Rhode Island State Police K-9 Featured in Netflix Movie Euthanized

A Rhode Island State Police K-9 that was featured in a recent Netflix movie was euthanized Friday following a sudden, acute, and untreatable medical condition, the agency said in a release.

K-9 Ruby, 11 ½, was a mixed-breed dog who was adopted from the Rhode Island SPCA and was one of the first shelter dogs trained to serve with the Rhode Island State Police. During her 11-year police career, she and her handler Corporal Daniel O’Neil participated in many search and rescue missions as part of the K-9 Unit and volunteered with the Community, Diversity and Equity Unit, appearing in schools and at many events.

“Today the Rhode Island State Police family is mourning the death of K-9 Ruby,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and director of the Department of Public Safety. “Her partnership with Corporal O’Neil was a special one and their search and rescue work in our K-9 Unit was a great service to the Rhode Islanders who have needed their help. Her award-winning rescue inspired us and we are grateful for her years of service.”

In late 2017 Ruby successfully located a lost and distressed teenager who was the son of a shelter volunteer who had cared for her as a puppy. As a result of this rescue, Ruby was named American Humane Hero Dog Search and Rescue Dog of the Year in 2018. Her story was made into the 2022 Netflix move, “Rescued by Ruby.”

Ruby lived with Corporal O’Neil and his family.