At Rex Specs, we know that fresh air, open spaces, and muddy paws all have a way of deepening the bond between us and our dogs. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk or a summit scramble, time spent outside has a way of bringing us closer—not just to nature, but to each other. There’s no one who knows this better than Rex Specs ambassador Dakota Berdahl, and her dogs Gus and Mia.
Meet Dakota, Gus, and Mia
An avid lover of the outdoors, Dakota grew up camping and fishing with her family. She has had a lifelong love for animals, and knew dogs were the perfect companions to match her active lifestyle. Raised with dogs who were mostly house pets, she was ready to bring home a dog of her own — a true adventure buddy who would be by her side through every journey.
In comes Gus and Mia. Rescued from the humane society at 1 year old, Gus is an Australian Cattle Dog/Labrador Retriever mix with a black and white spotted coat that’s hard to miss! Mia is a Dutch Shepherd with an endless drive to work and play.
Together, the trio has built a life exploring and creating memories on the trails in Colorado.
Building A Bond
Time spent outdoors has brought out new sides of both dogs and given Dakota a renewed love of hiking. She always appreciated nature, but hiking sometimes felt like an activity focused solely on reaching the view at the end. After bringing Gus and Mia into her life, her outlook completely shifted.
“Once I got dogs, it absolutely renewed my inspiration and love of hiking all the time - because the main point of hiking now is to see the joy that the dogs get from running and exploring,” she says.
Gus, who is typically calm and laid-back at home, lights up once he hits the trails. You might even catch him get a burst of energy and get the zoomies if you’re lucky! “It’s really quite funny and heartwarming to see Gus just open up and have a blast,” Dakota shares. Mia, on the other hand, thrives on adventure and physical activity. There’s no place to burn off steam like the mountains of Colorado. After running and exploring, she’s content to chill—though Dakota says it can take a solid five miles to slow her down!
Dakota has discovered unique quirks about each dog during their adventures. Gus is all about sniffing and tracking scents, especially small animals like birds and squirrels. Mia, by contrast, barely stops to smell anything—she’s too busy running back and forth between Dakota and the trail ahead, making sure her human is keeping up. According to Dakota, Mia easily covers three times the distance during any hike just by checking in.
Camping, hiking, and fishing are big parts of Dakota, Gus, and Mia’s lifestyle, but their outdoor adventures don’t stop there. They also enjoy competing in dog sports like obedience, agility, frisbee, and dock diving, and capturing it all through photography—one of Dakota’s personal passions. Her favorite subjects, of course, are always Gus and Mia.
Gearing Up For Adventure
For Dakota, it’s important that every adventure starts and ends with safety, from the ride to the trailhead to the end of the hike! Gus and Mia load up in their Ruffland kennels for safety on the road, and are equipped with their Rex Specs goggles once they hit the trail. The high altitude and bright sun in Colorado make eye protection critical. Gus benefits from the goggles while sniffing low to the ground through grasses and weeds, while Mia’s goggles protect her from flying debris, branches, and more.
“We’ve even had some accidental scares with barbed wire. Luckily, the Specs have not only saved her eyes, but created a buffer for her face and ears as well,” she shares.
For especially challenging hikes, Dakota also gears them up in their Trailhead Harnesses, allowing her to assist the dogs with tough uphill sections on hikes or offering extra support over rocky terrain.
Dakota carefully plans their hikes around the weather—opting for trails near water on hot days to keep the dogs cool and hydrated, and carrying extra water when needed.
Find Out More About Your Dog’s Need for Eye Protection
A New Appreciation for Nature
Before Gus and Mia, Dakota already valued nature—but through her dogs’ eyes, she has learned to appreciate it even more deeply. Watching Gus and Mia experience the outdoors with such joy has led her to explore more places, embrace more adventures, and live fully in the moment.
“You should be there in the present. Only thinking about the smells you’re smelling, the views you're viewing, or simply the steps you’re taking instead of stressing about the past or the future. Dogs just don’t have a concept of that,” she says.
Time outdoors with her dogs has become a reminder that life shouldn’t just revolve around work and routine. It’s about finding new experiences, soaking up beauty, and slowing down enough to enjoy it all.
Lifelong Memories
Of all their adventures, one that stands out most for Dakota is the day she summited a 14er with Gus and Mia. Climbing to the top of a mountain together, witnessing their strength and capabilities, and soaking in the wildflowers and sweeping views together was unforgettable.
The real magic wasn’t reaching the summit—it was sharing every step of the journey with her best friends. “I think that cliche saying of “the journey is better than the destination” is so true - especially with dogs,” she says.
Advice for New Adventurers
Dakota’s advice to anyone considering getting outside with their dog? Do it.
Exploring the outdoors with a dog isn't just good exercise—it’s one of the best ways to build a deeper bond and create unforgettable memories. For those who are nervous, she recommends starting at a local park or trail and using a long-line to give dogs some freedom while maintaining control.
Watching a dog experience the world with pure joy can be life-changing—not just for the dog, but for the human, too.
Follow along with all of Dakota, Gus, and Mia’s adventures at @gus.and.mia on Instagram!