updated 10/09/2015 AT 3:18 PM ET
•originally published 10/09/2015 AT 10:41 AM ET
After a traumatic past, this heroic American bulldog mix is getting her happy ending.
Ruby bravely defended her homeless owner from a machete attack in April and lost her left eye as a result. But when the 2-year-old pup ended up at the San Jose Animal Care Center and didn't qualify for adoption, the shelter reached out to the Silicon Valley Pet Project for help.
“She was very stressed in that environment,” co-founder and president of the SVPP Melissa Lisbon tells PEOPLE. “But we were able to find a wonderful couple willing to foster her.”
While Ruby adjusted to life off the streets, SVPP searched for a permanent home for her.
“She is a fun loving dog,” says Lisbon, 48. “She's very connected with her people and all around is just a great dog who has moved beyond the trauma she experienced.”
After a little over four months in her foster home, Ruby was finally placed with a forever family. Andrea and William Lee were drawn to Ruby after losing their greyhound dog—who was also missing an eye—to cancer in July.
“Ruby had a rough start and she still has some challenges,” says Andrea, 49. “But because the shelter and rescue group did not give up on her, our family has been blessed with a wonderful companion.”
“We need Ruby,” she added, “as much as she needs us.”
For more on Ruby and other hero dogs, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE on newsstands Friday.
