At Rex Specs, we believe in doing more, together. Pushing boundaries, chasing goals, and showing up for your dog, whether you’re at trials, in the backcountry, or in everyday life. For Zack and Shea-la Welch, that journey is powered by their two American Pit Bull Terriers: Kraken and Krueger. The pack of 4 have traveled the country competing in sports, working hard, and making sure to play, too.
Meet Kraken: Power, Precision, and Drive
Kraken is a 1-year, 3-month-old American Pit Bull Terrier with a resume that takes most dogs years to build, and she started setting records young.
“Kraken competes in Barn Hunt, Scent Work, Dock Diving, Weight Pull, Wall Climb, Slat Mill, Lure Coursing, Conformation, Rally, and Obedience,” Zack shares. Not only does she compete at these sports, she shows up and gives them her all - and her breed plays a role in how she works.
American Pit Bull Terriers are known for their intensity, athleticism, and commitment, and Kraken is no exception. “Kraken is a high-drive, athletic working dog that is always ready to go. She puts 100% into everything she does,” says Zack. Because of her drive, Zack knows that having reliable gear matters.
One of Kraken’s favorite sports is Scent Work, where the right harness matters for a powerful and driven dog. “Especially when she’s in odor… I need something that won’t fail when she's committed to searching and driving forward. A lightweight but durable harness is key. I want something that allows full range of motion but can handle pressure when she’s pulling into odor. It needs to stay secure without restricting her movement so she can work confidently and efficiently.”
For Scent Work, Kraken wears the Rex Specs Trailhead Dog Harness. Built to keep up with and support performance.
If her work ethic wasn’t impressive enough, her accomplishments speak for themselves.
“Kraken is the youngest dog in Barn Hunt history to earn her Master and RATCHX (Champion) titles. At just 15 months old, she already has over 50 titles across 10 sports and won NADD Nationals in Senior Hydro Dash at only 10 months old,” shares Zack.
With a great handler, the right gear, and the drive of a terrier; Kraken is just getting started.
Meet Krueger: A Legacy from Sports to Service Work
Krueger is a 13.5 year old American Pit Bull Terrier, and for Shea-La, a once-in-a-lifetime dog.
Over the years, he’s built an incredible career across a wide range of sports. “Krueger has competed in a wide range of sports including Scent Work (NACSW, UKC, AKC), Weight Pull (APA, UPF, W3PO, UKC, NWDA, ADBA, IWPA), Slat Mill, Lure Coursing, Wall Climb, Dock Diving (Air Retrieve, Hydro Dash, Distance), Barn Hunt, UKC Conformation, Rally, Obedience, Dash, and Precision Coursing,” shares Shea-La.
But Krueger’s most important role goes far beyond sports; he is also Shea-La’s Medical Alert Service Dog. “He took to his job right away and has excelled in any situation he is put in,” she says.
Whether it’s work or play, protection matters for a dog with an important job like Krueger.
“We live on 40 acres and when playing with something like his ball or the flirt pole, dirt and debris are constantly getting kicked up. It’s easy for something to get in his eyes and cause irritation or injury. Rex Specs are a simple way to prevent that,” says Shea-La. “When at the sand dunes or the beach, his Rex Specs keep sand out of his eyes.
If I need eye protection, he probably does too.
The clear lenses keep debris out during everyday play, and the darker, mirrored lenses help keep him comfortable in bright conditions.” Krueger got his first pair of Rex Specs for his birthday in October of 2016, and nearly a decade later, that pair is still going.
Alongside his service work career, Krueger has also built a legacy through his sports career. “He has earned over 300 titles in countless different sports and organizations,” Shea-La shares. The duo were even contestants on A&E America’s Top Dog (Season 2, episodes 1 and 7.)
Protection is important on the job so that Krueger and Shea-La can enjoy their time off duty, too. “What I love most is how much he makes me laugh every single day. He loves soaking up the sunshine and the beach just as much as I do.”
Built for the Dogs Who Do More
From a rising star like Kraken to a legend like Krueger, one thing is certain: dogs who give everything deserve gear that does the same.
Whether it’s powering through a nose work search, on the job as a service dog, or simply kicking up sand at the beach, Rex Specs gear is built for the moments that matter. Doing more together means showing up, and the right gear makes that easier.