About Us - Ruff Rough

Our team

Kaye Cruz
Founder/Director

Founder Kaye Cruz has spent 25 + years covering Natural Disasters for National News Outlets while covering the most vivid encounters of People rescuing Dogs and Dogs saving people. Hurricane Karina was Kaye’s ground zero experience to create this group.

Jennifer Navarrete
Secretary

Jennifer with Lily is our Secretary. Jennifer has multiple decades as Social Media Mixologist, Podcaster, and Business consultant, operating in great detail with numerous people, companies. Currently in the Web 3 Blockchain development and business operations.

David Lopez
Treasurer

David our numerical master operating in areas of Business Management, Finance & performance. Worked with the City of San Antonio, UETA (Duty Free Americas Inc.) Church’s Fried Chicken, Inc. Currently operates David Lopez & Associates.

John Frazee
Marketing

John with Love.Marketing provides 24 years of cutting edge digital marketing, content creation, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing for non-profits to help promote and increase visibility of the Ruff Rough brand and non-profit mission.

Ernesto
Graphic Design

Ernesto is a community muralist, studio artist, and educator. He utilizes art as a tool for
critical expression and community empowerment. Ernesto’s mission is to produce art
through traditional and digital media that asks the audience to consider the impact of
farm workers in society, Mexican-American history and ancestry, the value of
community, and the power of education. Ernesto is Ruff Rough, Inc. principle designer
of our Logo graphics.

Surviving Katrine, Dog & ManTM

Our Story:

At Ruff Rough, we believe that dogs are more than just pets. They are family members who provide unconditional love and support during times of crisis. Our organization was founded by a group of individuals who experienced first-hand the devastating effects of natural disasters on pets and their owners.

In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina hit Gulfport, Mississippi, Kaye (founder of Ruff Rough) and his media colleagues were shocked to find dead dogs on the beach. They soon discovered that the dogs had been wandering the area in search of water, and had died from dehydration after drinking saltwater. Determined to help, the group began rescuing the surviving dogs and bringing them to a temporary animal shelter.

Through their efforts, the Ruff Rough group was born. Named after the dogs they had rescued, the group was united by their shared experience of post-disaster survival. For five to six days, they worked alongside federal, state, local, and volunteer organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of both humans and animals in the affected areas.

It was the arrival of a fellow media colleague, Harrison, and his RV that truly transformed the Ruff Rough group. With supplies, food, power, and air conditioning, Harrison’s arrival marked the turning point in their efforts. And it was then that Kaye realized the potential of Ruff Rough. We began to rescue dogs roaming the coastline drinking salt water and dying. In turn we brought them to our camp and gave them clean water and what food we had until we could get them to a rescue center.

Today, Ruff Rough is a 501(c) nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the people and dogs who rescue pets during natural disasters or in times of crisis. Our mission is to raise awareness about the importance of pet safety during emergencies, and to provide support and resources to those who rescue and care for animals in need.

At Ruff Rough, we believe that every dog deserves a chance to be rescued and loved. We are committed to creating a world where all pets are valued, cared for, and protected, no matter the circumstances. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of dogs and their owners, and help us celebrate the heroes who make it all possible.

“Ordinary Dogs, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Survival ^TM “