PALM HARBOR, Fla. --  Ruby was only a few months old when she was burned in a house fire that took the life of her owner and the life of another dog. 

Now, Ruby is about to become part of a local fire department.

The dog survived a fire in Blakely, Ga., and spent more than a week in critical care with third-degree burns.

She then began her trip to Suncoast Animal League in Palm Harbor. 

Ruby has spent the last few months with Suncoast Animal League and her foster mom, Karey.

"Ruby is ridiculously smart, learning to sit, give paw, lay down and roll over in a matter of days,” said Karey.

With the support of Fire Chief Craig Maciuba the Board of Fire Commissioners and Firefighters, the decision was made to adopt her. On Sept 12, Ruby's adoption became official.

“She already knows how to stop, drop and roll and we’ve been teaching her to crawl low (under smoke). 
She's a part of the family now and I can't wait to see how many lives she will touch, she's a survivor. " Elizabeth Graham, Public Education Officer.

She will be a member of the Palm Harbor Fire Department family and will assist with public education outreach programs to teach the importance of fire prevention and safety. She will be sworn in during an official ceremony on Oct. 12 where she will receive her official fire department badge and the public will be invited. For now, the pup is enjoying her home and lots of attention from her new family.

PHFR will be collecting monetary donations for Ruby to provide for her care, medical bills and a large fenced in area for her to run and train in.