-Jack Russel Sports Ruff Wear Float Coat as he Rides the Waves of Southern California-

June 16, 2004 (Bend, Ore.) - A four year veteran of the Southern California surf, Buddy Hooker loves nothing more than sitting in the line up, waiting for the next set to roll in before hopping on his board and riding the waves to shore. The thing that sets Buddy apart from the rest of the pack is the fact that he has four legs; Buddy is a spirited Jack Russell Terrier.

With an athletic career that started with daily six to sixteen mile runs when Buddy was a pup, the Jack Russell now prefers to strut his stuff in the three and four-foot ocean breaks outside his home in Ventura, California. On most days he can be seen on his 20 year-old Morey Boogie board (with a foam surface that provides traction for Buddy's slippery paws), with family members, Bruce, Leslie, Matthew and Megan. Buddy's surfing career started when he jumped on Megan's vacant board and began testing his balance skills. Shortly thereafter, Buddy followed Bruce out to the lineup and jumped on the nose of his 8'6" long board. Buddy rode wave after wave before eventually falling off. He has been addicted to the sport ever since.

Buddy has had to learn through trial and error and has experienced his fair share of wipeouts. After succumbing to the surf and spending more than a few seconds under water one day, Bruce decided that it was time for Buddy to get a lifejacket. These days Buddy won't go anywhere without his Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat™, a flotation device designed specifically for dogs. Says Bruce, "Buddy loves the Float Coat, it allows him to surf to his heart's content without getting too tired trying to stay afloat."

The K-9 Float Coat's comfortable fit maximizes safety and floats Buddy in a natural swimming position. Highly reflective trim and contrasting colors make it easy for Buddy's buddies to spot him in the ocean waters. Bruce uses the coat's assistance handle to pluck his four-legged surf partner from the water when he falls.

Buddy continues to gain momentum both on an off the board and broaden his athletic career. He has shot a pilot for Animal Planet, appeared on Japanese television, popped up on MSN's photos of the week and most recently received a call from the Tonight Show for a possible future interview. This winter Buddy looks forward to taking his board skills to the hills when he gives snowboarding a shot. He'll make sure to take his Ruff Wear 3D Bark'n Boots™ with him when he goes to protect his paws and his Ruff Wear K-9 Overcoat™ II to keep him warm as he makes the transition from surf to snow. But surfing will always remain Buddy's first love. Affirms Bruce, "Buddy is truly an amazing dog, a great soul surfer, and certainly a real part of our family."

Ruff Wear, For Dogs On The Go®, is the maker of the original collapsible water & food dog bowls, dog packs, dog boots, dog toys, overcoats, canine life jackets, first aid kits, travel bags, training and grooming supplies and gear for dogs of every description - from family companions to working dogs. Based in Bend, Oregon, Ruff Wear sells its products through specialty pet and outdoor retailers, for more information please contact www.ruffwear.com.