Classic Visions Photography

Barney “Bear” is a snow-loving Husky/Lab mix with a thick coat, drawn to frolicking in champagne powder—his ultimate happy place. Barney’s running speed is 16 miles per hour due to overheating. As a Colorado native, he lives for snowstorms, the Husky side shining through when he plunges into deep powder.

Barney’s affection for his brother, Bandit, is undeniable. He shadows Bandit’s every move, waiting for the chance to challenge that lightning-fast stride. As soon as I let them out of the car, Barney sprints ahead, eager to see if he can outpace Bandit (spoiler alert: he never manages to). He constantly glances back to check Bandit's position, and when Bandit catches up, Barney attempts to nip at his throat to slow him down. This “overheated chase enthusiast” rarely keeps up for long, though. Once Bandit zooms past him, Barney heads for the car—game over.

When not stirring up friendly competition, Barney turns his focus skyward to watch the ravens soaring over the peaks. Mesmerized by these birds, he throws his head back and howls as if serenading the entire valley. These howls draw the ravens closer, and they often circle overhead, cawing and clucking in response. Pirouetting on these mountain thermals, the birds swoop gracefully around him, resembling a “dance of the Mountain Divas,” while Barney bounces about, delighted by their playful interaction.

Barney’s other passion is guarding his treats. Every time he hops into the car, he makes a beeline for the milk-bone stash in the back—a vital inventory check that he takes seriously. In many ways, he’s the perfect blend of soft-hearted watchdog and winter warrior!