New Foster Dog Arrives Home—Her Response To a Leash Leave...

By Liz O'Connell

Pets Reporter

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A foster pit bull is melting hearts on TikTok after a video showed her proudly “walking” around the house with a makeshift leash around her neck—a moment her caregivers hope will help her find a forever home.

Foster parent Quinn Gundel, known on TikTok as @quinngundel, told Newsweek on Monday that she and her partner welcomed Ruby, a 3-year-old pit bull, into their home in December after a friend working with Queen City Pitties asked for help. Overwhelmed by the number of dogs in his care, the friend needed a quieter placement for Ruby because she had to be separated from the other animals. Gundel said bringing her home gave the dog a calm place to decompress.

What was meant to be a day with Ruby turned into several weeks. Since then, Ruby has come out of her shell, making strong progress in training and growing more affectionate. Gundel said the dog's ability to walk on a leash has been especially impressive, given that Ruby spent most of her life confined to a basement.

In a February 9 TikTok video, Gundel's partner walks around the home with Ruby following close behind—guided not by a leash, but by a bathrobe tie. Gundel said Ruby had been playing with the tie when it fell and draped around her neck, and she immediately assumed it was time for a walk. This left the couple stunned, as it showed how far Ruby has come.

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'Just the Sweetest Girl'

Ruby had spent much of her life indoors, away from everyday experiences—including leash training.

“She was in somebody’s basement who was possibly training her for not such great things," Gundel said. "He passed away, and his wife surrendered her and her brother."

As residents of Buffalo, New York, the couple has only been able to bring Ruby on one long walk. The frigid temperatures have kept Ruby from spending too much time outside. But even on that one walk, Gundel said Ruby quickly took to leash manners.

Ruby has also been making strides with basic commands, such as sit and paw. She did not initially respond to her name, but now Ruby will wag her tail when called.

“She is just the sweetest girl," Gundel said. “Every day we get to see more of her personality–it has been so fun to watch her grow.”

What Ruby Needs Next

As tour managers, Gundel and her partner travel for the majority of the year. They were able to bring Ruby in as a foster for December and January, but they hope to find her a forever home before the tour season starts up again.

Gundel said the biggest drawback in finding an adopter is that Ruby is afraid of other dogs. The best fit would be with someone who loves pitties and understands the importance of patience.

"You can tell she wants to learn," she said. "She needs consistency and someone to show her she's in a safe place."

Those interested in Ruby can visit the Queen City Pitties website for more information.

TikTok Reacts

The TikTok video had reached over 128,500 views, 30,300 likes and 347 comments as of Monday, with people falling in love with Ruby.

"She's like, 'Pretty weird walk, but sure,'" joked one user.

Another added: "That’s not a dog. That's an angel baby."

A third person said: "She's like, 'This human is so weird that they pretend to attach a leash so I have to pretend to walk like I’m attached.'"

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

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