Anyone with an Instagram account, a hankering for adventure, and a dog has probably posted at least a few shots of themselves rucking around with their furry friend. That’s normal. What we have here is something else: a collection of the most inspiring human-and-canine teams that have taken outdoor adventure on social media to the next level.
Aspen
Breed: 5-year-old male Golden Retriever
Adventure Companions: Hunter and Sarah Lawrence
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Instagram: @aspenthemountainpup
In April, photographers Sarah and Hunter Lawrence were touring New Orleans’ French Quarter with Aspen when he was recognized on three separate occasions. The Lawrences, both professional photographers, were blown away. Even more blown away were Hunter’s parents, who were in New Orleans alongside the couple. They hadn’t yet grasped the extent of their grand-dog’s fame. “What the heck is going on?” they laughed. What’s going on is 1) Aspen is really charismatic, and 2) the Lawrences specialize in brand-building for companies and nonprofits and take really great shots of their dog. “He has grown to expect attention like he got from the people in New Orleans,” says Hunter. “He loves to give people hugs. He leans as hard as he can on you and whimpers a little. It’s irresistible. He’s knocked a few total strangers over hugging them.”
While Aspen has become quite famous on Instagram, the Lawrences turn down lots of the opportunities that come their way. They prefer partnering Aspen with companies that sponsor good causes, like when Merrick Backcountry asked Aspen to be a part of National Take a Hike Day. To keep it fun, the Lawrences select photos for Aspen’s account based more on what makes them laugh than what they think people will want to see. “The cute photo of Aspen begging for food tableside gets more interaction than the one we snapped after a seven-hour hike to a waterfall,” says Hunter. “We’ve learned not to overthink it.”
Jasper
Breed: 2-year-old male Golden Retriever/Malamute mix
Adventure Companion: Whitney Whitehouse
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Instagram: @jazz.paws
Whitehouse wasn’t looking for a dog, but when she saw a photo of the then-four-month-old Jasper at the shelter in eastern Washington, she was captivated. “He had the biggest smile and those wonky ears,” Whitehouse says. She took a day off work as a staff photographer from 10 Barrel Brewing in Bend and drove the eight hours that day to claim him. “I love to use Jasper’s account to inspire people to get outside by picking shots that show Oregon’s beauty,” says Whitehouse. It’s not hard. His portraits are shot in spots like Smith Rocks, the Oregon Coast, or the mossy McKenzie River Trail. “The biggest challenge is figuring out which awesome spot to take him after work,” she says.
Loki
Breed: 4-year-old male wolf/Husky/Malamute mix
Adventure Companion: Kelly Lund
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Instagram: @loki_the_wolfdog
Husky-wolf hybrids are notoriously difficult, prone to wandering off, challenging an owner’s authority, and wreaking massive havoc. “I named him Loki, after the Norse god of mischief,” says Lund. This Loki is quite chill, though, and that starts with exercise. Lund regularly runs Loki at 20 miles per hour alongside his bike in Denver and even alongside the truck when out on mountain roads. “He is a lot more focused and willing to pose for shots once he’s exercised,” says Lund. It also means letting him have the adventure he craves. “Loki doesn’t care about treats or pets on the head,”…
