Tough pup still facing challenges

Ruby Ricketts' early life was a mess. Someone duct-taped her mouth shut, snipped her ears off with pruning shears, and when her cries became too much, stuffed her in a box and tossed her in a closet.

Nearly two years ago Washoe County animal control officers rescued Ruby from that miserable life where she was likely destined for a dog-fighting ring.

When the mangled young pit bull arrived at the Nevada Humane Society, then-employee Aubrie Ricketts of Carson City, took one look at the cute, but pitiful puppy and volunteered to nurse her back to health in her home. The plan, said Ricketts, was that someday Ruby would be adopted out.

Except there was something about the indestructible orange dog that spoke to Aubrie.

"I tried for a while to find her a home," said Ricketts, now working for Lone Mountain Veterinary Hospital on College Parkway, "but really, I actually fell in love with her."

Once the ears healed, and Ruby's early introduction to mankind began to fade, other issues began to surface.

First, Ricketts had to have Ruby's "elbows" operated on for dysplasia. The surgery was funded by the Carson Tahoe SPCA. Then, Ricketts got a loan so Ruby could have surgery to repair torn ligaments on the left hind leg.

Now, Ruby has the same issue in her right leg.

She waddles a bit when she walks and when she sits her leg splays out comically. But it's not funny, said Ricketts.

"It hurts her," she said.

A collection jar sits on the counter at Lone Mountain Veterinary to help pay for the previous surgery and the upcoming one. On Thursday there was a pile of change with a couple of bills on top. It's a long way to go for the $3,000 needed, but Ricketts has faith it will come.

"She's the kind of dog that everyone sees and pets and loves," said Ricketts. "She kind of just melts your heart."

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