News Releases

For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 28, 2014

UPDATE: October 22, 2014

Do you remember Ruby? She was shot with a shotgun by a family member on August 21 in a Wheaton home. When Officer Michelle Ballor responded to the home, she immediately loaded Ruby into her police vehicle and drove her to the Kindness Animal Hospital located at 2130 University Boulevard West in Wheaton. At the animal hospital, Officer Ballor was met by Dr. Jeff Zolkiewicz (“Dr. Z”), who immediately began life-saving measures. Veterinarians at the hospital determined that Ruby would need extensive medical care to save her life. Officer Noah Leotta spoke with family members and suggested that they consider surrendering Ruby to the hospital rather than euthanizing her so that she could have the opportunity to live.

After undergoing numerous medical procedures and surgeries, we are happy to report that Ruby has a “new leash on life.” She has been adopted by Dr. Zolkiewicz and is living with him and his family. She can also eat solid dog food again! (This is something that she could not do after the shooting).

THANK YOU to the community for supporting Ruby’s recovery! Over $5,000 has been raised for Ruby’s care. Many people have also donated supplies to the Kindness Animal Hospital and have sent well wishes to Ruby. Thank you to Dr. Zolkiewicz and the personnel at the Kindness Animal Hospital, who saved Ruby’s life and who continue to take care of her.

This Friday, October 24, Ruby and Dr. Zolkiewicz will visit the 4th District Station (located at 2300 Randolph Road) at 1:00 p.m. to thank the officers and residents who helped to save Ruby’s life. Ruby would like to show everyone how well she is doing! Everyone is invited to stop by and say HI to Ruby, Dr Zolkiewicz, and the officers of the 4th District.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

On Thursday, August 21, Fourth District officers responded to a residence in Wheaton just before noon for the report of a shooting of a family dog by a family member.

Officers responded to the scene and found Ruby, a nine-month-old boxer mix, bleeding profusely and having trouble breathing; she had been shot on the left side of her face and shoulder with a shotgun. Officer Michelle Ballor immediately loaded Ruby into her police vehicle and drove her to the Kindness Animal Hospital located at 2130 University Boulevard West in Wheaton. At the animal hospital, Officer Ballor was met by Doctor Jeff Zolkiewicz, who immediately began life-saving measures. Veterinarians at the hospital determined that Ruby would need extensive medical care to save her life. Officer Noah Leotta spoke with Ruby's owners and suggested that they consider surrendering Ruby to the hospital rather than euthanizing her so that she could have the opportunity to live.

When Sergeant Dawn Felsen visited Ruby in the hospital earlier this week, she learned that Ruby was improving after undergoing several surgeries but needed to undergo additional procedures. Sergeant Felsen discovered that Doctor Jeff Zolkiewicz had absorbed all of the costs for these surgeries. Doctor Marc Katz, one of Doctor Zolkiewicz’s colleagues at the hospital, says that, “Doctor Zolkiewicz has made it his mission to save this dog.”

Due to the nature of her injuries, her appearance, and possible need for future specialized care, the hospital staff does not think that Ruby is a good candidate for adoption. But there is great news. Doctor Zolkiewicz recognizes that Ruby is a real “gem” and has decided to adopt her.

The police shift that responded to the initial shooting call is collecting money at the Fourth District station located at 2300 Randolph Road in Wheaton to help defray some of the costs of Ruby’s care.

We’re thrilled that Ruby has a new “leash on life” with Doctor Zolkiewicz and the entire police department is rooting for Ruby to make a full recovery.

*Note: The firearm discharge investigation is ongoing.

Online fundraiser page for Ruby : http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/saving-ruby/226139

RLI