Many people ask us what Ruby does to stay in such good shape. So we thought we would share a few of her secrets here. ​
We have found that she has really thrived eating a mostly raw diet. Currently, her lunches come prepackaged in single-serving sizes from Darwin's Natural Pet Products. She also has freeze-dried raw patties from Stella and Chewy's. Her dinner menu comes in the form of raw dog food logs from Raw Dog Food and Co - a great Colorado company that even has pickup days in Ft. Collins to avoid shipping costs. 
Ruby has periodic sensitivity testing done through Glacier Peaks. Their Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan helps to make sure she isn't eating proteins or other foods that could cause stress on her body.  Other sensitivities may be identified too, like environmental stressors. 

Just like people, animals can be negatively affected by the toxins and chemicals in water. Ruby drinks the same Eldorado spring water that we do.  

​Supplements are an important part of her diet too. She is tested by Carl weekly to see what she needs from the Standard Process Canine Line, as well as the Microbiome Labs probiotics (i.e. Fidospore). Given her size, she also takes the Standard Process "people supplements" when needed. 


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Another Ruby secret is cold laser therapy. This has worked so well over the years to help with aches, pains and injuries. In her case, hip dysplasia can slow her down. Cold laser has been used for decades with animals - your vet may even use one.

We joke that she has her own laser at home (she just has to share it with us though!)


​It's probably no secret that daily walks and exercise are essential. Ruby loves to walk all over Ft. Collins and especially likes to swim wherever she can find a stream, lake, pond or puddle. Lot's of fresh air and sunshine keep her tail wagging!

​Chiropractic care is a great tool to help Ruby stay flexible and youthful. She likes several animal Chiropractors. Below you can see her pictures with  Dr. Steve Cook of Brave Roots Chiropractic (Ft. Collins) and Dr. Paige Mott of Discover Life Chiropractic (Loveland).
March 2023 Update:

As Ruby is getting older (almost 13!), we have begun to notice more issues with her hip dysplasia causing some limping and a recent mild injury causing stability issues in her backend. Enter Red Sage!
Red Sage is an amazing place providing rehabilitation and regenerative therapies. They have made quite a difference for Ruby in just a few months. Ruby has periodically received acupuncture, and this is a regular part of her visits there. She is also receiving Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy (ECSWT). This is a noninvasive treatment that involves delivery of shock waves (similar to sounds waves) to injured tissues and joints to reduce pain and promote healing. 
December 2023 Update:

This past year was challenging for Ruby due to some breathing issues. She was diagnosed with a condition called Laryngeal Paralysis that makes it difficult for her to breathe and regulate her temperature on warm days. We decided to have a 'tie-back' surgery for Ruby in November, to open up her wind pipe and facilitate easier breathing. The biggest downside is she isn't able to 'talk' to us like she used to and is still relearning to bark. She is also more susceptible to aspiration pneumonia.  However, we are very pleased that Ruby is breathing easier and hope that next summer is a little more comfortable for her. 

Ruby is already taking good supportive supplements and receiving cold laser, so Red Sage did not add these in for her.  While we never wanted to give Ruby any prescriptions, we are giving some pain meds to improve quality of life for her.

​If you have an older or injured dog, or are just dealing with a chronic issue, Red Sage is a great place to check out in Ft. Collins!
We are thankful for the excellent care Ruby received from Dr. Jessica Barrera of Raintree Animal Hospital Timnath. 'Tie-back' surgeries are a specialty of Dr. Barrera and Ruby did very well and recovered quickly. We decreased her healing time by using cold laser daily and never noticed swelling around the incision. When Ruby went back to have the stitches removed, she was given a 10 out of 10 for how good everything looked. 

While we are happy to share some of Ruby's Secrets, we aren't making specific recommendations. Be sure to check with your vet before making changes to your furry friend's normal routine. 
Wishing you many happy adventures!
Ruby Malone
The Natural Path Greeter and Tail Wagger