At RidgeRunner Antlers, our love for dogs and the great outdoors isn't just a tagline, it's the heartbeat of everything we do. Our dogs have been our inspiration from day one, and the bond we have with them drives the look and feel of every aspect of our business. That's why we thought it was time to share a bit of their story with you.
Doing Business at 10,300 ft
The town of Breckenridge, Colorado, is situated at a base elevation of 9,600 feet above sea level and is known for its world-class skiing and year-round outdoor activities. RidgeRunner Antlers headquarters is perched a little higher at 10,300 feet above sea level. There are indeed many reasons to fall in love with the landscape and lifestyle here in the Rocky Mountains. It's been a wonderful place to raise our kids and have dogs. With Breckenridge being a real functioning mountain town, it's easy to feel a connection and a sense of community here.
When we started RidgeRunner Antlers in 2014, we knew we needed all hands (and paws) on deck to get this company off the ground. Everyone in our family was given a job, and the dogs were no exception.
Our Boys (the dOG's)
Ames and Uncle were our Large Munsterlander (MOON-ster-lan-der) boys who can be seen throughout the pages of our website and marketing campaigns. We were often told by strangers and friends how striking they were, so it only made sense for them to become the faces of our business. The boys became so used to being in front of the lens that if you even picked up the camera, they were on their feet and ready to go. It was the funniest thing, and after a while, it seemed like they really did know how to strike a pose.
Our Girls (now)
Though Ames and Uncle were such an important part of our family for many years, our current dogs, Alice and Betty, both English Black Labs, quickly won us over with their sweet dispositions. They sure do take their jobs seriously, too. Between quality control, being present at meetings, and lounging and snoozing while we try to work around them, they seem to always find a way to keep themselves very busy.
The girls have also become the stars of many of our marketing campaigns. Finding a clever new way to get them with an antler in the frame is half the fun, and with every silly idea we've come up with, these pups have been incredibly patient with us. Sure, they may roll their eyes a few times or let out the occasional dramatic huff, but with a little encouragement (and maybe a bribe or two), they always come through, and we always get the shot.
Keeping Dogs Busy
All of our dogs have been and still are at the forefront of RidgeRunner Antlers. They have helped shape the products we offer to your dogs to keep them busy. In fact, as our most dedicated antler chew testers on staff, their opinions have carried a lot of weight and helped inform many decisions.
Each of our dogs has their own preferences when it comes to antler chews, too. Ames and Uncle were devoted Whole Elk antler fans, while Betty has a soft spot for Moose Paddles, and Alice is a Split Elk antler enthusiast. That said, there has always been one universal truth in our house (and probably yours, too) - whichever antler someone is chewing on, it is always THE best antler in the room.