As I am always teased for saying, making a long story short.....not.... I will definitely make this one short.  Ruffikins is no longer in business.
It was fun, but regulations, taxes, on a non profit making company, etc. compelled us to shutter the biz.  Thank you to all those that gave your support and purchased our treats. All the best. 
 
Although we have not been writing for quite some time we have been active doing our subscriptions and appearing at various events, several of which we should have posted for you to attend. Our apologies for not getting that out there.
We are back at the Tuxedo Farmers Market, on Route 17, the second Saturday of every month.  This month we are teaming up with an enterprising young man that has decided to sell his childhood books for a worthy cause.  Ruffikins will donate 15% of all sales from this event to his project. So come on by and check out the market, the books that are going to be sold, learn about his project and of course buy some Ruffikins.
 
Ruffikins has been on a bit of a hiatus since our last post.  Truth is that we have been trying to figure out what is the best way to promote Ruffikins and actually have folks buy these delicious treats.  Clearly the current method is not working.  Ruffikins sell like hotcakes when we are there in person. They have not however turned into an internet sensation.  We get lots of views, but no sales.  
Rumor has it that we need to change our site and get right to the point. How to buy should be front and center. So we are working on that and some other creative ideas. Thoughts anyone?
What actually made Ruffikins get back to writing was a letter in the "Dear Diary" section of the New York Times.  It was written by Larry Eisenberg and concerned the passing of a homeless man named Jose Perez and his dog Shorty. A truly New York story and one that speaks about the city on many levels.  Worth reading if you can find it. We are thrilled that it sounds as though Shorty has a new home and pleased that so many people turned out for Jose Perez's funeral Mass at St. Joseph's.

 
We met so many people and dogs at PetCo for Kate's book signing and it was great fun to be there.  If you have not been to PetCo in Union Square on a Saturday I highly recommend that you go. Also, if you have not read or seen Kate's book, run out there, get one and start putting into practice her practical and loving approach to training your furry pal.  It would make a great Holiday gift.  It seems that this time of year many people do get pets and why not start them off with some great training advice. 
Happy Holidays to everyone, from our home to yours.  
 
Kate Perry's book signing at the PetCo Union Square (860 Broadway)  was rescheduled due to Hurricane Sandy to November 17, 2012.  That's right, tomorrow.  Same time and place and it will still be teamed with the great Rock and Rawhide gang.  Food, music, Ruffikins Muffins, who could ask for anything more?  Oh yes, a signed copy of the book, "Training for Both Ends of the Leash". 
 
PetCo Union Square (860 Broadway) and the PetCo foundation will host Kate Perry and her new book, "Training for Both Ends of the Leash", on Saturday, November 3, 2012.  Stop by from 1:00 to 3:00 and buy a signed copy of the book.  Enjoy live music, drinks, Ruffikins Muffins, and more with the Rock and Rawhide gang. They have teamed up with Kate for this launch and it will a lot of fun.
It is also your chance to donate a treat or a toy for a shelter animal.

Hope to see you there.


 
Ok, since we were on "The Couch", the local CBS morning, show with its fabulous hosts and crew, we have had more interest in our web site than ever before.  Check out our segment on the show if you have not already with the following link.  You do have to wait for it to load the video and unfortunately listen to an add, but then we are there . 

 http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/10/16/local-woman-makes-treats-for-the-foodie-dog-owners-can-eat-them-too/#listen-live 

The interest is great!  The question that we have for you now is whether or not you would like to see us at a specific location, other than the Tuxedo Farmers Market, so that you can try Ruffikins for your favorite canine friend? 

If you would, we would love to hear your suggestions as to the most convenient spot for you in Manhattan. Perhaps even in Brooklyn as  Charlie's canine nephew lives there, so it is not out of the realm of possibilities. 
We would love to hear from you!
 
Apologies for some incomplete sentences on our previous post regarding our appearance on The Couch. 

We started to mention that we were pleased that John Elliot could try a Ruffikin without worries.  He has been known to try other dog treats on the show and as the previous treat maker advised him, "Keep your paws off those!"  We said, "go ahead and try one; perhaps with a bit honey."

Technology is not our strength at Ruffikins. We are learning as we go.  So from time to time, you will note, that we will need to send a correction.

We hope that you realize that what we are passionate about is what we do and our strength is our product. 

Remember, Ruffikins are DOG TREATS, made with human grade ingredients, and we think so good that your pet might share a nibble with you.  Charlie recommends that your pets do not share them with you.  You have enough good things to eat that your pet does not need to share them with you.  So, keep your paws off! Yes, we are back to that.

Check out our segment on the show. http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/10/16/local-woman-makes-treats-for-the-foodie-dog-owners-can-eat-them-too/#listen-live
 
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/10/16/local-woman-makes-treats-for-the-foodie-dog-owners-can-eat-them-too/#listen-live

Go to the above link to see Ruffikins Muffins on the October 16th episode of "The Couch." The local CBS morning show featured a segment about Ruffikins.  

Ruffikins wants to thank everyone on the show for this exciting experience and the chance to spread the word why we are so passionate about Ruffikins.  

Check out Charlie on the show. I think you will agree that he was the perfect pooch. He loved the attention that he received from the two beautiful hosts, Carolina
Bermudez and Lisa Kerney. Although you could not see Charlie for part of the segment, he was in seventh heaven when Katie McGee joined the cast to ask some questions about Ruffikins. We hope that her dog, Norman, is feeling better today as he was home with an upset stomach. He suffers from allergies.   Charlie was also thrilled to meet John Elliot, the third host of the show, when he stopped by the Green Room to say hello. He gave the crew the full body waggle the entire morning as only a happy cocker spaniel can do. High praise indeed.

A loud RUFF, RUFF (THANK YOU, THANK YOU) to everyone for their support yesterday. We would love to do it again.

 
No this is not a story about dogs sleeping on couches.  It is exciting news about a local CBS television show that is on weekdays from 7-9:00 am.  Look for us (Charlie will be on the air as well) on October 16.  We will be making Ruffikins on the show. 
It is a great morning show and we are very excited about being on it, so tune in.
Che