Dear Realdawg Family,
It’s been a real wild ride for me the past 22 years; going from the days of dial-up internet to wireless routers, phone lists to texting, chasing down commits to simply looking at Twitter.
I started out a nobody and became one of the most hated media figures to Oregon Duck fans! That, in itself, was my best accomplishment!
All in all, I’ve had an amazing experience covering this team and the school that I love and feel so passionate about.
Today I have made the decision to close the laptop and retire.
I have made enormous sacrifices over the years where my family is concerned; missing several events, vacations, etc. all because I had to put my work first and be on call if there was breaking news.
As many of you know, I became a Gramma two years ago and my life took a new turn and a new adventure began; one that I never anticipated would be so incredible. It made me realize I needed to turn my attention back to the value of family and the precious time it takes to truly embrace those relationships.
I think it’s about being present for those people I love so much. My daughter was 8 years old when I started out, now she is about to turn 31.
I was 38 and now I am leaning into turning 61.
You guys (and gals) have been so important to me; supporting the site and me as I went through the loss of both my parents, my own bout with cancer, and so many other life-changing events. You stuck with us, and it’s meant more to me than you will ever know.
I owe it you to sign off and leave you with a Realdawg.com that is still just as active with the UW media scene as it has been for 22 years.
I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I have been blessed to have made lasting friendships with players, alumni, and coaches over the years, even though now they are scattered all over the country. I grew up bleeding purple and gold, and all my dreams came true.
I will be turning over the reins to someone who can definitely take this site to the next level, he is a devoted publisher and I will still be working behind the scenes to provide him with leads and insider info as he goes forth in running Realdawg.com. He has a great vision and has proven himself to be an ambitious and intentional writer. You can look forward to a lot more coverage.
Right now this is still in negotiations and so I will not give out names because he currently has another gig and until that ink hits the paper, I cannot divulge that information. And please, give the new team some grace as this transition takes place. You will not be disappointed – and Husky fans deserve more voices in the media, not less. Independent sites don’t have any axes to grind or agendas to fulfill, so they have to exist in order to bring diverse perspectives rather than corporate talking points for college football fans, all within the oversight and respect for the athletic departments we cover.
But don’t leave us; you will be happy – I promise.
And now, signing off…I love you guys, I am thankful for you — and I will never forget you. GO DAWGS!! WOOF
— Ruth
