WASHINGTON — A 9-month-old boxer mix shot by her owner has a bright future after the doctor who operated on her adopted her.

Ruby was bleeding profusely and struggling to breathe when police officers were called to her former home. She’d been shot on the left side of her face and shoulder with a shotgun, according to a Montgomery County news release.

Officer Michelle Ballor put Ruby in her police car and immediately drove her to Kindness Animal Hospital on University Boulevard in Wheaton.

Veterinarians determined Ruby needed extensive medical care to save her life and officers suggested to Ruby’s owners they surrender her to the hospital rather than euthanizing her.

Dr. Jeff Zolkiewicz, veterinarian, began life-saving measures, which included several surgeries, and paid for it himself.

“Dr. Zolkiewicz has made it his mission to save this dog,” said another veterinarian at the hospital, Dr. Marc Katz, in the news release.

Because of her injuries, appearance, and possible need for future specialized care, the hospital did not think Ruby was a good candidate for adoption.

So Zolkiewicz, who saw Ruby was a “real gem,” decided to adopt her.

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

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