Shimano Originals presents "A Dog's Tale"

The freedom of the trail is what we long for as mountain bikers and so do many of our most loyal companions. Millions of canines enjoy their homes and lives in metropolitan areas, but there’s something about the primal instinct to feel the forest floor under their paws and smelling a thousand different smells, all surrounded by the best friends one could ask for. This is a trail dog’s life, one cherished by both dogs and their humans every time they head out for a ride together. It’s those moments Anthill wanted to capture in ‘A Dog’s Tale’.

‘A Dog’s Tale’ was born out of a trip our long-time friend and photographer Sterling Lorence took to South Africa with Matt Hunter back in 2018. While shooting with local builder and rider Hylton “Hylly” Turvey, Sterl was blown away by Hylly’s two Jack Russel terriers who joined them on the shoot. Sterl came back wondering, what would happen if the Anthill crew captured trail dogs in the same way we shoot some of the world’s best riders?

The seed of an idea was planted and it resonated with Anthill DOP and founding-partner, Darren McCullough, whose own trail dog Raven, was nearing the end of her life. Raven’s days of flying full speed down the trail are long behind her, but she still loves to meander through the woods and stop for long sniff-breaks along the way. Each smell tells a different story of the dogs that have travelled there before. What words of wisdom would Raven want to share with these young tail-waggers?

Still at 13-years-old Raven wakes me up everyday to go sit out on the driveway and watch bikers ride by. From day one she had more energy than any dog I’ve had. A mix of Lab and Border collie, she would never sit still and loved to run all day. Even though she has hung up her trail riding days, when she is sleeping in her bed I still see her feet running and she lets out a bark of Joy. I think Raven would tell all the young bucks that there is nothing better then being out on a ride with your best friends.

Darren McCullough, Director of Photography and Editor ‘A Dog’s Tale’

RAVEN

I was born in Union Gap, Washington, and then moved north of the border to Lions Bay, BC. Here, I’ve spent most of my life swimming in the ocean and running through the forest chasing sticks. I’m now retired in Squamish, BC, and I spend my time sitting in the driveway watching riders head up to rip the local trails.

SYD

I have spent every day of my life on the trail! The day my dad got me as a tiny pup, it was pouring rain outside. There was no one at home to watch me, so he brought me along to build trails in the rain. I spent most of the day in his rain jacket pocket, and he let me out every now and then. Dad says I’ve taught him much about life and loving unconditionally since I go all in or nothing with everything I do.

LUCY

I didn't have a name when I was adopted as a puppy. My first outing with my parents was on a freshly built trail that also needed a name (my parents are trail builders). I’m told I was a timid little pup, but once on the trail, I just ran off and let loose! I was in full frolic mode on that trail, completely “Loosey Goosy," as my parents recall. Thus, they baptized the trail Loose Goose and called me Lucy.

LEVI

I was born on a farm in Kamloops, and my parents were both working sheep/cattle dogs. My humans drove four hours through a snowstorm to get me when I was eight weeks old. I peed in Mum’s lap on the way home.

NASH

My parents found me online when I was just an 11-week-old pup living on a farm in Calgary. I was a little shy at first but warmed up to my new parents very quickly. They learned that my timidness was actually severe anxiety with new people, but their patience and love have helped me get much better. I really feel like myself playing with other dogs, running on the trails, and playing fetch. I love my humans and my home in the woods in Whistler!

NASH

My parents found me online when I was just an 11-week-old pup living on a farm in Calgary. I was a little shy at first but warmed up to my new parents very quickly. They learned that my timidness was actually severe anxiety with new people, but their patience and love have helped me get much better. I really feel like myself playing with other dogs, running on the trails, and playing fetch. I love my humans and my home in the woods in Whistler!

EMMY-LOU

I was born on a farm in Abbotsford, BC and was adopted by a family in a big bougie house in North Vancouver. After 24 hours, they decided I was too much for them, but then my new humans came to take me away to Whistler. Now, I have the forest right outside my door and get to do cool stuff like biking!

Shot over the course of 6-months, with seven dogs, in three different countries, ‘A Dog’s Tale’ is really a love letter to our best friends and riding buddies. Thank you to all the dogs, humans and filmmakers who worked with us on this project. And a special thanks to our friends at Shimano for backing the project and pushing us to make it happen!

Throughout production, the health and safety of the furry friends the Anthill crew was working with was top of mind. In preparation for the film, we met with Fraser Davidson a licensed vet at Sea to Sky Veterinary Clinic here in Squamish, BC. Fraser has 15 years of experience working with active dogs and is also on the Board Of Directors for the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association - Society of British Columbia Veterinarians. He had some great advice and insights into how to raise and ride with trail dogs. If you want to learn more you can check out the full Q&A HERE.

Photography: Sterling Lorence