Rescued by Ruby (2022) is a heartfelt Netflix drama directed by Katt Shea and based on a true story that will definitely hit you right in the emotions. It’s about second chances, loyalty, and the bond between a man and his dog—two “underdogs” who refuse to give up.
Detailed Summary
The Setup: Dreams of a State Trooper
Dan O’Neil (Grant Gustin), a state trooper in Rhode Island, has a lifelong dream of joining the elite K-9 Search and Rescue Unit. The only problem? He’s been rejected multiple times because the unit doesn’t have the budget for more dogs, and Dan can’t afford one himself. Despite the setbacks, Dan remains determined to prove his worth.
Ruby’s Background: The Unadoptable Dog
Meanwhile, Ruby, a half-border collie, half-Australian shepherd, is stuck in an animal shelter. She’s energetic, intelligent, and hopelessly mischievous—traits that have led to multiple failed adoptions. Her last chance is coming up; if she’s not adopted, she’ll be euthanized. That’s when Dan walks in. He sees potential in her chaos, and against everyone’s advice, adopts her.
Training Trouble
From the start, it’s rough going. Ruby doesn’t listen, chases everything, and creates havoc everywhere she goes. Dan’s patience is tested constantly, and his wife (Kaylah Zander) questions whether they can handle her. But as Dan gets to know Ruby, he realizes she just needs structure, love, and a purpose—something he himself has been seeking too.
A Growing Bond
Through relentless training, Dan and Ruby begin to synchronize. She starts to channel her energy into tracking and searching, showing incredible instincts. Dan’s fellow troopers still doubt them, but Ruby’s intelligence gradually earns respect. The movie balances humor, emotional moments, and dog chaos in equal measure.
The Turning Point: The Missing Boy
Ruby and Dan finally make it into the K-9 Search and Rescue Unit. Their first major mission comes when a boy goes missing in the woods. The stakes are high—time is running out, and weather conditions are worsening. Ruby and Dan lead the search through the forest, following faint scent trails and subtle clues that others miss.
The Twist
When they finally locate the lost boy, Dan is stunned to learn that the child is the son of Pat Inman, the shelter volunteer who once saved Ruby from being euthanized. In an emotional full-circle moment, Ruby ends up saving the life of the son of the woman who saved hers. It’s poetic, heartwarming, and one of those moments that feel written for Hollywood—except it’s true.
Movie Ending
The ending is deeply emotional and satisfying. Ruby successfully leads Dan to the lost boy, who is rescued alive. As the rescue team celebrates, Pat Inman realizes Ruby is the very same dog she had saved years ago. Both women—Pat and Dan’s wife—tear up as they realize how fate has intertwined their lives through Ruby.
In the film’s final scenes, Ruby is honored by the state police for her heroic service, and Dan finally earns his place in the K-9 Search and Rescue Unit. The final montage shows Ruby continuing her career, becoming a real-life hero in multiple rescues. Text on the screen confirms that Ruby went on to have a long, successful career as a K-9 and lived happily with Dan’s family.
It’s a full-circle ending: the dog who was once labeled “unadoptable” becomes a life-saving hero, and the man who was told he’d never make the K-9 unit becomes one of its best officers.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Rescued by Ruby does not include any post-credits scenes. However, before the credits roll, the film shows real photos of the actual Dan O’Neil and Ruby, reminding viewers that this uplifting story is based on true events. It’s a touching way to end the movie, offering a real-world connection to the story.
Type of Movie
This film is a biographical drama and family adventure with strong emotional themes. It’s grounded in realism but full of heart, humor, and hope.
Cast
- Grant Gustin as Dan O’Neil
- Scott Wolf as Matt Zarrella (Dan’s mentor)
- Kaylah Zander as Melissa O’Neil (Dan’s wife)
- Camille Sullivan as Pat Inman
- Tom McBeath as Seamus Brady
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Joy Ngiaw, who brings a gentle, inspiring tone to the movie. The music emphasizes emotional moments—especially the bond between Dan and Ruby—without overwhelming the realism of the story. The soundtrack blends orchestral warmth with light, acoustic cues that highlight the film’s heartwarming energy.
Filming Locations
The film was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, which doubled for Rhode Island. The lush forests and scenic backdrops add authenticity to the search-and-rescue sequences. The dense woodland setting is crucial to the movie’s tension and realism, giving the audience a strong sense of both danger and beauty.
Awards and Nominations
While Rescued by Ruby didn’t receive major international awards, it earned positive attention for its family-friendly storytelling and inspiring message. It was also praised for Grant Gustin’s performance and for promoting animal adoption awareness.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Grant Gustin, known for The Flash, was drawn to the role because he’s a real-life dog lover.
- Several dogs portrayed Ruby, though one named Bear handled most of the key scenes.
- The film’s trainer spent months helping the dogs learn specific rescue behaviors to make the scenes realistic.
- Director Katt Shea insisted on using practical dog interactions rather than CGI, making Ruby’s behavior feel authentic.
- The real Dan O’Neil and Ruby were consulted during production and visited the set.
Inspirations and References
The movie is directly inspired by the true story of Ruby, a shelter dog who became a decorated K-9 search-and-rescue hero in the Rhode Island State Police. Ruby and her handler, Corporal Dan O’Neil, made national headlines for their incredible rescues and appeared in various news outlets, including Today and The Washington Post.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No alternate endings have been officially released, but deleted scenes reportedly include additional moments of Ruby’s early training and more lighthearted family interactions. These were trimmed for pacing but included on promotional materials in behind-the-scenes clips.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is not based on a specific book, but on multiple real-life news articles and interviews with Dan O’Neil. It stays largely faithful to true events, though certain details—like dialogue and side characters—were dramatized to strengthen the emotional arc.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Ruby’s chaotic introduction at the shelter, destroying everything in sight.
- Dan’s first failed attempt at obedience training.
- The emotional moment when Dan finally earns Ruby’s trust during a rainstorm.
- The rescue scene where Ruby picks up the scent of the missing boy.
- The reveal that the boy’s mother is Pat Inman.
Iconic Quotes
- Dan: “Sometimes the best dogs are the ones no one else wants.”
- Pat Inman: “She’s not a bad dog. She just needs someone to believe in her.”
- Dan’s mentor (Zarrella): “A good cop knows how to follow clues. A great one knows how to trust his partner.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film includes a subtle reference to Ruby’s real-life handler in a background police report labeled “D. O’Neil.”
- A framed newspaper in Dan’s house shows the headline “Hero Dog Saves Child”, referencing Ruby’s future achievement.
- The number on Dan’s police uniform matches the real Dan O’Neil’s badge number.
Trivia
- Ruby served as an active K-9 for over 11 years before retiring in 2022.
- The real Ruby passed away the same year the movie was released, making the film a tribute to her legacy.
- Grant Gustin adopted a dog during filming, inspired by the movie’s message.
- The movie was co-produced by Fezziwig Studios, which specializes in uplifting true stories.
Why Watch?
Watch Rescued by Ruby if you love true stories, uplifting animal dramas, or just need a reminder that persistence pays off. It’s a feel-good movie with real emotional depth and a message about redemption—for both humans and dogs.
Director’s Other Movies
- Poison Ivy (1992)
- Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019)
- The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Marley & Me (2008)
- A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
- Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
- Max (2015)
- Dog (2022)
