FOREST LAKE, Minn. -- The ritual is the same every day and equally speedy every day. Ruby the dog goes to work at WLKX radio in Forest Lake and gets a treat before hitting the studio as a silent mascot referred to as “narcoleptic barkless wonder dog”. Pat Bettendorf, who has an afternoon show at the station, took Ruby in for foster care for a weekend a couple years ago – she never left. Pat has taken plenty of heat while taking Ruby for walks because Ruby is an American Pit Bull Terrier. "Let me say we have been sworn at, we have been threatened to be shot,” Bettendorf said.

Saturday, February 3, 2007, Ruby received an honor Pat hopes will help to prove the "pit bull" reputation wrong. Ruby was one of three dogs entered into the Animal Hall of Fame, an annual event by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association.

Ruby is getting the honor for her work as a pet therapist and her two nursing home visits each week. Last fall she was cast in a stage production of Cheaper by the Dozen – rejected outright at first because of her breed, but called back when the other dog couldn't act. Pat says "by the time opening night happened, parents were shoving their way into line to have pictures taken with their kids and Ruby."

Pat wants to prove "pit bulls" get a bad rap because of their strength. They're trained for dogfighting or used by drug dealers for guard duty, but that doesn't make them bad dogs – they're just strong dogs with bad owners. Or, in this case, a good one. The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association honors three dogs each year: a hero dog, working dog, and in Ruby's case, a companion dog.

SOURCE: http://www.myfoxtwincities.com