A Home for Ruby Helping Children Adjust to New Families

A spirited horse named Ruby never felt loved by her previous owners. When she misbehaved she would be sent off to a new owner and farm. The cycle continues until she gets to Meadow Green. Ruby's new owner, Jen, works with Ruby. She is patient and understands that Ruby is frustrated and scared, and that is why Ruby misbehaves. Jen and Ruby become best friends, but it does not happen overnight, and it is not always easy. Ruby tests Jen and does not treat her very nicely. She tries to nip at her and buck her off when Jen rides her. It takes time, but Ruby realizes that bad behavior is not the right way to get attention. Ruby learns that her new home with her new family is exactly where she wants to be. Through Ruby, children see the importance of relationships and how to understand and cope with being part of a new family.

P. J. Neer holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from West Virginia University. Dr. Neer has worked with children of all ages as a psychotherapist. She and her husband, Ken, own and run a horse boarding facility, Meadow Green, which is the inspiration of her books. She lives in Morgantown, WV.