We get to talk about dogs all day at DJANGO, and it’s honestly the best part of what we do. Along the way, we meet so many incredible dog parents who are out there actually living life with their dogs (and not just dreaming about it).
That’s exactly why we’re so excited to introduce you to Amanda Talbott and her adventure-loving Golden Retriever, Sherberne (“Sherb”).
Sherb is the kind of dog who can crush a full-day winter mission in the mountains of Vermont… and then fully commit to couch-potato mode all week. Charming, athletic, mellow, and always ready when his adventure dog gear comes out.
In this DJANGO Feature Interview, Amanda shares how Sherb came into their lives in a full-circle way (it started with a ski patrol dog at Sugar Bowl Mountain), what winter adventures in New England are like, and the must-haves she never forgets — including Sherb’s DJANGO Whistler Winter Dog Coat and Tahoe harness + leash set you’ll see on him throughout.
Meet Sherb, An Adventure-Loving Golden Retriever
Amanda, it’s so nice to speak to you!
We love following Sherb’s epic adventures on Instagram. And we have to mention something we just spotted on social — Sherb sprinting down a snow-covered mountain trail in his
DJANGO Whistler Coat while you skied behind him. It’s the ultimate winter video and the definition of “joy on four paws.”
Let’s start at the beginning, because Sherb’s “how we got him” story is meaningful. How did Sherb come into your life, and what made you know he was your dog?
Sherb came into our lives in a pretty full-circle way. We were visiting my husband’s family in Truckee, California and skiing at Sugar Bowl, the mountain where he grew up.
On the mountain we met the most beautiful ski patrol dog, a smaller golden with the prettiest coloring, and we couldn’t stop talking about her. We skied up and asked her handler where she came from, got the breeder’s information, and reached out that same week.
When we brought Sherb home, he immediately took to both city life in Boston and our time up in New Hampshire. He fell in love with being outside in nature, but he was just as happy flipping into chill mode in the city. Watching how effortlessly he moved between the two, and how naturally he fit into our weekends in the mountains, made it obvious he was our dog.
It’s incredible how dogs always seem to fit perfectly in our lives! Our dachshund, Django, is the same. He can be the most epic adventure dog — run up trails, swim in freezing cold mountain streams, play in tide pools on the beach all day — and also cuddle by my side for hours on end.
If you had to describe Sherb in a few words…
Sherb is a charming, mellow adventurer!
He’s happiest when he’s outside with his people, whether that’s on a long hike, a ski day, or at the river or lake. And wherever he goes, he has an effortless way of winning people over.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about Sherb?
Sherb is the ultimate chameleon. He’ll happily crush an 8-hour adventure on the trail, then spend the workweek fully committed to being a couch-potato. People assume he’s high energy 24/7, but that’s not him. He’s just as content flipping the switch into calm, snuggly mode at home.
Sherburne is such a unique name. Where did “Sherb” come from, and what is the story behind it?
Sherb is named after the John Sherburne Ski Trail, aka “The Sherb” if you’re a New Hampshire local. It’s one of the first ski trails established in New Hampshire.
My husband and I both grew up skiing and raced competitively through college, and before we got Sherb, our weekends were basically just backcountry laps in the White Mountains.
When it came time to name our dog, we wanted something meaningful but still a little different, and Sherb was the obvious choice.
New England Adventure Dog Life
Your outdoor adventure photos are seriously stunning, and they capture you and Sherb’s adventurous spirits so perfectly.
What does a perfect Sherb adventure day look like?
A perfect Sherb adventure day starts with an early morning drive to a trailhead or skin track, followed by a few hours outside moving at a steady pace, ideally somewhere safe enough for him to be off leash.
If we’re skiing, the highlight is the run from the top of the mountain back down to the car. Sherb absolutely rips it the whole way, and his joy is contagious. Then we’re home by early or late afternoon, curled up by the fire, and lounging for the rest of the day.
For our readers, here’s an epic video of Sherb gunning down a mountain as you described. The fact that he was wearing his DJANGO winter dog coat while doing this made our day!
Do you have favorite places you keep coming back to in New England, especially in winter?
This one’s hard, because I don’t think we have a single “favorite” spot. In the winter, we frequently come back to the community-supported backcountry glades in New Hampshire and Vermont.
The Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA) and the Rochester/Randolph Area Sports Trail Alliance (RASTA) cut and maintain dog-friendly backcountry ski trails across NH and VT, and we’ve honestly never had a bad day on any of them!
And where do you head once spring shows up?
During the Spring, we spend more time down in Boston and we love visiting the Fells Reservation, which is a big trail network just outside of the city. We take Sherb on hikes or trail runs there and he absolutely loves it.
Winter With a Golden Retriever
Winter in New England has a mind of its own. What does the season actually look like for you and Sherb on a week-to-week basis?
Winter for us is all about rolling with whatever New England decides to do that week. My husband and I both grew up with snowy, unpredictable winters, so we’re used to making a plan… and then adjusting it if needed.
We love to ski, so we try to get outside for a backcountry adventure every weekend, bouncing between Vermont and New Hampshire and spending lots of time in the Green and White Mountains.
That said, we’re cautious when the weather feels iffy. We’ll pick mellower objectives, keep a close eye on conditions, and we’re not afraid to turn back early if something isn’t lining up or someone’s struggling.
