You wouldn’t know it because of her small size and friendly demeanor, but Ruby holds the esteemed title of “Princess of The Terrace” at Phoebe Allentown. Ruby is a seven-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniard/Shih Tzu mix living under the loving and watchful eye of her owner, Nancy Illes.
The two of them met when Ruby was just three months old. Illes and her husband were visiting a pet store in Allentown when they instantly fell in love with Ruby, who just so happened to be the only dog for sale that day. Without hesitation, the couple left the store with Ruby in tow.
Illes lived in Macungie before moving to The Terrace but spent most of her life growing up in towns across New Jersey. Dogs were constantly present in the home throughout her childhood and subsequent adult life. Her family cycled through a number of breeds, valuing the spirit that dogs brought to the family.
Ruby became an instant source of joy in the lives of Illes and her husband. Illes recalls Ruby constantly paying her husband visits while he chipped away at computer work in his office. Ruby would always beg to sit on his lap while he worked. Meanwhile, Illes and Ruby would take regular walks, allowing the two of them to spend their own quality time together.
The neighborhood children took an immediate interest in Ruby, who provided unconditional love and entertainment. To this day, children are Ruby’s favorite audience.
An animal lover through and through, Illes says that dogs have provided her with great emotional support over the years. Through life’s ups and downs, animals have always remained for her.
Unfortunately, Illes is no stranger to loss. When her husband passed away due to an illness that left him hospitalized, she found herself at home with Ruby as her sole companion. Illes noticed Ruby often peering into her husband’s office, wondering where he went. She reminded Ruby, “No, he’s not there.”
The bond between Illes and Ruby undoubtedly strengthened due to their shared loss. Ruby started spending more time in Illes’s lap.
“She has always been by my side,” says Illes.
As loneliness began weighing on Ruby and Illes, they decided it was time to consider a retirement community. Finding a location that accepts pets was a must for Illes. When she got a Facebook ad for the pet-friendly independent living facility known as “The Terrace,” she jumped at the offer. Illes was impressed by the subsequent tour and decided it was the perfect place for her and Ruby to settle down.
On the day of Illes’s move-in, her son-in-law, who was helping her move, decided to do a lap around campus with Ruby as they waited for the last pieces of furniture to arrive. An hour later, he arrived back at the room.
“Where have you been?” asked Illes.
“Everybody met Ruby,” he responded. “They all know and love her already.”
It appeared that Ruby had already adjusted to life at Phoebe. She had already been a highly social dog, but her public life blossomed twofold since arriving at The Terrace.
“She was thrilled,” says Illes. Ruby’s small size also made the adjustment to apartment life rather easy.
Today, Illes’s day often starts with Ruby’s regimented morning kisses, waking Illes up at around 6 a.m. The two of them take a handful of walks every day. Ruby always wants to be where people are, constantly leading Illes to passersby. Her presence brightens the days of her fellow residents, who almost always stop to greet Ruby or hold her.
Ruby’s rockstar status was solidified when Residential Services Coordinator Carmela Simmons dubbed Ruby the “Princess of The Terrace.” Simmons even made Christmas ornaments featuring Ruby’s likeness to be placed on the community tree.
“Every time we go out for a walk, we always meet somebody,” says Illes. Living on the first floor has been advantageous for Illes and Ruby, as it means quick access to the outdoors for Ruby to relieve herself. To their advantage, Phoebe Allentown is also located in an area with plenty of options for walking and nearby parks.
At Phoebe Allentown’s first community Easter Egg Hunt since Illes had moved in, she recalls taking Ruby for a walk and admiring the joy of children searching for sweet treats across the front lawn. Intending to take Ruby back to The Terrace, she lightly tugged on the leash. Naturally, Ruby resisted, wanting to join in on the Easter fun. When Illes explained that she couldn’t go over there, Ruby looked up at Illes as if to say, “Why not?”
When Ruby and Illes aren’t going for walks, Ruby has an assortment of toys at her disposal that activate her more playful side when the two of them have time together in their apartment.
Illes is also involved in campus activities. She is a member of the knitting club, which meets every week. Meetings are scheduled for an hour but often stretch far beyond that because the group has so much fun together.
“I look forward to it every Monday,” says Illes. Knitting is a hobby she has enjoyed for years, often knitting blankets and such for her family. She holds up her calloused fingers as a badge of honor when describing her knitting experience.
Illes also helps with greeting card distribution on campus, ensuring residents receive thank you notes, warm wishes, and similar cards.
“I have been very happy and comfortable [since moving to Phoebe],” says Illes. With Ruby lying beside her every night and the love of her Phoebe community, Illes feels a little less lonely these days.
To learn more about Phoebe Allentown, please visit phoebe.org/allentown/.
Written by Dominic Trabosci