Dexter’s family re-furs to him as, ‘their favorite most expensive child.” He is a celebra-dog famously featured in Pet Smart TV commercials walking upright on his two back legs.
     
Dexter, a Brittany Spaniel from Ouray, Colorado, represents his town in several ways! He is named after the town’s creek, appeared in their parade and has put the city on the map by walking like a cute furry human.

This amazing-dashing debonair dog loves dressing in his favorite outfits, hats, and bandanas. He even has a favorite color! So, his loving human mother, Kentee, gives him the opportunity to choose his own outfits.

Dexter was born a normal pup. A year later, he escaped his yard and sent his human parents into a frenzied search. Just as his dad, Tim, found him, the dog ran in front of a vehicle. Because Tim was on scene, it saved Dexter’s life by shortening the lag time to the veterinarian clinic.

“Dexter’s injury did not qualify him as a tri-pawed candidate because he could not put weight on his front leg,” said Kentee.  “After surgery, he surprised everyone by standing up on his two back legs and walked out of the room! He can hold this paws-ition for 22 seconds at a time. I posted videos of him doing it online!

Kentee, skilled with media, worked as an Event Planner for non-profit organizations editing websites, using social media to plan events, shows, and gallery openings. She learned video, editing, and producing clips as a hobby..

Sadly, her job of managing a 2-million-dollar facility was a casualty of the pandemic.

“Until 2020, Dexter’s Instagram account was for family and friends to check on him and his healing,” said Kentee. “When a tourist in town saw Dexter walking on his two back legs, they videotaped it, and it appeared on the Jimmy Fallon show. Our Instagram account blew up!

This happened during a dark time, 12 days after being laid off.  In response, I used my skills and created a TikTok account for Dexter. His story was a lifeline as everyone resonated to his courage and determination. Without the pandemic, his story would not have gone as viral as everyone was adapting to our new world.  

We saved Dexter’s life, but in all honesty, during the pandemic he saved mine. He was the inspiration to get out of bed in the mornings, to tell his story, and connect with online friends. We began the pandemic with 2,000 Instagram followers and now have 117K.  TikTok has 737K followers and Facebook has 8.5K! You will find him as "Dexter Dog Ouray".

When the phone call arrived asking to feature Dexter in a Pet Smart commercial Kentee was excited.

Dexter has evolved from a beloved family pet to an inspirational hero.  He teaches us to dare to be different and do everything you thought was only a dream.  If he could talk, not just walk, he would tell you to, “Write that book and move to where you want to be.  Life is short and we all must adapt. Life is an attitude and a state of mind.

You can choose to be happy and content, but it is a choice.” What a smart boy!

“Dexter’s inspirational life has taught me to push past my boundaries and to shine right where I am,” said Kentee. “Who would have thought I would be contracting as a Social Media Manager and creating advertisements for huge pet corporations, attending pet conferences, talking in interviews, and writing about my dog.  The trauma of his accident has blossomed into something beautiful.  Today, my career is: dexterdogouray.”

Recently, a person saw and recognized Dexter out for a 'walk'. The man yelled ‘Dexter’. Dexter instantly began proudly strutting ‘his stuff’ even more!  Initially, those who have never seen him are shocked, overwhelmed, and can hardly believe their eyes as he goes walking by on two legs.

“One day, someone said they were at the Brewery the night before when we walked by and they thought they had too much to drink,” laughed Kentee.