Rescue Officer Krista had been called to a home in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. Lying motionless on a cold tiled porch, Ruby (previously known as Rosie) was knocking on heaven's door.
The American Staffy was suffering from a large mass of inflamed tissue protruding from her vulva, known as prolapse.
When she finally mustered the energy to stand, she limped from a leg injury - her swollen eyes expressed a desperate plea for help.
For more on Ruby's backstory read the heart-wrenching tale of how she came into our care here.
A better place to rest
Fast-forwarding three months into the future and Ruby's life is unrecognisable. Instead of sleeping rough on the streets, Ruby now enjoys a soft warm bed, lovingly made by her new adopted mum Jenine.
Jenine laughed, "Ruby sleeps with me on the bed on her special blanket which she blends in with (they share the same colour and spots). Some mornings I wake up and I am hanging off the edge of the bed and she is taking up all the room," she said.
Ruby's new life is a stark contrast to where she started - unregistered, not desexed and without a name.
Jenine was compelled to make a difference
It was during Easter that Jenine first heard of Ruby. "She was on the news. She was in a bad way and was in desperate need of help," she said.
"After that, I couldn't stop thinking about her. I thought how lucky she was to get a second chance - I then thought we can be the family to give her a second chance."
Jenine made the call and was on her way to meet the newest member of the family.
Ruby meets her inseparable new sibling
During their first meet and greet, Jenine felt mixed emotions. She was elated to finally meet Ruby but was also saddened to see how timid and scared she appeared.
"She had sore eyes and I could tell she wasn't feeling very good about herself. I had brought her a treat and a toy, when I held them out for her she was too scared to take them from me. She was interested in me but was too scared for me to touch her."
Accompanying Jenine was her one and a half-year-old Staffy Pinky, the two dogs meeting created a glimmer of hope.
"As soon as they met Ruby brightened up and looked happy. It was important that they'd get along if she was to become part of our family."
A journey to her new home
7 days later and Ruby was on her way to start her new life. She sat on the back seat of the car with her nose firmly pressed up against Jenine's neck the whole way.
"She surprisingly likes being in the car. I renamed Rosie to Ruby on our way home as she is my precious jewel," she said.
After arriving at her new forever home Ruby would now face another test in meeting Jenine's two sons Ben (21) and Sam (18).
"She has been with us for a month now and is settling in really well. It's taken some time but she is slowly trusting the boys but I am her favourite human."
Ruby slowly started to build her confidence
From a timid dog who was completely shut down to one now bounding with life and enthusiasm, it's almost incomprehensible to think this was the same dog who was dropped off at Lonsdale three months ago.
With her wounds healed, Ruby's personality now has room to blossom, Jenine has had the privilege of getting to know gentle natured and loving temperament.
"We love her to bits and she is a different girl to the one I met a month ago. She is starting to feel good about herself physically and mentally."
"She wakes up in the morning and gives me cuddles, whole body wags and licks wherever she can reach," she said.
Ruby a Pinky are two big couch potatoes
Ruby's new sister Pinky has been astronomical in helping her build up confidence. Jenine says she is ecstatic to see the duo establish such a special bond.
"She loves the walks with Pinky, having long sleeps on the couch (she snores like a monster and would sleep all day if she could). She and Pinky are the terrific twins"
"Ruby has a very healthy appetite munching through mountains of food every day, likes running through the house like a small horse making growling noises with Pinky chasing her, snoozing with Pinky on their day bed by the window in the sun and she is getting braver every day with new people she meets."
All the hours spent patiently caring, treating and building a dog like Ruby back to full health is a tedious yet rewarding journey. We would like to thank all those who generously donated towards her medical bills, rehabilitation and adoption.
Unfortunately, Ruby's story won't be the last, as there are always animals in need coming into our care who require all the help they can get to receive a fair go at life.
As for Ruby, Jenine says she can't wait to update you all on her journey in a few months time.
