Is Ruby's rescue a true story?

Released by Netflix in March 2022, Saved by Ruby shows the true story of the titular search dog, who was hyperactive. The heartwarming story stars Grant Gustin as Daniel O'Neil, the Rhode Island state trooper who was Ruby's handler.

O'Neil accepted the challenge because, despite seven previous rejections, he was interested in becoming a member of the K-9 search and rescue team and preventing Ruby's euthanasia. The couple began the training process, but it didn't go smoothly at first given Ruby's excitable personality. However, O'Neil revealed their similarities when he shared his diagnosis of dyslexia and hyperactivity while encountering people who lacked trust in him.

Updated by Jordan Iacobucci on May 8, 2024: “Rescued by Ruby” is a little-known but extremely heartwarming story about a young state trooper who dreams of joining an elite K-9 unit. By working with a shelter dog named Ruby, the police officer develops a bond he never expected. Many viewers may not realize that the 2022 Netflix original film is actually based on a true story. How realistic is Rescued by Ruby? Also, are there any other great movies to watch after watching this heartwarming true story?

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Ruby defied all odds when she passed the K-9 entrance exam with flying colors. She soon proved to be an important asset and was considered one of the best K-9 units on the team. In 2017, Ruby was sent on a search and rescue mission to find a boy who had been missing in the forest for 36 hours. He was in critical condition, but Ruby was able to locate him just in time and led the other police units to him just by barking.

In a real interview with NBC10, O'Neil explained, “She saved a life because she was given life. It was a thank you to the SPCA of Rhode Island and the State Police for not giving up on her.” The following year, Ruby was named Search and Rescue Dog of the Year by the American Humane Hero Dog Organization. Although Ruby sadly passed away in 2022, she and O'Neil shared 11 eventful years together as partners, which even included the conviction of two murderers and her 19-hour disappearance in 2019.

Netflix's Rested By Ruby is a heartfelt biographical film

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Ultimately Netflix Saved by Ruby conveyed a beautiful message and encouraged viewers to choose “Adopt, don’t shop” Guidelines when choosing a furry companion. In addition to the heartwarming aspect of the true story, the appearances of Gustin and Group of five'S I also enjoyed Scott Wolf.

Gustin's portrayal touched O'Neil himself, considering how highly his children thought of the actor. “The fact that he has my ID number and takes my name is great,” O'Neil revealed in the same interview. Saved by Ruby proved that anyone can achieve success if they just put their mind to it.

More movies to watch if you liked Rescued By Ruby

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After experiencing the Heartwarming story of friendship between humans and dogs In Saved by Ruby, viewers have many other similar options for their next movie night. A new addition to the popular dog movie genre is Arthur the King, a 2024 adventure film starring Mark Wahlberg, Nathalie Emmanuel and Simu Liu. The film tells the story of Michael Light (Wahlberg), an adventure team captain who unexpectedly encounters a wounded dog on his final trip to the Dominican Republic. Light befriends the stubborn dog, names him Arthur and takes him on the adventure of his life. The heartbreaking film is based on a true story, documented in Mikael Lindnord's memoirs. Arthur – The dog who crossed the jungle to find a home. Shortly after completing its theatrical release Arthur the King is now available for digital purchase and download.

Led by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, Marley and me is one of the most famous dog films of the 21st century. Based on the book of the same name by John Grogan, the 2008 film follows newlyweds John (Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Aniston) who adopt a Labrador retriever puppy named Marley. The Grogans quickly realize that they have bitten off more than they can bear with Marley, who is becoming an uncontrollable threat in their household. Over time, however, John and Jenny fall in love with the golden Labrador, who becomes an irreplaceable part of their lives. The film spawned a prequel, Marley & Me: The Puppy Yearsand is currently available to rent or purchase on multiple streaming platforms.

While films based on true stories are often a great way to explore other people's lives and experiences, works of fiction can often be just as powerful. The purpose of a dog is a 2017 family film that follows Bailey, a puppy who experiences several different lives as he is reincarnated over a period of over sixty years. The audience sees the world through Bailey's eyes, with helpful narration from the dog's inner monologue (voiced by Josh Gad).

Over the course of his many lives, Bailey experiences the best and worst of humanity, eventually reuniting with one of his former owners (Dennis Quaid) just when he needs him most. Imaginative and deeply emotional, the film explores deep themes that will warm the hearts of even the most cautious viewer. Based on the successful book of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron, The purpose of a dog was a huge success and spawned a sequel in 2019. Both films are available to rent or purchase on multiple streaming platforms.

Often quoted and sometimes parodied, Homeward is undoubtedly one of the most famous dog films of the 20th century. Published in 1993 as On the way home: The incredible journeyThe film is based on the 1961 novel by Sheila Burnford. Starring Michael J. Fox, Sally Field and Don Ameche as a trio of pets who believe their owners accidentally left them behind after moving. Fearful of never seeing their humans again, the two dogs and a cat embark on an incredible adventure to reconnect with their owners. Together they form a bond that didn't exist before and learn to understand each other on a deeper level. The cult film received a sequel in 1996 entitled Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco. Both films are currently available to stream on Disney+.

Saved by Ruby is an amazing Netflix original that catalogs the incredible true story of a man and his dog who, against all odds, achieve their greatest dream. This and many other iconic films form a heartwarming genre depicting the beloved friendships between people and their dogs.

“Rescued by Ruby” is available to stream on Netflix.

Saved by Ruby

In pursuit of his dream of joining an elite K-9 unit, a state trooper teams up with an outsider: smart but naughty shelter pup Ruby.