HOMETOWN HEROES

by Ann Marie Kennon

RUBY’S JOURNEY OF COMPASSION & CONNECTION

Barb Horak has always been an animal advocate. "I don’t believe in buying dogs. I prefer one that needs a good home," she says. Living in Spears Ranch, when her beloved hounds Bubba and Ernie passed away, she knew she didn’t want to be without a dog so she began her search for a new companion. She joined a Facebook group for Austin corgi lovers and posted about her desire to adopt one in need.

"Perfection and papers were not required," Barb recalls. She received several responses, eventually feeling a strong pull to help a previously abused corgi desperately needing a new home.

After making arrangements with the foster, Barb drove to meet Ruby. "She ran to me like she’d known me her whole life," Barb remembers. Though Ruby seemed a bit sad during the car ride home, she remained glued to Barb, instantly at ease with an obvious dog lover.

Initially, Barb’s priority was healing Ruby and helping her overcome her issues. "I couldn’t touch her feet at first," Barb explains. Brandie, a friend and dog trainer, helped by trimming Ruby’s nails. "Brandie said Ruby was so sweet she should be a therapy dog," Barb says. She looked into therapy training and discovered The Go Team, which required only a long weekend for certification.

Barb connected with the Central Texas Go Team coordinator, who encouraged her to pursue the training. Ruby needed to pass the K9 Good Citizen test, learning commands like sit, stay, down, come, and walk on a leash. "She was good at most of it except stay because she always wanted to be with me," Barb recalls. After successfully completing the test in Belton, Ruby and Barb applied for certification. By November, they had finished their training and Ruby had earned two more American Kennel Club certifications.

Training And Certification

Ruby excelled in her training, easily navigating challenges like bus station tests, fire stations, and airport security. "It was a lot of work, but Ruby was ready to do it again at the end of day one," Barb recalls.

Now, Ruby and Barb work wherever they are invited. Frequent visits to the USO at Ft. Cavazos and also to veteran hospitals, schools, and colleges bring immense joy to those she meets. Ruby is also a popular figure at the Jarrell library, where she is considered a mascot.

The Central Texas Go Team coordinates events through a regional office and a Facebook page for their 66 local members. Ruby’s high esteem extends to various events, including the junior fire academy at ESD #5, where she recently made an appearance with other Go Team therapy dogs.

A Personal Ministry

Barb views her work with Ruby as a personal ministry. "There are costs involved for training and transportation, but you really just have to have it in your heart to do something good for someone else," she advises. Maintaining Ruby’s medical records and adhering to strict rules is part of the commitment, but the rewards are immense.

Ruby’s role as a therapy dog includes helping people understand the difference between therapy dogs and service or comfort animals. "She’s too cute to have to do tricks," Barb laughs, explaining that Ruby’s job is simply to provide comfort and companionship.

She brings joy to everyone she meets, from those in failing health to children at the library, who get a special boost when Ruby wears a costume. For her part, Barb plans to continue their therapy visits as long as she can. "Ruby loves it, and I’m sure she’ll still want to do it even if I no longer have the energy someday," she says.

Go Team Therapy Dogs is a nationwide organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals through animal-assisted therapy. Specially trained and certified, their therapy dogs visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other community settings, providing comfort, companionship, and emotional support. The team's mission is to promote healing and improve quality of life by harnessing the unique, calming presence of dogs. Their services help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness, fostering positive social interactions. With a focus on safety, professionalism, and compassion, Go Team Therapy Dogs make a significant impact on the lives of those they serve.

Visit here for more info about The Go Team or to request a copy of Ruby’s trading card.