Lifestyle Pets Pit Bull Mix Adopted After 853 Days in Alabama Shelter: She's 'Ready to Start Her Life' Rutabaga the dog's 853-day stay at the East Alabama Humane Society is the longest any animal has resided at the shelter awaiting adoption By Glenn Garner Glenn Garner Instagram Twitter Glenn Garner is a Writer/Reporter who works heavily with PEOPLE's Movies and TV verticals. Since graduating from Northern Arizona University with a dual major in journalism and photography, he got his professional start at OUT Magazine, The Advocate and Teen Vogue, and he's since consistently kept his finger on the pulse of the LGBTQ community. His first book The Guncle Guide was released in 2020 and was featured on Katie Couric's list of 100 recommended books of the year. People Editorial Guidelines Published on May 26, 2021 04:10 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Courtesy Jessica Ventiere A pit bull/bull terrier mix named Rutabaga has gotten her happily ever after, following 853 days in an Alabama animal shelter. The 4-year-old pooch found her forever home with Jeremy Armstrong and his wife Jessica Ventiere, who admits she has a self-diagnosed "dog problem," according to WSFA 12. "I've only ever had shelter dogs," Ventiere said, noting that she's adopted from at least four shelters. "I'm a big advocate for rescue dogs. There's something about them. They're just the best dogs." Ethan the Rescue Dog Overcomes Brush with Death to Become Professional Dog Beer Taste Tester She and her husband fell in love with Rutabaga (a.k.a. Ruti) after reading a recent profile about her record-breaking stay at the East Alabama Humane Society, longer than any other resident of the shelter. "My husband saw it and knows I'm a terrible sucker for dogs," she said. "He read it to me. That was all it took." Courtesy Jessica Ventiere The shelter noted that Ruti is a "really good dog with no behavior issues" while advocating for her on Facebook. "She has waited ever so patiently," the shelter wrote. "She's endured coming to us from animal control, raising her 9 pups in the shelter, being treated for heartworms. She's more than ready to start her life in a loving home." Although the humane society received a flood of requests to adopt Ruti after the profile was published, the shelter found that Ventiere and Armstrong are the perfect matches for the pooch. The couple adopted the canine after fostering her for a week. "It's like she's been with us the whole time," Ventiere said. "She came and fit right in. She's just the sweetest thing. So full of personality, and just great." RELATED VIDEO: Paralyzed Dog Finds New, Loving Home In addition to their six children, the couple also has three other dogs, a turtle, two frogs, and some fish, all of whom have welcomed Ruti as part of the family.