While everyone knows we love our booze and BBQ, we also love our dogs. We aren’t much for lap dogs. Our dogs, like us, like to hike, run, swim and explore. That is why we are also big fans of Ruffwear Performance Dog Gear. Based in Bend, Oregon the company makes durable life jackets, dog packs, beds, bowls and travel gear for our little buds.
This month, Ruffwear announced a two-year partnership, including financial and in- kind product, as well as adoption promotions, with Best Friends Animal Society, the only national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters.
Ruffwear chose Best Friends Animal Society because of its leadership in the no kill movement. The organization runs the nation’s largest no-kill companion animal sanctuary, as well as lifesaving programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters across the country. Since its’ founding in 1984, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in American shelters from 17 million per year to about 4 million.
Over the course of the partnership, Ruffwear will contribute $50,000 in financial support to cover adoption and travel fees for dogs adopted from Best Friends’ sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, to their new homes anywhere in the US (travel covered to the closest major airport). An additional $64,000 in in-kind product will ensure each adopted dog will go to his/her forever home with a new Ruffwear Hoopie Collar and Flat Out Leash.
“We are grateful to our partners at Ruffwear for helping more dogs get into forever homes,” said Eric Rayvid, public relations director, Best Friends Animal Society. “We all need to do our part to find a home for every dog we can and we’re thrilled that our partners at Ruffwear are helping to Save Them All.”
“Raising awareness of and promoting dog adoption is a natural fit for Ruffwear,” said Will Blount, Ruffwear president. “The companionship, excitement, and curiosity of dogs make for the perfect trail mates as we venture into the outdoors. In partnering with Best Friends, we are excited to introduce Ruffwear fans to the active, adoptable dogs at the Best Friends Sanctuary in Southern Utah. We are proud to join forces with such an incredible organization and feel that through our partnership, we can truly make an impact for many dogs and their future human companions for a lifetime of adventures.”
Just to make you choke up at your desk, Ruffwear made this video to remind us how special it is to adopt a dog and give them a forever home. And don’t forget, Fathers’ Day is around the corner. Maybe Pops needs a new companion?
