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Ruff Wear Athlete, Gary Rolfe, Successfully Completes 400 Mile Journey Across Arctic

December 9, 2004 (Bend, Ore.) — Pingo and Hansel, two Ruff Wear wonder dogs, successfully completed their 400 mile summer journey across the Arctic with their human, British adventurer Gary Rolfe, in tow. Traveling from the Horton River in the western Arctic, Rolfe and his two canine companions navigated wind, rain, snow and wild animals big and small to eventually arrive at the Arctic coast in Kugluktuk.

Ruff Wear, the leading producer of gear For Dogs On The Go®, provided equipment for both Pingo and Hansel. The Siberian-Samoyed crosses carried their own food and supplies in their Ruff Wear Palisades Packs while Rolfe carried his own pack containing supplies. The group relied on the only maps available, those drawn up from aerial photographs taken 43 years ago. Their path took them along terrain that few have seen since the ancient nomadic Inuit followed the migratory pattern of the caribou.

The trio encountered all elements from wind, rain and dense fog to grizzly bear encounters and epic river crossings. “Hansel and Pingo definitely put their Ruff Wear packs to the test,” said Rolfe. “We traveled 400 miles through all conditions and the packs didn’t wear out or begin to rub the dogs. They fit perfectly and allowed Hansel and Pingo to carry their own supplies throughout the duration of the trip.”

“We are excited to support Gary and his team,” stated Ruff Wear Marketing Director David Madden. “Hansel and Pingo give new meaning to our token phrase, ‘For Dogs On The Go’ and it’s exciting for the Ruff Wear crew to see our products really standing up to the test.”

Looking to the future, Rolfe plans on remaining in the Arctic through the winter. This year’s pups will make their first journey on the ocean next spring. Rolfe already has plans in the making for a 2006 adventure and is currently putting together a team of dogs and beginning their training.

Ruff Wear, For Dogs On The Go®, produces high quality dog products for all walks of canine life. Designed with dogs foremost in-mind (and their humans) Ruff Wear’s extensive product line ensures your canine adventures are always enjoyable, from a walk in the park, to a hike on a favorite trail, to a day on the river. Based in Bend, Oregon, Ruff Wear sells their products through specialty pet and outdoor retailers as well as through www.ruffwear.com.

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