MOUNTAIN LIFE - Coast Mountains | Fall / Winter 2017

FALL/WINTER 2017 MLCM 55 DEX KNOWS DOG FOOD Anyone who knows Bushy, knows Dex. As a sidekick, Dex is unmatched— her canine intuition and loyalty have been integral to Bushy’s daily routine since 2011. Dex also has over 2,250 followers on her @yung- dexthegreat Instagram account and is about six months away from launching her own brand of high-end kibble called Dex Knows Dog Food . “Sarah found Dex under a car on the reserve,” Bushy explains. “We had been talking about getting a dog but I didn’t think we would have time because we were both travelling so much. She waited until I was con- cussed, brought Dex home, and to convince me she told me Dex was a male and a Labrador, my childhood dog.” Dex is neither, but after one look, Bushy was won over. “She was so young we should have been feeding her from a bottle,” he says. “She had mange and ear infections, but Sarah nursed her and looked after her. Right away I knew Dex was a character.” That was in the spring of 2011 and Sarah passed away in January 2012. “I think back, and she couldn’t have got me anything better than Dex,” Bushy says. “Dex kept me grounded after we lost Sarah. Dex was in- tegral to me back then, and she still is. She has a sixth sense and has saved me a number of times. She will start barking, losing her mind and really making a fuss and I know that means be careful, slow down, reassess what’s happening. Its crazy, but Dex just knows.” The plan for Dex Knows Dog Food was hatched so Dex could eat health- ier, but also as way for her to contribute to the Sarah Burke Foundation, a scholarship to help young athletes succeed. “Dex needs good dog food,” Bushy explains. “And it’s been a search, her whole life, to find something she likes that is good for her and doesn’t give her a rash or something. And the other part is for Dex to make some income to put into Sarah’s foundation and to give to the SPCA. Dex wants to do awe- some things for the people who have been good to her.” After two years of sourcing and researching, Dex Knows Dog Food is aiming to ship their first bags of healthy, high protein kibble next spring. Dex’s system involves determining how much food your dog needs and shipping that directly to your home each month. “Our buddy Blair is helping with the business end of things and we've sourced local ingredients from BC farmers. This will help us stay reason- ably priced with the quality Dex wants—a fish blend and a chicken blend with lots of veggies and fruit. Grain-free, not filled with corn and crap.” Dex is ready to go, but Bushy and Blair say their goal for the first shipment is spring 2018. Dex thinks that sounds about right. dexknowsbest.com // sarahburkefoundation.com Dex knows. MASON MASHON #blowitifyougotit and smoke 'em if you got 'em. MASON MASHON