Last May, Ruffwear made an announcement that they would be partnering with Best Friends Animal Society to connect their adventure- and outdoor-loving customers with the fresh air-seeking, adventure-loving dogs at the organization’s animal Sanctuary in Southern Utah. Since then, 29 trail-ready, high-energy dogs have found their soul mates; folks who were ready to take them on a lifetime of adventures, exploring streams, oceans, trails and campgrounds.
Through Ruffwear’s financial commitment of $50,000, in-kind agreement of $64,000, and utilization of its strong social media and communications channels, 29 dogs have found forever homes in the first of this two-year agreement. Hosted through its Facebook page, Ruffwear’s Ruff Adventure Dog Adoption Program (RAD) matched 13 of those dogs through Best Friends’ Sanctuary in Kanab, UT.
Another 16 dogs were adopted through Outdoor Retailer Show adoption events with dogs placed through Best Friend’s No More Homeless Pets Network partners. All approved adoptions are paid for, including travel fees from Utah, by Ruffwear. Each adopted dog has also gone home with a new Ruffwear collar and leash. Along with these events and others, Ruffwear has provided 650 collars and leashes.
“The Ruffwear team couldn’t be more pleased with our partnership with Best Friends Animal Society,” said Ruffwear’s Brand Manager Greg Freyberg. “Finding active, forever homes for 29 adoptable dogs in just 12 months is incredible, and more than we expected! Enhancing and inspiring exploration for outdoor adventurers and their human companions is what Ruffwear is all about. By supporting dog adoption and Best Friends, we look forward to finding forever homes for more RAD dogs during this second year of our partnership”.
“We’re thrilled to be partnered with Ruffwear. Not only has the money donated gone to help further our mission, but its commitment to getting more pets out of shelters and into permanent homes perfectly aligns with what we’re doing around the country,” said Eric Rayvid, director of public relations and content management, Best Friends Animal Society. “With companies like Ruffwear on our side, we know that we will Save Them All.”
WORDS FROM A FEW OF THE ADOPTERS…
“{Stretch & I} go to the dog park daily and go for hikes some evenings and most weekends. He actually learned to swim just this past weekend… a couple weekends ago, Stretch and I did our first backpacking trip together. He did so great!…I feel honored to have him in my life, honestly, and I’m so grateful to Ruffwear and Best Friends.” Anna
“{Slim} has completed two levels of obedience and one day, will complete his good canine citizenship!…We have two other dogs, also rescues, and Slim either lays near them or on them, and is the first to instigate play. Dizzy, his 3 year old sister, loves to chase him around the back yard and tackle him at full speed. And Tide, his 6 year old brother, loves to wrestle…This summer, we will return to Best Friends for our 9th volunteer trip, taking all three dogs with us.” Sarah and Randy, Tide, Dizzy, and Slim
LOOKING AHEAD
In 2016, Ruffwear will be again highlighting adoptable RAD dogs on its Facebook page, hosting a RAD event at Summer Outdoor Retailer, as well as a more consumer focused event at the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, CO June 10-12. The GoPro Mountain Games showcase the best athletes in climbing, kayaking, road-cycling, mountain biking, slacklining, SUP’ ing, rafting, trail running, fly fishing, and of course dogs. Each day, five RAD-qualified dogs will be brought in from Best Friends’ Colorado partners. All approved adoptions will be paid for by Ruffwear, including travel fees from Colorado. And each adopted dog will also go home ready for adventure with a new Ruffwear collar and leash.
ABOUT RUFFWEAR
Ruffwear is committed to enhancing the lives of all dogs and their human companions through relationships with Best Friends Animal Society and The Conservation Alliance. By protecting wild places for their habitat and recreation values through membership in The Conservation Alliance, Ruffwear works to ensure there are plenty of wild, open spaces for dogs and their humans to enjoy together. For more information, please contact Kate Ketschek, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com or 603-828-1050.
