Prime Minister Theresa May has honoured a young veterinary graduate from the UofG working to help improve the health of dogs living with their homeless owners. 

Ruby Shorrock, was just 22 years old and a student vet when she set up The Trusty Paws Clinic to care for homeless people’s dogs. Ruby's clinics are run by student vets and offer free monthly drop in sessions to ensure dogs stay healthy under the supervision of the recently qualified founding vets. The clinics operate out of homeless centres so that owners can get support for themselves as well as help from the vets.

Ruby now runs clinics in London as well as Glasgow. She has treated over 300 dogs and is fundraising to be able to carry out ever more complex treatments.

Ruby is the latest recipient of a Point of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.#

Shining examples

Ruby is the 680th winner of the Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA and was first established by President George H. W. Bush. Over 5,000 US Points of Light have been awarded and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK which honours shining examples of volunteering across the country.

Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Point of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.

In a personal letter to Ruby, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“'The Trusty Paws Clinic' is a tremendous initiative ensuring dogs belonging to homeless people are well cared for and providing an opportunity for their owners to access support.”

Ruby said: "I'm really honoured to win the award. I'd like to dedicate it to all of the Trusty Paws team in Glasgow and London. It's not a one-woman show, they make all the magic happen. I'm eternally grateful to everyone who has helped."

Image of Trustee Paws Ruby Shorrock

First published: 13 February 2017

<< 2017 Jan-Feb