And miles to go . . .

She traveled 6,350 miles to find her forever home. We named her Ruby and she was one of a kind. Her official breed name was Peruvian Inca Orchid – a mostly hairless dog with a shock of white rough hair on the head.  Although only six months old, she had been raised with a cat and was one of the sweetest dogs we'd ever met.  Her special needs were like those of a fair skinned human – sunblock when outside; dry skin requiring vitamin E massages; and a slightly higher than normal body temperature. She had traveled over 4,000 miles from  Peru, only to be dumped at the West LA Shelter when she wasn't quite what they expected.  Bill Foundation was quick to pull her out in hopes of finding this unique dog a new forever home.

Ruby was fostered by Juliana and Mike. They were terrific getting her started on house-training and on being well socialized with their own dogs and cats.  She was only on the website for a a very short time when we received a sterling application from a couple all the way in Pennsylvania! Ayeshah and Eric had done their homework and knew all about the breed and its characteristics. They had been searching for a special dog to add to their family of two dogs and felt that Ruby fit the bill. This wonderful couple was willing to fly out to California to meet Ruby, but first there was the issue of the home visit. Bill Foundation contacted the Italian Greyhound Rescue in Pennsylvania.  Previously Ayeshah and Eric had adopted one of their dogs, Pica.  We received a glowing recommendation from Angela, the rescue representative. Not only had the couple done wonders with little Pica, Ayeshah used to volunteer as a temperament tester and trainer at the local Humane Society.  Both Eric and Ayesha were extremely committed to their dogs and treated them as true family members.

When the three met it was a done deal. Ayeshah brought a gorgeous sweater and cozy blankets as well as a kong to go in the her crate.  She was too big to fit in the cabin.  Ayeshah, Erick, Juliana, Ruby and all the dogs and cats spent a fun afternoon romping together before heading back to the airport. Ruby was so exhausted from a day of play, that she was happy to crawl into her crate and go to sleep.  On March 25^th Ruby boarded the plane with her knew parents to travel another 2,250 miles, the final leg of of what most would call quite a journey.

While many rescues will not adopt outside of their immediate area and let's face it, it can be a little scary to send a dog off by plane; Bill Foundation believes it is worth the extra effort to get an exceptional home.  It was truly a group effort in her case, from both coasts! "Ruby is a special dog with unique needs.  Eric and Ayeshah impressed us with their knowledge and commitment.  We only wish all our dogs could find homes as wonderful as theirs, where ever they may be," expressed Jo Forman, Foundation Director & Founder.

We recently received a progress report on little Ruby, who is now known as Ccala, which means naked in the Quechua language of the Incas. She is doing very well, working on basic commands and soon to enter an obedience class and possibly continuing on to agility training. She loves the water and actually tries to get into the shower when it is on.  She adores the two other family dogs and has a grand time with the neighbor's three month old Bouvier who is double her size and a massive ball of fur. Ayeshah says "Ccala thinks her new friend is a hoot. They are hilarious together. Hairless playing with a ball of fuzz, it's a sight to see!"