Netflix’s Rescued By Ruby Inspired By True Dog Story

Netflix's true life story of Ruby the dog

Netflix recently released a truly heart-warming movie, based on the true story of a K-9 unit named Ruby. In fact, Rescued by Ruby is the perfect happy canine movie for dog lovers, bringing laughter and the occasional tear.

The true story behind Rescued by Ruby on Netflix

The new Netflix movie, Rescued by Ruby was inspired by the true story of a K-9 search dog named Ruby. Playing second lead to Ruby is Grant Gustin, as the true-life Rhode Island state trooper and dog owner, Daniel O’Neil. Meanwhile, Gustin is known for his role as Barry Allen/The Flash in the Arrowverse TV franchise but now plays a different role.

Netflix's true life story of Ruby the dog

Rescued by Ruby opens with the adoption of eight-month-old Ruby after five failed adoption attempts. Her adoption previously failed due to her hyperactivity, mainly due to her breed as part border collie and Australian shepherd. What makes the story more ironic is the fact that Bear, who plays Ruby in the movie, had a similar background.

It was love at first sight for Ruby and O’Neill, who took on the challenge, while interested in becoming a member of the K-9 search and rescue team. He had failed to get into the team in the past, but now hopes to do so, while preventing Ruby’s euthanization.

Daniel and Ruby begin their training process, but it doesn’t go smoothly at first due to the dog’s excitable personality. However, another heart-warming touch is that O’Neill revealed their commonalities while sharing his dyslexia and hyperactivity diagnosis. In the past, the diagnoses had caused people not to believe in Daniel.

Ruby passes the K-9 entry exam

With all her hyperactivity, Ruby defied all odds when she passed the K-9 entry exam with flying colors and a wagging tail. The dog turned out to be a vital asset and led to becoming one of the best K9 units on the team.

Netflix's true life story of Ruby the dog

[Image Netflix/YouTube

Ruby and Daniel really showed their mettle in 2017, when they were sent on a search and rescue mission. Their mission was to locate a teenage boy who had been missing in the woods for 36 hours. It was later revealed that the boy was the son of Pat, a shelter volunteer. While he was in a critical condition, Ruby managed to track him down just in time. The K-9 led the other police units to the young boy by her bark.

In an interview with NBC10, the real-life Daniel O’Neill explained that Ruby had “saved a life because she was given life.” Meanwhile, the following year, the K-9 was voted “Search and Rescue Dog of the Year by the American Humane Hero Dog organization.

Fast-forward to now and O’Neill and Ruby have been partners for 11 eventful years, including the conviction of two murderers.

Rescued by Ruby is a true tear-jerker

The movie Rescued by Ruby is the perfect example of how a dog-related film can bring viewers to tears, without the dog having to die at the end. Meanwhile, the movie also encourages viewers to choose the “adopt don’t shop” policy when selecting their next dog.

Rescued by Ruby is streaming on Netflix right now. Readers can watch the trailer for the movie here.

Anne Sewell

Freelance, TV and travel writer and mom to two rescue dogs who has spent most of her life in southern Africa and is now living on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.

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6 Responses

  1. April 7, 2022

    […] person commented, saying, “What a beautiful story,” while another wrote, “The kindest and purest thing.” Yet another dog lover commented to […]

  2. April 7, 2022

    […] Unfortunately, unlike Ruby in the Netflix show, Rescued By Ruby, this story didn’t have a happy ending. If you have not watched it, the story was based on a true-life event. Rhode Island state trooper and dog owner, Daniel O’Neil helped the dog who was slotted for euthanasia. Eventually, he managed to gain the trust of the excitable animal and Ruby defied all odds when she passed the K-9 entry exam with flying colors. […]

  3. April 29, 2022

    […] Rescued by Ruby was inspired by the true story of a K-9 search dog named Ruby. Playing second lead to Ruby is Grant Gustin, as the true-life Rhode Island state trooper and dog owner, Daniel O’Neil. The movie opens with the adoption of eight-month-old Ruby after five failed adoption attempts. Her adoption previously failed due to her hyperactivity, mainly due to her breed as part border collie and Australian shepherd. However, as time goes by, Ruby proves to be a vital asset and became one of the best K9 units on the team. […]

  4. May 2, 2022

    […] Dog videos and photos seem to do a lot for folks troubled by various issues in life. Across social media, people comment how tales about bravery and kindness amongst animals make them feel happy. Often, people turn to animals, whether real or in videos for a touch of happiness. That probably explains why the Netflix movie, Rescued by Ruby recently got such a good reception. […]

  5. May 17, 2022

    […] dog lovers enjoyed the Netflix movie Rescued by Ruby, especially because it was based on a true story. Corporal Dan O’Neil of the Rhode Island police had rescued Ruby and […]

  6. December 29, 2022

    […] those who love Christmas and dogs, Netflix has the perfect selection of heartwarming, tear-jerking and enjoyable content. Whether looking to […]

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