August 26, 2008

Ruff Wear Grip Trex Boots Provide Relief for Burned Bear Cub Saved From Wildfires in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, CA

A badly burned bear cub was listed in critical condition Monday, August 11, after being rescued by a state firefighter from the burning wildfires in Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Lil Smokey, the orphaned, 8.5-pound, 6-month-old black bear cub, is undergoing treatment for badly burned paws and pads at the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care facility, a licensed facility for the rehabilitation and release of orphaned and injured wildlife.

During his treatment, Lil Smokey will be donning the Ruff Wear Bark’n Boots Grip Trex (http://www.ruffwear.com/dog_boots) which will assist in the healing and re-growth of the pads and toenails, while also preventing him from gnawing and removing the antibiotics.

“Ruff Wear’s Bark’n Boots Grip Trex keep Lil Smokey from chewing through the bandages and we plan to use these until his paws are completely healed or until we feel that they are healed enough that he won’t have the urge to chew his injured paws," said Tom Millham, Secretary/Treasurer of Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care.

Originally designed to keep the paws of active dogs protected from a variety of elements--surface temperatures, abrasion, chemical snow melt and unseen hazards—the Ruff Wear Bark’n Boots Grip Trex have been useful for a variety of applications and animals, and even durable enough for a bear cub! “We tried several methods to keep him [Lil Smokey] from chewing the bandages, until we found Ruff Wear’s boots. We are very pleased with the ability they have to withstand the chewing ability of a bear cub,” said Millham.

Ruff Wear’s Bark'n Boots Grip Trex were inspired by human hiking shoes and provide long lasting comfort and protection of dog paws. MSRP is $59.95. They can be purchased at local outdoor and pet retailers carrying Ruff Wear products or by going to www.ruffwear.com.

For Lil Smokey updates, please check out his blog:
http://ltwc.typepad.com/

About Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care Facility
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care has been in existence since April 1978, celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year. Tom Millham, is the Secretary/Treasurer of Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC). Along with his wife, Cheryl, the Executive Director, the non-profit organization has been run out of their home. During that time, LTWC has cared for more than 20,000 wild birds and animals and have released over 13,000 back to the wild. Their mission is to raise, rehabilitate and release orphaned and injured ‘wild’ birds and animals in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin. Because of their proper caging and an agreement with California Fish and Game, they also rehabilitate bear cubs throughout the entire state. Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care is currently the only wildlife group in the state of California to rehab bear cubs and release them back to the wild. Please check out their web site at www.ltwc.org.

About Ruff Wear
Ruff Wear's mission is to enhance the interactive bond between canines and their human guardians. Ruff Wear encourages an active lifestyle for everyone with a four-legged friend - stay fit, healthy, and happy - whether it's 15 minutes of playtime, a long walk, or a day hike. Ruff Wear gear For Dogs On the Go® combines performance, quality, fit, function, and safety to meet the needs of active and adventurous canines and their companions.

Ruff Wear is committed to preserving wild lands and waterways, providing important habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities. Ruff Wear partners with The Conservation Alliance to give back to the special places so important to canines and humans. Additionally, Ruff Wear works with regional grass roots organizations, giving back to the community while further enhancing the bond between humans and canines.

Based in Bend, Oregon, Ruff Wear sells their line through specialty pet and outdoor retailers as well as through www.ruffwear.com.

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Contact: Christy Caplan for Ruff Wear
503/412-8850
christyc@sundropmedia.com