God unexpectedly delivered a furry “person” into our lives that helped fill an uncomfortable gap we felt by sustained social distancing. This is her story — and ours. (More to come).
We named her Ruby. Her Mama is Asian Shepherd and her daddy is Swiss Mountain Dog. She was born on a small farm at Hatchers Pass. 
My family laughed at me when I said, “Aww, she won’t get THAT big…” (My last dog was a Rat Terrier). I admit, Ruby is getting bigger than I expected. 
Ruby seems to grow with every nap! 
As a former musher, I have had dozens of dogs over my life time, but Ruby is one of a kind. 
And she is always looking for treats. 
Great Gram is 94, and Ruby loved her from the first hug. Now she checks on Gram every few hours. 
Mama Carol turned Ruby into a lap dog. 
The grandkids helped in socializing Ruby. 
Ruby loves new experiences. 
A little nap, and she’s ready for a new adventure… 
…like climbing a snow mountain… 
…and wondering how to get down. 
“Okay, I’ll just climb higher!” 
Helping trim bushes is NOT very interesting. 
“Anything yummy for me?” 
My son’s Boxer, Juno, is helping with social etiquette. 
I hadn’t counted on Ruby’s tracking desires. She explores the ground EVERYWHERE she goes. 
And it’s pretty obvious that she is not a water dog. 
“Do I have to get my feet wet?” 
INVASION! Lucky Ruby was inside the house when this mama and her children came visiting. 
These are our wandering yard ornaments. 
“Ruby! Where are you?” 
My grandson and Ruby (in dog years) are about the same age — and the same size! 
Ruby KNOWS she isn’t invited to sit in my chair, but she can’t resist. 
“This way, Dad?” 
“Almost chewed it through.” 
“Timber! Okay, maybe the beaver did most of the work. But I nibbled a little!” 
“Where is that beaver, anyway?” 
Whew! Another growing spurt… And Ruby is five months old now. 
After 31 years in Alaska, we finally decided we needed a guard-type dog, due to thieves stalking our neighborhoods. 
Would THIS pup do the job? She seemed so gentle and playful. 
But when the black bear wandered into our yard Ruby’s true personality came to life. I could “bearly” hold her back. 
She’s vigilant, always on the lookout for moose too. While I worked in the garden, she woofed a warning when a moose trundled past. 
But what about humans? She seemed to love everybody with two legs. 
THIS is my guard dog? 
Our protector? 
Maybe I miscalculated… 
Then a delivery man drove up. When he heard and saw Ruby on her tether, he hopped into the bed of his truck. He stayed there until we came out. 
Yup. She’s growin’ into the dog we need for an Alaskan home in 2020. 
She may be a clown. 
And she drives me crazy… sometimes… 
But Ruby has my back — in more ways than one. 
She’s on duty, watching for bears, moose, and an occasional squirrel… 
And perhaps this little girl will make a thief run for his life — with Ruby on his heels. 
We’ll see… 
Cache of Grace 
I love the ruby story, she’s one of a kind for sure we spent a few afternoons together she was a delight as usual. I miss you guys and alaska as I knew I would but I am on a new adventure and loving it. I will send along my new digits and all via email or text so we can keep in touch. I really enjoy the time I was fortunate enough to spend with miss Elle You and Carol and of course RUBY.
I learn so much from her and will cherish it always. God Bless Sara Plesuk