NEWTOWN — Golden retriever Ruthie always has a big smile on her face, but most of the people she meets have tears in their eyes.
Ruthie is a comfort dog with Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs and she’s traveled the country putting her skills to work at the most devastating events working with people suffering from the most tragic of losses. Thursday, she was honored as the 2016 ASPCA Dog of the Year.
Ruthie’s first assignment was in Newtown, following the 2012 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School that killed 20 first-graders and six educators.
One of the victims, Catherine Hubbard, was a lover of all animals. During Ruthie’s six-week stay in Newtown, Catherine’s family, and especially her 9-year-old brother Freddy, formed a special bond with Ruthie.
Fittingly, Catherine’s parents and brother presented the award to Ruthie and her handlers at the ASPCA’s annual Humane Awards Luncheon in New York City, according to the Today Show.
In 2013, the ASPCA posthumously named Catherine “Kid of the Year” because of her love for animals. Her family formed the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation to continue that spirit.
Ruthie has also made stops in Orlando following the nightclub shooting, in Dallas following the shooting of police officers, the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, and tornadoes in Oklahoma.
“Ruthie’s presence was particularly impactful during her six weeks in Newtown,” the ASPCA said. “She helped traumatized young girls and boys – who hadn’t spoken since the shootings – come out of their shells.”
The ASPCA said Ruthie is deserving of the honor “because of her devotion to providing comfort and relief to those who need it most.”
