Ruff Wear Performance Dog Gear Expands Eco-Sensitive Product Line & Introduces Affordable Gifts Just In Time for the Holiday Season

Eco-sensitive, budget-minded gifts for dogs

According to the Humane Society of the United States, thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog, so even our canine companions are leaving their paw prints on the environment.

This holiday season, budgets may still be tight, and dog lovers will need affordable gifts for their canine companions. Ruff Wear makes it possible to stay under budget with new eco-sensitive stocking stuffers for dogs. Ruff Wear is unveiling two new interactive "green" toys this fall that dogs will love. The SquareBall™ rubber dog toy features interactive commands for training or play. The Sqwash™ is a pliable rubber toy that is soft on dogs' teeth and gums. Like all Ruff Wear rubber toys, they are made from natural (versus petroleum based) rubber, a renewable and sustainable resource.

U.S. spending on pets will be up in 2009

The American Pets Product Association (APPA) estimates that in 2009, Americans will spend an approximate $45.4 billion on their pets -- a $2.2 billion increase from what pet owners spent in 2008.

Also consider these great gift ideas:

-Bivy Bowl™ - Ultra-Lightweight Portable Bowl
Innovative collapsible food and water bowls for dogs put Ruff Wear on the map back in 1994. The new Bivy Bowl is designed with welded fabric technology that creates a watertight seal eliminating the need for two layers of fabric. This bowl is ultra-light and ideal for backpacking adventures.

-The DoubleBack Harness™ - Ruff Wear's New Climbing Harness for Dogs
Some want to scale the high points in all 50 states and others set their sights on climbing Colorado's Fourteeners. Now, Ruff Wear makes it possible to safely take your canine companion along on your next climbing adventure with the DoubleBack Harness. This adjustable strength-rated safety harness is designed for climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, and lifting and lowering your dog in exposed areas.

"Creating quality products that address our customers' needs has contributed to Ruff Wear's double digit growth in 2008. The new fall 2009 products from Ruff Wear demonstrate the company's commitment to an increasingly sustainable product line. Several of our new products incorporate sustainable or recycled materials. The Climate Changer, for example, will save the energy equivalent of 7.2 pounds of carbon dioxide per jacket compared to virgin polyester," said Patrick Kruse, Ruff Wear's founder.

Fall 2009 New Products from Ruff Wear

Ruff Wear Eco-Sensitive, Interactive Dog Toys:

Ruff Wear is committed to preserving open lands and waterways, providing important habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities. Ruff Wear partners with The Conservation Alliance to protect these special places so important to canines and humans. Additionally, Ruff Wear works with regional grass roots organizations, giving back to the community, and creating opportunities to strengthen the bond between humans and their dogs.

Ruff Wear was recognized as a ''100 Best Green Companies to Work For in Oregon'' on June 1, 2009.

Based in Bend, Oregon, Ruff Wear sells their products through specialty pet and outdoor retailers as well as www.ruffwear.com. Find Ruff Wear on Facebook at facebook/ruffwear and on our Dog Blog, http://dogblog.ruffwear.net.