Heartbreak for ‘gentle’ English bull terrier dog after owner’s shock death

An elderly dog who captured the hearts of Gold Coasters in his struggle to find a new owner still hasn’t found a furever home. Find out why

An elderly dog who captured the hearts of Gold Coasters in his struggle to find a new owner still hasn’t found a furever home.

Ruger, an eight-year-old English bull terrier, has been bereft with grief after his previous owner suddenly died from Covid-19, the Bulletin highlighted last week.

Broadbeach woman Hayley Smith was a family friend of Ruger’s owner and made it her mission to find the dog a new home.

Ruger enjoyed eating turkey and ham on Christmas Day. Picture: supplied

With the Bulletin’s help, a call was put out to the community to find someone who could give the “gentle” pooch the love and care he deserved.

Ms Smith received 10 offers of a new home since Ruger’s story appeared online and in print.

“It’s been very responsive. I’m very confident something will come into place,” she said.

“A bull terrier rehoming group has offered to take him if all other options fall through.”

Ms Smith has arranged a meet-and-greet with potential new owners on Tuesday and Wednesday.

She had to decline a few offers from people who already had pets.

Ruger grew up as an only child and Ms Smith wasn’t sure how he would react to other animals.

“I’m just making sure it’s the right fit,” the Broadbeach woman said.

Despite a ruff few weeks, Ruger spent Christmas surrounded by love and laughter at Ms Smith’s home.

“He ate turkey and ham and had a Christmas bone from the pet shop,” she said.

“Ruger had a lovely Christmas.”

Ruger riding in his previous owner’s sidecar. Picture: supplied

Heartbreak for ‘gentle’ dog after owner’s shock death - December 21

A Gold Coast family is desperately trying to rehome an elderly dog after his owner suddenly died from Covid-19.

Ruger the eight-year-old English bull terrier was bereft with grief and spent two weeks “whining” at his owner’s photograph following the recent tragedy.

Broadbeach woman Hayley Smith was a family friend of Ruger’s owner and has made it her mission to find the dog a new home.

Ruger the dog needs a new home. Picture: supplied

“(The owner) had Ruger from three weeks old. They were inseparable and Ruger slept on his bed,” Ms Smith said.

“Ruger did not eat for 12 days after the passing of his beloved master.

“When visiting the grave site, he laid on the grave and refused to leave.”

Ruger is described as ‘gentle’. Picture: supplied

The Broadbeach woman said she had exhausted all avenues in trying to rehome the dog and now needed the community’s help.

“Sadly everyone we know has a dog or cat and we just don’t think that’s in the best interests of Ruger,” Ms Smith said.

“We feel he would be better suited to a home with no other pets.”

She said Ruger had grown up as an only child and she wasn’t sure how he would react to other animals.

Ruger enjoying a nap. Picture: supplied

Ms Smith described the elderly dog as “gentle”.

“This is purely about making sure Ruger has a good home, because that’s what his dad would want for him. We want to do our best to honour that,” she said.

“He used to ride in a little sidecar with his owner.

“He’s a dear little soul and just needs a really good, loving home.”

Anyone who can offer a home to Ruger can phone Hayley on 0420 360 642 or Sally on 0409 745 897.