People often say timing can change everything, and sometimes a single decision shapes the rest of the day.
For one California couple, what began as a quiet hike turned into a life-changing rescue that saved four souls in the woods.
As they walked along a creek, faint sounds caught their attention. When they went to investigate, they came upon something they never expected.
A New Beginning In The Wilderness
Out in the middle of nowhere, a mother dog was in labor, giving birth to three tiny puppies right there on the forest floor.
The couple immediately called for help, and soon the little family was safely off the trail. Thom McCallum, a rescuer from Berkeley, California, took in the mother and her newborns, unsure what the next few days would bring.
The mother, later named Ruby, was extremely shy and nervous. She kept her distance from Thom, watching him closely but not daring to come near.
Thom did everything possible to make Ruby feel secure in his home, but it was clear that she had endured a difficult past. She needed patience, comfort, and time before she could truly relax.
Caring for the three puppies was the easy part. Ruby was an attentive and loving mother, feeding and cleaning them with complete devotion.
Little by little, Ruby started to let her guard down. She began to sense that Thom meant no harm and was there to help. Slowly, she began to trust him.
Over time, that trust blossomed into affection. Ruby discovered how comforting a gentle touch could be and how good it felt to be cared for. As her puppies grew stronger and more curious, Ruby changed too, finding new confidence each day.
Building A New Life Together
It took several months, but Ruby transformed into a warm, affectionate companion. She became so attached to Thom that she wanted to be wherever he was.
“Ruby won’t leave my side. She goes everywhere I go. She’s really thriving now,” Thom told The Dodo.
When the puppies grew old enough to start their own journeys, Thom found loving homes for all three. Each pup was adopted by a nearby family, which meant Ruby could still see them often. In the end, Ruby became a happy foster fail, staying right where her heart belonged.
Two of the puppies, Jax and Kirby, moved only a few miles away, while Tito found a home right next door. Thom and his neighbor even built a small gate in the fence so Ruby and Tito could visit one another whenever they wanted.
“From 10 days old until now watching them grow up into compassionate and sweet companions has been one of the most rewarding experiences as a foster,” Thom wrote on Instagram.
Seeing Ruby thrive after such a rough start has been deeply fulfilling for Thom. Knowing she gets to see her grown pups often makes her even happier.
Even though her puppies are now fully grown, Ruby still treats them with the same gentle care as when they were small. Her nurturing instincts never faded, and Thom soon realized she had the heart of a natural foster mom.
Together, Thom and Ruby have continued to foster many dogs in need, including young puppies. Ruby loves every moment of caring for them, guiding them just as she once did her own babies.
In time, Ruby also gained a best friend named Pogo, a resilient dog rescued from the hills at four months old. Pogo had been struck by a car and lost a leg, but he fit into Thom and Ruby’s life perfectly.
“Ruby and Pogo love life and doing everything together,” Thom wrote.
Recently, Thom moved to a larger home in Berkeley with his girlfriend, giving the dogs more space to play and rest. Ruby and Pogo now have room to roam, relax, and enjoy their days surrounded by love.
Once a frightened mother who trusted no one, Ruby now has a true family, a safe home, and a life that suits her perfectly.