Animal Services team members, from left, Micaela Paul, Samantha McCain and Kristy Acuna enjoyed spending some time with Ruby after her successful life-saving surgery. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - When Ruby stopped eating and started rapidly losing weight, 60 pounds in just one month, her dad knew something was terribly wrong.

The dad had already spent everything he had trying to find answers but the vet was stumped. The only hope left was exploratory surgery, something that Ruby’s dad couldn’t afford.

Desperate and terrified that Ruby wouldn’t make it through another night, Ruby’s dad reached out to the Rancho Cordova Animal Services team.

Through the Animal Services Assistance Program (ASAP), a program funded by a grant from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Ruby had surgery that saved her life.

Animal Services team member Micaela Paul happily greets Ruby, who is recovering from surgery that removed fake leather blocking her intestines. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

The cause of her weight loss?

Several inches of fake leather material had blocked Ruby’s intestines, which was something no one could have known without surgery.

Today, Ruby is recovering, thriving and back by her dad’s side, just where she belongs. Second chances save lives. And thanks to the Animal Services Assistance Program, Ruby got hers.

Learn more about the City of Rancho Cordova’s Animal Services team online at CityofRanchoCordova.org/AnimalServices or call 916-851-8852.