Scared Pittie Spent Her Whole Life In The Woods Until Months Of Care Earned Her Trust
Many dogs endure lives of hardship without love or comfort.
Ruby, a PitBull who lived her entire life in the woods, knew only survival and fear—until someone dedicated months to gaining her trust.
A Heartbreaking Encounter In The Woods
When MaryAnn first saw Ruby, the sight broke her heart. The malnourished dog’s ribs were visible, and she lived alone, scavenging in the forest.
Source: YouTube
Despite MaryAnn’s attempts to approach her, Ruby allowed only a few tentative pets before retreating back into the woods.
“I knew there was no way she was going to make it through the winter as small as she was,” MaryAnn shared with The Dodo.
Source: YouTube
Determined to save Ruby before winter’s chill set in, she made it her mission to gain the dog’s trust.
Small Steps Toward Trust
MaryAnn visited Ruby in the woods daily, bringing food to show her there was no reason to fear.
At first, Ruby only took the food and ran back to her hiding spot. Slowly, over weeks and months, Ruby began to trust MaryAnn enough to linger nearby.
Source: YouTube
By early summer, Ruby took the brave step of leaving the woods and venturing to MaryAnn’s backyard for meals.
“It took a few months to get her to come to me day after day,” MaryAnn explained.
Eventually, Ruby allowed MaryAnn to sit with her, speaking soothing words, and even permitted her to put on a collar—a sign she was beginning to understand what love and care truly meant.
Discovering Joy
Ruby’s tough past left her unaware of simple joys like playing with toys.
Source: YouTube
MaryAnn patiently introduced her to the idea of chasing a ball, and after some time, Ruby learned to play.
It was a breakthrough moment—her newfound joy was contagious as she bounded after her ball, finally acting like a carefree pup.
Though Ruby enjoyed her new routine, she remained cautious about entering MaryAnn’s house. Many urged MaryAnn to simply carry her inside, but she refused to force Ruby into anything.
Source: @maryanne_589
“She still was very fearful of force and enclosures. She needed to do this on her own time,” MaryAnn said.
When Ruby finally stepped inside on her own, it marked a turning point. MaryAnn’s patience and care had helped Ruby open not just the door to the house but the door to her heart.
Source: @maryanne_589
MaryAnn’s dedication not only transformed Ruby’s life but brought her a sense of fulfillment as well.
In saving Ruby, she found a purpose and joy that only comes from helping an animal in need.
