Ruby Dawn
Celebrating the heart of Cherokee County E 9-1-1
On behalf of Director Shane Bonebrake and all the men and women of Cherokee County E 9-1-1, it is with great sadness that we inform you that this morning, December 19th, 2025, our beloved Ruby Dawn
crossed over the rainbow bridge peacefully.
We want to say thank you to all of you who have supported our girl over the last three and a half years.
“We gave her a home and she gave us hope.”
Ruby Dawn
In our lives, June 3rd, 2022 - December 19th, 2025.
Please make a donation in memory of Ruby Dawn. We look to help purchase a new K9 in the future, when the time is right for Cherokee County 9-1-1. Ruby was paramount in the mental health and happiness for our Cherokee County 9-1-1 Center and as one of our Initiatives, this is very important to us, the Board and the Men & Women who take your calls every day.
In Loving Memory of Ruby Dawn
We wanted a dog...
For years we asked to have a dog at the center. I don’t know that I ever heard anyone come up with a solid plan - or what exactly we would want in a dog. We just knew we wanted a dog. Then came Ruby - I don’t think a pit mix from the shelter with absolutely no formal training was really anyone’s idea of the perfect dog for a 911 center. But, Ruby was perfect for us. She came in and touched so many lives. Those of us who were already dog people fell in love with with her instantly - and she quickly grew on and changed the minds of those who weren’t. We hit the absolute Jackpot with her.
Ruby loved everyone(except for one person - but those of us who know … that will remain our secret) She demanded attention - but always seemed to be at the right time. She knew when we were stressed, or dealing with a bad call. She did not like to share her bed - she had a mean stiff arm. But when she sensed someone was upset or just needed a time out she would allow the cuddle time. In the beginning for months we questioned if she could bark - and then she showed us…. That was her home and she was going to let us know when we had a visitor - especially if they were in uniform. She was the queen, and if she was told no or had to wait to get what she wanted she could give a side- eye that could put any annoyed woman to shame.
She loved laying in the sun - and if she wasn’t ready to go inside- neither were you. Ruby loved snacks - but better not try to slip in a blueberry - it became a projectile she spit it out so fast. At night after she had her dinner we would go outside and she would sit on the hill - she always had the same squinted eye look - and we talked. Well I talked and I think she listened. She knew all of the things. - she was always a good ear for anyone that needed it.
We wanted a dog... - Jenna
Thoughts are difficult right now but I can’t not say anything Our sassy, bossy princess closed her eyes yesterday and crossed the rainbow bridge. We are heartbroken to say the least. Many tears were shed, and continue to be, by many people. Aside from the pure love, and joy she brought us I keep thinking of what she accomplished these last few years.
Our Chief often speaks of kicking open doors, and that is exactly what Ruby did. Not just in our department but for many others local and far. Ruby went to schools, public events, met government officials, special needs groups, citizens from newborn to elderly, and many public safety personnel. She kicked open ALL of the doors! Many other departments and agencies now have canine companionsbecause of her and that legacy will continue.
There are so many people to thank but I especially want to thank our animal shelter staff for the amazing care she had during her stay there and the continued love and support, and for our leadership team for allowing us to love her. If you know Ruby’s story you know how special her journey was. - Heather
I don't post stuff... EVER. But I love this dog. She was the highlight of my time at work for the last 3.5 years. We (the ones she was closest with) went through some scary and rough times with her, but also some of the best times with her. Recovering from heartworms to being too fat to lose weight, but her tail was wagging the whole time. Ruby, you will be missed, immensely. - Al
Ruby Dawn, you are the truest form of an angel. You comforted us during hard calls and calmed the chaos in the 911 center. You truly were our backbone and held us all together in so many ways . You brought humor and an endless amount of love. While the next few days will be hard . We will now support each other and be strong in your loving memory. We love you, Ruby. We’ll see you at the end of that bridge one day rest easy, sweet Ruby. - William
My sweet Ruby Dawn! Losing you has left a hole in my heart that I don’t know how to explain! You were not “just a dog”. You were our comfort after a hard call, our calm when everything felt overwhelming and our constant reminder that we were not alone! Without you our center feels quieter and my routine feels broken. With time we will all learn that it’s okay to be heartbroken, to miss you deeply and we will honor how important you were in our lives! We love you so much Ruby and I know you are having the best time in doggy heaven! You will be missed by everyone who got the opportunity to know you! - Cassie
She started 911 a few months after I did, and now to not have her there with us is gonna be really hard. I literally have more pictures of her than my own dogs. I’m gonna miss you Ruby ❤️ - Tayla
Our Ruby girl! I remember that Halloween decoration and she kept chewing on the hand lmao we are sure going to miss her. The void is going to be ginormous. - Selia
My sweet goofy girl!! Rubes Ill miss your smile, our early morning hellos, your begging puppy dog eyes when you wanted a bite, and most of all treat time where you would raise your paw and proudly profess you are the goodest girl ever! 3 and a half years of joy, happiness, and a comfort when we needed it most! Go whaller in the grass! Sweet girl I will miss you!! - Brandi
You’ll be so missed, Ruby girl. Our hearts are broken, but thankful you aren’t in any more pain! No more medications, all the bones and beds you can think of in heaven. Love you, baby girl! - Robin