Scandia’s top dog, Ruby, and her owner Pat Bettendorf were at Lakes International Language Academy in Forest Lake on Tuesday. The pitbull, who went from being abandoned to a certified service dog, runner-up in a national pet food contest and subject of an award-winning book, continues to spread cheer through community engagements. She has made weekly appearances at the charter school, where young students read to her. Above: First-graders Joey Dolphy and Vivian Winkler enjoy their visit with Ruby. Bettendorf’s 10-year-old pal is now the subject of a second book. Released in late 2013, Ruby’s Road follows on the success of 2010’s Ruby’s Tale, and tells of the beloved pitbull’s adventures as her fame grows. Highlights include her work with a professional theater company and her visit to an Ivy League law school. The book is a finalist in two categories of Foreword Reviews’ 16th annual Book of the Year Awards. To order Ruby’s Road, visit www.rubystales.com. (Photo by Clint Riese)