Get Involved

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR HOW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY CAN BE RUFF RIDERS TOO!

Ruby was one of the lucky ones because she had heroes who cared for her feral mother, searched for her in the woods, found her, caught her, and delivered her to a good foster home. There, she received proper meals, vet care, love, and an appropriate adoption screening. You can be a hero too!

Karen Ruben

A portion of the proceeds from RUFF Riders will be donated to NC RUFF animal rescue. Funds will benefit the additional animals they will be able to save. To donate, log onto www.ncruff.org

Here is a menu of options for Ur family to get involved in community service related to animal rescue.

Adopt a rescue animal.
Spay/neuter your pets.
Volunteer at an animal shelter, foster organization, or adoption fairs, or look into local pet therapy programs in your area.
Foster pets in need. There are organizations in every area that are in dire need of additional foster volunteers. Most animal shelters are overpopulated, and far too many of the dogs and cats that don’t make it into a no-kill shelter or a foster home are euthanized.
Support animals in need by donating money, pet toys, beds, food, and paper goods to your chosen shelter or foster organization.
Host a fundraiser. There are fun themes like the Easter party that Ruby had for NC RUFF, doggy birthday parties, or just about any occasion to raise money for a local animal shelter.
Guests never know what to bring to a Hot “Dog” BBQ you might be hosting, so let them know on your invitation that donations are preferred. When you invite your friends with their dog to a party, they all want to attend!

Fundraising parties are a really fun way to raise money to help animals in need.

For instance, guests at Ruby’s Easter party:

Made donations to NC RUFF. Your guests can donate to your local shelter or organization.
Played lots of fun games with their dogs, like “Pull the Treat off the Donkey” (peanut butter makes a great treat glue!)
Went on an Easter egg hunt (plastic eggs filled with treats).
Won fun raffle prizes (doggy treats, toys, etc).
Guessed how many jelly beans in one jar and dog treats in another jar. (Count and write the answers on a piece of paper hidden in the top of each jar.)
Took home a treat bag filled with treats and balls (plus information on how to donate to our supported animal group).

Ruby also enjoys celebrating birthdays! (Google “dog cake recipes” and be surprised what you find! Ruby’s cake was made with egg, peanut butter, canned pumpkin, whole-wheat flour, and baking soda.)

Want your own I AM A RUFF RIDER sticker, just like the “badges" Olivia gave out to community volunteers in the book?

Click here to download and then print out on mailing labels.

Announcing The RUFF Riders Rescue Foundation: Empowering Change, One Paw at a Time

Karen Ruben, author,and passionate animal advocate, is proud to announce the launch of The RUFF Riders Rescue Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting animal rescue efforts across the country.

Our Mission: Making a Difference in the Lives of Rescued Animals

With a deep love for animals and a strong desire to give back to the community, Karen founded The RUFF Riders Rescue Foundation to address the pressing issues of pet overpopulation, animal abuse and neglect. Our mission is to create meaningful change by supporting rescue organizations and initiatives that tirelessly work to save and rehabilitate at-risk animals.

A Grand Adventure Awaits: Join the RUFF Riders!

At The RUFF Riders Rescue Foundation, we believe in the power of collective action. Together, we can create a world where every animal has a loving and safe home. Our journey is just beginning, and we invite you to be a part of this grand adventure.

Here's how you can get involved:
Join the Pack

Donate and Make a Difference:

Your generous contributions directly support our partner rescues, providing vital resources for medical care, shelter, and nourishment. Every dollar makes a significant impact in the lives of rescued animals.

Adopt, Don’t Shop:

Consider adopting a rescued animal and give them a second chance at a forever home filled with love and care. Together, we can end the cycle of pet overpopulation and animal homelessness.

Volunteer and Foster:

Become an essential part of the rescue process by offering your time, skills, and home as a foster caregiver. You can make an incredible difference in the life of a rescued animal and prepare them for their forever family.

Spreading Compassion Through the Power of Stories

Explore Our Site and Be Inspired :

As you navigate karenruben.com, you will discover heartwarming rescue stories, resources for animal lovers, and information about The Ruff Riders Rescue Foundation’s ongoing initiatives. Together, we can create a brighter future for animals in need, one paw at a time.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. Your support and dedication will leave a lasting paw print on countless lives.

Karen Ruben & The Ruff Riders Rescue Foundation Team

MALIK’S BASIC DOG TRAINING TIPS

SIT

Hold a treat on Puppy’s nose while she is standing.
Slowly lure her head up until Puppy’s bottom touches the floor.
As soon as this happens, say, “Yes!” and give Puppy the treat.
Repeat this several times.

STAY

After Puppy has learned the sit command, ask her to sit.
Say, “Stay” and at the same time, hold up one hand, palm facing toward Puppy, and hold up a treat in the other hand.
After a couple of seconds, say, “OK,” praise and treat Puppy for staying still.
Keep the stays short at first, then build up the time Puppy waits for your OK command before being treated.

DOWN

Hold a treat on Puppy’s nose while in a sitting position and slowly lower the treat to the ground.
Puppy should follow the treat to the floor. As soon as she is in a down position with elbows touching the floor, say, “Yes!” and treat Puppy.

COME

Hold a treat on Puppy’s nose.
Turn and walk away. While looking back at Puppy, say, “Puppy, come”.
When Puppy reaches you, say, “Yes!” and treat Puppy.