After the alarming rise in Covid-19 cases recently and the life-threatening floods and landslides that have wreaked havoc in the country, Malaysians could do with a good dose of hope and cheer.

Based on a true story, Netflix’s “Rescued by Ruby” could just be the movie that restores your faith in the beauty of life and reaffirms why dogs are considered man’s best friend.

The story is about 29-year-old Rhode Island state trooper Daniel O’Neil (Grant Gustin), who has his heart set on qualifying for the K9 academy.

Yet, he faces two major obstacles: the K9 unit will not accept applicants over 30 years old. Also, they lack the funds to import German Shepherds from the Czech Republic or Germany for O’Neil to train, as they cost over US$10,000 each.

And here’s where the real story begins.

O’Neil and a mischievous shelter dog named Ruby – adopted eight times and sent back to the shelter each time – meet each other in the nick of time. For him, she’s the dog he can train to qualify for the K9 unit before he turns 30 and, for Ruby, it’s a way to escape euthanasia by the day’s end if nobody came to adopt her.

Taking a risk with the incorrigible Ruby, O’Neil brings her home and together, the pair embark on an inspiring journey to qualify for the K9 unit despite the odds stacked against them.

While Gustin’s boyish charm works in drawing viewers to root for him, it is clear the real star of the show is his canine castmate. The title character Ruby, played by two dogs named Bear and Shiloh, easily tugs at one’s heartstrings from the very beginning.

Softhearted animal lovers would likely shed a tear or two when they learn of the possibility of Ruby being put down. Just like that, they’ll also find themselves switching gears, excitedly cheering for her once O’Neil takes her home.

However, there is another heartwarming story behind the scenes: in real life, Bear was rescued from a shelter by the film’s dog trainers before he was put down. They also adopted Shiloh, his close companion.

Watching these canines excel in their roles, especially given their backgrounds, gives viewers a sense of appreciation for the work trainers do in preparing animals for their scenes.

The movie also creatively shows snippets of the world through Ruby’s eyes, an interesting touch, especially if you’re a dog owner who has often wondered what the world is like from your dog’s vantage point.

However, in its quest to achieve the feel-good factor, the film’s storytellers end up glossing over some of the real struggles of its human characters – that of O’Neil and his wife Melissa (Kaylah Zander).

After all, she is a working mother who has to cope with having a new pet at home, in addition to supporting her husband and caring for her young child with another baby on the way.

What were some of her challenges, and what role did Ruby play in helping her? These are lost opportunities to get the audience to relate better to the movie.

After all, in the real world, things aren’t always hunky-dory and the most inspiring tales are often those about everyday humans being real about their struggles, yet finding the strength to overcome them.

Overall, “Rescued by Ruby” is a good movie with a message of hope. It also reminds viewers of the harrowing fate of rescued dogs who don’t find their forever homes, and the wasted potential when they are put down.

More importantly, the movie highlights the love and sense of attachment that dogs feel for their humans, as well as their forgiving and loyal nature.

If you’re a dog owner, you may just find yourself wanting to give your pet a tight hug after watching this movie. If you’re not, you may very well find yourself considering adopting a shelter dog.

Either way, this movie has a way of worming itself right into your heart and melting it right away.

‘Rescued by Ruby’ is streaming on Netflix.