January 28, 2003

Companionship, Health, Happiness: the Benefits of a Dog's Friendship

January 28, 2003, Bend, OR - Winter can be a great time of the year for dogs and people alike: backcountry ski trips, skijoring, snowshoeing, sledding, or simply enjoying the cold weather and snow. While most people and dogs enjoy playing in the snow, Ruff Wear has a few tips to make the good times even better.

Paws and Feet
Not only do our favorite canine companions make great pals for outdoor activities, it turns out that they are actually good for us. A November 2002 survey from the American Animal Hospital Association shows that people with pets believe their animals contribute to their happiness and health. The survey included responses from 1,242 people, 71% of whom had at least one dog.

Consider the following results:

97% Said their pet makes them smile at least once a day.
92% Said their pet has provided them with some personal health benefits.
66% Travel with their pet.
42% Enjoyed recreation such as car camping, travel, and car trips with their pet.
31% Said providing exercise for a pet has improved their own physical fitness.
43% Have taken their dog to work.
Almost half had more pictures of their pet than of their spouse or significant others.
46% Plan all or most of their free time around their pet.
76% Believe their pet eases their stress level.
65% Believe their pet improves their mental health.
Ruff Wear is dedicated to creating products that help individuals make the most of the time they spend with dogs. No matter how one enjoys the time with their four-legged friends - walking, running, hiking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, backpacking, road trips, water sports - Ruff Wear makes the gear to keep dogs safe and comfortable.

Come see Ruff Wear's new line of gear For Dogs On The Go® at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, Booth #1111. Ruff Wear's 2003 line offers innovative design, durability and performance. The Mutt Hutt™, a full-featured tent for canines, provides a safe haven for dogs. Great for everyday use and the backcountry, the ergonomic Web Master™ harness features a comfortable design with assistance handle, connecting humans and canines. Ruff Wear's line also includes a large array of collars, leashes, travels bowls, dog boots, dog toys, and backpacks for dogs. www.ruffwear.com.

Ruff Wear - gear for dogs on the go - is a manufacturer of canine performance products and dog gear. We make dog bowls, dog boots, dog packs and dog lifejackets. We also specialize in dog apparel, dog coats, leashes and couplers, collars, harnesses, dog beds, dog toys, and dog safety gear. Our products provide solutions to enhance the relationship between owners and their dogs while participating in outdoor recreational activities together such as running, hiking, jogging, trail running, skiing, snowboarding, camping, traveling, climbing, biking, paddling, kayaking, rafting and other outdoor activities and sports. We also sponsor many rescue dogs, sled dogs, animal rehabilitation centers and service dogs. Ruffwear.com is the online presence of the company, Ruff Wear, Inc. Our entire collection of Ruff Wear products and gear can be found on our ruffwear.com website and many of our products can be purchased through our independent retailers. Common misspellings of Ruff Wear are ruffware, roughwear, roughware, roughgear and ruffgear. Get On The Go!