Ruby's big adventure

Springer spaniels are known for being as devoted to their owners as their owners are likely to be to their dog. The breed is also known, however, for being prone to separation anxiety.

Ruby is one Springer who had an unexpected adventure recently, causing both her and her owners some considerable distress.

According to Ruby’s owner Lora Pearson, the 10-year old dog had managed to liberate herself from her kennel at a friend’s house where she had been left for the day while the owners made a trip to Missoula. Pearson’s best guess is that Ruby accomplished this by jumping up and knocking the latch open with her nose.

She started making her way south on U.S. 93, apparently heading for her home about 6 miles south near Elmo. Pearson figures had she not missed the cut off onto old highway 93 near Dayton, she probably would have found her way home.

But Ruby is diabetic and she may have become disoriented. She ended up standing in the middle of the highway and several vehicles had to swerve to avoid her, one a semi. Pearson believes Ruby stood still rather than dart in and out of traffic because in the six years she has had her she’s trained her to stop and exercise caution around moving cars.

Two women stopped to help the distraught canine, the first managed to get her off the road. Then Pat Brown from Bigfork pulled over.

Brown found the Pearsons’ number on Ruby’s collar and tried calling but couldn’t reach them, so she did the next best thing a devoted dog owner could ever hope for — she took Ruby to the veterinarian who was listed on her rabies tag, even though the office was almost 30 miles away in Polson.

Pearson learned that Brown happens to carry a leash in her car for just such situations, but this was the first time she ever needed it. Ruby, however, jumped right in her car and hitched a ride.

“Ruby and I were reunited about an hour and a half after we found her missing from the kennel on our return from Missoula,” Pearson wrote. “Fortunately, she was not hit due to the careful drivers who avoided her and equally fortunate to be rescued by Patty who went above and beyond in seeing that she would return home safely.”

She added that although there is a chain in the kennel, this was the one time they decided it wasn’t necessary.

“We’ll never do that again,” Pearson said. “Thank you Patty for all your help and thank God for caring people. We would have been devastated without our dog!”

Those looking to spotlight their singing talents may want to join the Crown of the Continent Choir this season. Rehearsals begin Sept. 6.

Well known in the Flathead Valley and beyond, the nonprofit, nonsectarian choir sings to support and building community and has been showcased at numerous community events, celebrations and fundraisers, as well as in Canada.

The choir also has a new artistic director, Marvilla Davis.

All voices are welcome, whether you lean toward soprano, alto, baritone, tenor or bass.

The choir rehearses from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Flathead High School choir room.

While auditioning isn’t necessary for the Crown Choir, the Headwaters Ensemble is an auditioned voice ensemble rehearsing after the Crown Choir, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tuition is $100 a year or $55 a semester (waivers are available). Students can join for free. Stop in Sept. 6 to check it out for free.

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Have good news? Write to Community Editor Carol Marino at community@dailyinterlake.com