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Doing Good: Couple's business helps families keep their pets
by Caroline Dipping, The San Diego Union Tribune
"The book's really meant to help people having a tough time by giving them a little mini vacation…" Lynel Berryhill
Lynel Berryhill well remembers the night three years ago when she and her husband, Shawn, were trying to cheer up friends who had both lost their jobs and were in the process of losing their home to foreclosure. The Berryhills' encouraging and sympathetic words were failing miserably.
Then Bella, the Berryhills' bull mastiff puppy, walked into the room, trumpeted an impressive blast of flatulence, and so startled herself that she turned around and barked. The unhappy couple dissolved into falling-off-the-couch laughter.
"I think laughter is the best medicine," said Berryhill, 35, of San Marcos. "That night was the inspiration for making a book that kind of brings light on this whole recession, bad economy thing."
The Berryhills founded Ruff Ride, a company that uses the couple's pet photography skills, love of animals and sense of humor to save pets that otherwise would be abandoned because their out-of-work owners can no longer afford to keep them. Through Ruff Ride, the Berryhills have created a series of calendars, posters, and mugs depicting precious pups accompanied by inspirational and humorous messages aimed at helping lift people's spirits.
Recently, the couple released their 106-page book inspired by Bella titled "Ruff Ride." Each colorful page features a kitty or a pooch – many with hangdog expressions – accompanied by sayings such as "Economic Recovery: A light shines dimmest just before it explodes," and "I REALLY need those winning lotto numbers…or a bailout."
"The book's really meant to help people having a tough time by giving them a little mini vacation through the spirit of each of these creatures," said Lynel Berryhill.
Ruff Ride works with a number of organizations, including the Humane Society of the United States, which has a foreclosure pet fund. Recently, Ruff Ride has given funds to Meals on Wheels to help elderly people who can't afford food for their pets.
"When you start to talk to people, you realize what a shame it is when they have to give up the light of their life when times are tough," Berryhill said. "Their dog or cat provides unconditional love."
Holiday tip from the Ruff Hound Gang
By Roofus Ruff
We the canine compatriots of Ruff Ride have noticed a serious lack of holiday festiveness this year.
There are in fact numerous scrooges out there who are ardently adept at thwarting any interaction that would potentially lead to holiday merriment.
In response, we have devised a plan that will put a smile on the face of even the most hardened ba-humbugger.
Follow the step by step process below to launch your own sweet surprise attack.
