, showing the world what a shelter dog can do when just given love and the chance to shine.”

O’Neil described her as, “A very alpha female and she loves to run the roost.”