English Bulldog Ruby celebrated her victory in the 2016 Rome Sentinel Pet of the Year contest in style — overseeing the Sentinel’s $3,000 donation to the Rome Humane Society on June 10 and making plans, no doubt, to put her prize pack to good use.
Ruby took home the top prize after fetching 765 votes, edging out fellow bulldog Brutie, who claimed second place with 724 votes.
The top 10 vote-getters in the contest were:
• Ruby, first place, 765 votes;
• Brutie, second place, 724 votes;
• Oscar, third place, 705 votes;
• Buster, fourth, 560 votes;
• Pablo, fifth, 538 votes;
• Wesley, sixth, 260 votes;
• Beezer and Beatrix, seventh, 224 votes;
• Jude and Penny, eighth, 210 votes;
• Benjamin and Maxwell, ninth, 183 votes; and
• Marshall, tenth, 157 votes.
In all, a total of 6,100 votes were cast — with the big winner being the Humane Society of Rome and the animals it serves.
“The Humane Society of Rome is extremely appreciative of the generous check presented by the Rome Sentinel,” Humane Society President Lynn Rosen said, adding that “They have graciously supported our organization for many, many years.”
The money will be used to rebuild the shelter’s puppy corral, the Humane Society president added.
After construction is complete, the new corral have higher walls to keep the puppies secure, and will provide more shade in warmer weather. The corral will also have a protected area for food and water.
“This corral is important because the puppies need a large area to run freely for their daily exercise,” Rosen said. “It also gives them socialization skills as they interact with other dogs.”
The public benefits from the shelter, as well.
“It gives them a chance to observe the puppys’ individual personalities and showcases them for adoption purposes,” Rosen said. “This is much more beneficial than having the public view them inside of their cages.”
The Sentinel also showcases animals for adoption in the popular weekly column “Winston’s Pet Personals.” These animals are also available for viewing at www.humanesocietyrome.com
The donation is part of the Sentinel’s ongoing efforts to support the Rome community. The Sentinel also supports the American Cancer Society. Each October they produce a special edition detailing efforts to combat breast cancer. Proceeds from advertising sales of the special edition are given to the society to benefit cancer research.
Doggy paradise
Ruby made out OK herself in the competition, winning a free nail trimming at Doggy D’Zynes, while her owner, Kathyrn Bambury of Croton Street won several prizes.
Those prizes included a $50 gift certificate to Kekis Service Station, $25 for Runnings Department Store, $25 to Eddie’s Paramount Diner and $25 for Edible Arrangements.
Ruby has given Kathryn seven years of companionship that cannot be measured by a dollar amount, although frugal spending did mark the beginning of their friendship.
“My mother called me and told me about Ruby, and when I saw her I had to have her,” Bambry said. “I had to watch my money I earned during my summer job, which I did.”
Ruby is so-named because of the red-and-white color of her fur. She is a steady companion to Bambury, who often takes her on walks and who doesn’t mind when Ruby’s playfulness extends beyond just the two of them.
“She enjoys chasing squirrels and birds, she’s a lot of fun,” Bambury said.
Ruby has a brother, Denaro, with whom she visits occasionally. She often keeps her own family busy with her quirks.
“She snores, but it is kind of soothing when you get used to it, Bambury said.