Let me tell you about Ruby—a golden retriever who went from being surrendered to a shelter to becoming a beacon of hope for those in need.
In the summer of 2024, Ruby’s owner brought her to SPCA Roussillon in Québec, Canada. Despite the upheaval, Ruby’s gentle and empathetic nature shone brightly, catching the attention of the shelter staff. Recognizing her potential, they reached out to the Asista Foundation, a nonprofit that rescues and trains shelter dogs to become service animals for individuals with mental health challenges.
Enter NHL captain Nick Suzuki and his fiancée, Caitlin Fitzgerald, long-time supporters of Asista. They agreed to foster Ruby, providing her with a structured environment to begin her transformation. The bond was immediate and profound; the couple decided not only to adopt Ruby but also to support her journey to becoming a service dog.
Ruby is now in training for Asista’s new mobile Facility Service Dog Program. In this role, she’ll accompany professionals like Fitzgerald, a social worker, to various locations, offering comfort and assistance to individuals in crisis. Ruby is learning to perform 10-15 specific tasks, tailored to support multidisciplinary teams and individuals with diverse needs.
From a surrendered pet to a soon-to-be certified service dog, Ruby’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the incredible potential within every shelter animal. Her story reminds us that sometimes, the best companions are the ones we least expect.
