Op reis met Ambassadeur Anthony

Traveling with Ambassador Anthony

At Gutsy we are proud to have some very cool and inspiring people in our Gutsy ambassador team, just like Anthony Van Stratum and his Golden Retriever Cooper. They recently went on a trip together and we had the opportunity to interview them.

Maybe we can start with a little introduction about you and Cooper?

I am Anthony, passionate photographer and proud ambassador of Gutsy. My girlfriend Flo and I have welcomed our faithful companion, Cooper, into our lives since the end of December. He is almost 1 year old and since then we have had many adventures with him. We decided in 2022 to travel together for a year and already knew then that, once back and settled, we wanted to have a dog in our lives. Cooper fit perfectly into that picture and we are very happy with him.

Cooper is the epitome of what you imagine a dog to be: an endless source of energy and joy. He loves to play until he drops, and he loves being outside doing his favorite hobbies: chasing balls and digging in the dirt. It’s amazing to see how he’s in his element when he’s making a sand hole! But for all that energy, he also has a softer side; he loves to cuddle. If we put on a movie in the evening, you can bet he’ll be snuggling up on the couch between us, ready to relax and fall asleep.

You went on a trip with Cooper this summer, where exactly did you go?

Our recent trip was to the French Alps, a region that is dear to both of us. We had been there with Cooper in January, and that was his very first holiday. It was a special trip, not only because it was the first time he came with us, but also because Flo and I got engaged there. That place, Megeve, will always have a special meaning for us. Back then, Cooper was just a little puppy, and he was even allowed to go up the slopes in a backpack. We knew we had to go back, this time with Cooper as an adult dog.

Was it a road trip and/or camping trip?

It was a bit of both! In total we were away for six days, of which three days relaxing in Megeve and the other three days hiking in beautiful Beaufortain. The trip felt like a perfect balance between rest and adventure. The first half was mainly relaxing: enjoying the peace, nature and charm of Megeve. Then, in Beaufortain, we went all out for adventure with challenging hikes and camping in nature. We slept in a tent, which was quite an experience, especially with Cooper there. It felt like we were really disconnected from the world.

What were the highlights of your trip? And how did Cooper experience the trip?

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was without a doubt the three-day hike through Beaufortain. We had chosen a specific route that took us through breathtaking mountain landscapes, with impressive views, crystal clear rivers and green meadows as far as the eye could see. We had some doubts at first about how Cooper would do it, especially because his condition was not the best, but he really surprised us.

On the first day he was still a bit reserved. He clearly had to get used to the terrain and the idea of ​​a multi-day hike. But he quickly adapted and started to enjoy himself. It was wonderful to see him playing in the rivers, full of energy and joy. Every night, after a day full of adventure, he slept like a log in the tent, close to us, as if he was completely exhausted but content. It felt so good to share that experience with him and see him merge with nature.

Does Cooper often travel with you?

Yes, we try to take him with us on our travels as often as possible. So far he has gone skiing with us twice, been to the sea several times and now also to the Alps in the summer. We notice that he really enjoys the new surroundings, discovering new places and of course the long walks that come with it. For long trips where we have to take the plane, he stays home for the time being, because that is logistically a bit complicated. But we already have plans for the future: hopefully we can go to Norway together next summer. That seems like a great destination to explore together with Cooper.

What do you like about traveling with Cooper?

Honestly? Everything! Traveling with Cooper makes the whole experience so much more fun and alive. His enthusiasm is infectious. It’s wonderful to see how much he enjoys every new place we discover. He brings a certain energy that makes every trip unforgettable. He also makes us stop more often and really enjoy the surroundings. Where we might normally walk quickly, we now take the time to stand still, so he can play or just enjoy nature. It really feels like he teaches us to travel in a different way, to be more present in the moment.

Do you have any tips for traveling with a dog?

I think the most important tip is to get to know your dog well and adapt the trip to his needs. We are lucky that Cooper is very easy. He is super well-behaved in the car and he adapts well to new situations everywhere. But it is also useful to choose destinations that are dog-friendly. That way you don't have to worry as much about, for example, access to restaurants or parks. Furthermore, good preparation is important: make sure you have enough snacks (Gutsy of course), water and possibly a blanket with you to keep your dog comfortable during the trip. And if you go hiking, take the time to get your dog used to it and build it up slowly, especially if he is not used to long walks.

Want to follow Cooper and Anthony's adventures? Follow them on Instagram: @anthonyvanstratum