Dogs and Human Companions Compete in Global Adventure

Images courtesy of “The Pack” & Amazon Studios

This Friday, November 20th on Amazon Prime Video, you’ll be able to watch 12 dogs and their humans compete in a series of challenges to win $500,000 and another $250,000 to donate to their animal charity of choice. Throughout the unscripted series, Lindsey Vonn and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lucy will be hosting the show as the group travels around the world for different events. Each challenge will test the bond between dog and human as we learn about each one’s heartwarming stories.

Amazon Studios and Renegade 83 filmed the series earlier this year, with a team of accredited veterinarians and certified dog experts to keep all the dogs safe, healthy and happy. Along with the end donation, Amazon Prime Video also donated $250,000 to multiple charities and animal rescue organizations in each country they visited. 

We were excited to speak with two of the dog/human teams about their experience on the show.

Brian and Dixie

Dixie and Brian Calvert are from Camby, Indiana. An emotional support dog, Dixie is known as “the praying dog” because Brian trained her to bow down and bark to thank veterans for their service. 

Dixie is a five-year-old Bluetick Coonhound with an amazing nose for tracking and an epic howl. Brian works as a truck driver for half the week and the other half he takes Dixie to charity events, manages her budding career, and tracks deer with her.

Moving forward after the show, Dixie and Brian plan to “ride out the wave” from the show and hope it brings in more people for the charities they work with. Brian is also hoping to get Dixie more roles in films, shows, and modeling like the new movie she’s in called Mayberry Man. Until then, the pair will continue to work with their charities and care for the veterans and sick kids they visit.

Being on this show sounds like a dream opportunity, how did you get cast?

I found out about the show in September of 2019 through our local news station’s Facebook page. They shared the casting call asking if you and your dog were adventurous and if you would like to travel the world filming a new reality show! I emailed the casting company saying, “My dog is pretty cool, check out her social media pages.” They emailed me right back and asked if I could call them. After a few calls, Zooms and in-person auditions, Amazon Prime Video called and said we made the show and our lives changed forever!

What was the biggest challenge you faced on the show and how did you and Dixie overcome it together?

Our biggest challenge on the show was how physically demanding it was. Dixie is in great shape, so she did great. Your dog is only as fast as you are since they are always on a leash. I’m the oldest person on the show and I wasn’t prepared for all of the running. I pushed through it the best I could and on our days off I exercised as much as possible. I actually lost 12 lbs. during filming! I’m pretty proud of myself for keeping up with the other contestants since they are all younger than me and most of them are very athletic in their everyday lives! 

What has life been like since you finished filming?

Dixie and I have gotten back to doing her therapy dog appearances (fundraiser appearances, veterans funerals, leading charity motorcycle rides and rides in her Jeep), training, and tracking deer. With the pandemic, our appearance schedule hasn’t been as busy as normal but we are still doing appearances most weekends. Now that the word is out about the show, Dixie is getting noticed more and I’m spending a lot of time on her social media sites. It’s pretty exciting seeing all of the attention we’re getting.

Where was your favorite location on the show? Where was Dixie’s favorite location?

I loved everywhere we went. I had never been to California or out of the country, so it was a whole new experience for me. Dixie was happy everywhere we went! 

If we had to choose, I’d say we loved being in the snow and in the woods/jungle because that’s the environment we’re used to being in since we spend so much of our time outdoors here in Indiana. The cities were cool, but we prefer being in the woods. 

Kentucky and Derby

Kioni “Kentucky” Russell Gallahue and his eight-year-old Goldendoodle Derby are the “goofballs” of the pack with matching blue mohawks. The two are friendly, energetic, and free spirited. The pair live in San Diego and both love to surf, ride motorcycles, and go on other adventures.

Since the show ended, Kentucky and Derby are back in San Diego doing what they do best - surfing, riding their motorcycle and sidecar, and going on any adventures they can while respecting COVID-19 restrictions.

Being on this show sounds like a dream opportunity, how did you get cast?

Being on the show was amazing. Derby and I had so much fun traveling the world and meeting new lifelong friends. 

The production company actually found Derby and I on his instagram @derbycalifornia. They searched for surf dogs and found us. I actually thought it was a fake casting call and deleted the message. Fellow surf dog friend sent us the exact message and said we should try out. I showed my girlfriend and she filled it out and after several interviews we made the cast. If it wasn’t for my girlfriend, Derby and I would've missed out on this amazing adventure.

What was the biggest challenge you faced on the show?

The biggest challenge we faced on the show was how much running there was. I was definitely not prepared for it. Derby could run all day. Even when we were in high altitude countries and I could barely breathe, it didn’t phase Derby one bit.

Where was your favorite location on the show? Where was Derby’s favorite location?

Our favorite location would have to be Costa Rica in Kepos. Being on the beautiful beaches and the amazing jungle was awesome. We love warmer climates more than cold climates.

What’s next for you and Derby?

Derby and I are working on some projects for after the show. We are starting a Derby California Brand Hoodie company. You can get your pup a tie dye cotton dog hoodie and you can get a matching human hoodie in the same design. So now you can go out dressed like your pup.

We are also working on a children’s book and maybe a cartoon.

We will continue to go surfing and looking like goofballs and always trying to put smiles on peoples’ faces.

Words by Johanna Flashman.