We want to make the most of our time together, but we also live by the rule that there are always more ski days. We also never, ever bring Sherb into avalanche terrain. It’s not safe for him, and it’s not safe for us.
That’s a great mindset. You’re out there enjoying nature to its fullest, but you’re also hyper-aware of the conditions and making smart calls for you and Sherb.
What are your non-negotiable winter must-haves when Sherb comes along?
A good coat is non-negotiable for Sherb. Our go-to now is the DJANGO Whistler Dog Coat (truly, not just saying that); and it’s replaced the Barbour we used to use because it’s warmer and has better waterproofing.
We also always pack lots of treats to keep him dialed in on us if we’re in an off-leash environment (which we usually are). And we bring booties as a backup in case his paws start icing up, even though he’s usually happiest barefoot.
First, thank you for the Whistler coat love. It’s genuinely rewarding seeing Sherb out on snowy trails in it, because that’s exactly what we designed this dog coat for: real winter adventures.
Winter weather can change quickly. How do you know when it’s time to call it and head back so Sherb stays warm and happy?
The biggest thing for us is being willing to turn around, no questions asked.
We always bring the right gear, but winter can change fast, and sometimes it gets windier than expected or weather rolls in and we can tell he’s starting to get cold. If that happens, we head back ASAP. And if we’re skiing, Brent will actually scoop him up and carry him down so we can get him warm as quickly as possible.
Ok, and we have to ask… Is Sherb as obsessed with snow as most Goldens are?
He’s fully obsessed!
Sherb in His DJANGO Gear
Okay, dog gear talk. What made you want to try DJANGO gear for Sherb in the first place?
Honestly, we loved the look, but we wouldn’t bother if it didn’t perform. DJANGO gear felt like it was made for active dogs who actually go outside, not just for cute sidewalk walks.
Sherb gets to be warm, comfortable, and photogenic, so everyone wins 🙂
We love seeing the “gear on = fun incoming” association many dogs have with our products. When you start putting Sherb’s gear on, does he know what’s coming?
He absolutely knows fun is coming. Some dogs fight getting “dressed” or freeze in apparel, but Sherb is the opposite. He stands there super well behaved and puts up zero resistance, because he’s learned that gear on = adventure incoming.
Last one on this, because you truly put your DJANGO harnesses and coats to the test. How does DJANGO gear fit into your adventurous life with Sherb?
Sherb’s DJANGO gear is made for the way we actually spend winter: real adventures in the Whites and Greens. It’s not bulky or restrictive, so Sherb can still run, climb, and rip around like himself, but he stays warm and comfortable when the weather shifts.
And honestly, the fact that our coats and harnesses photograph so well is just the bonus — if we’re out there, we’re going to capture the moment.
Sherb’s Winter Must-Haves (Quick List)
- A warm, waterproof dog coat: Sherb’s go-to is the DJANGO Whistler Winter Dog Coat for snowy New England trails.
- Adventure-ready dog harness: Sherb wears the Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness in XL
- Treats: To keep him “dialed in” on off-leash days.
- Booties (backup): In case his paws start icing up.
- A flexible plan: Watch conditions early, and be ready to turn around when needed.
Behind the Lens: Outdoor Dog Photography Tips
Your feed feels like a love letter to both New England and Sherb. What do you love most about capturing Sherb’s adventures on Instagram?
I love knowing we’ll have all those memories to look back on. Sherb’s Instagram has become this little digital photo album for us, capturing so many of our favorite adventures in one place.
It’s also pushed me to get better at photography and really lean into it as a hobby. I took photos in high school but hadn’t picked up a camera in years until we got Sherb, and it’s been genuinely fun to rediscover that creative side.
For the photography nerds (us included)… What are you usually shooting with: camera or phone? Anything special for video?
I shoot with a Nikon D90 (with a few different lenses) and my iPhone.
For video, I also use a gimbal for stabilization, especially when we’re skiing or doing anything active. I use Adobe Lightroom for editing.
Any go-to settings, lenses, or shooting style that works especially well for Sherb?
Sherb is always on the move, so I prioritize a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. I usually shoot with a wider aperture to help him stand out from the background, and I try to focus on his eyes.
Style-wise, I tend to get down to his level and try to keep everything bright, warm, and natural during editing.
And now the question every dog parent who uses social media wants to know…
Any tips for keeping a dog engaged during a shoot, especially with snow, wind, and distractions everywhere?
It’s honestly very hard. Long-term, training is the cheat code. We invested a lot in Sherb’s training early on, and it pays off every time we’re out shooting now. But my biggest tip is bring a partner if you can. My husband is a huge help. He’ll keep Sherb’s attention with a treat or a cue so I can focus on framing and getting the shot.
If I’m solo, I try to lower my expectations and treat it like catching moments instead of forcing one perfect pose. I’d rather come away with something close than turn it into a frustrating experience.
Keeping it fun matters, because the second Sherb stops having fun, the shoot is over.
Outdoor Dog Photography Tips (From Amanda)
- Use a fast shutter speed to freeze action (especially in snow + on the move).
- Shoot with a wider aperture to help Sherb pop from the background.
- Focus on the eyes (always).
- Get down to dog level for the most engaging perspective.
- Make it easier on yourself: bring a partner to hold attention, and use a gimbal for stabilized video.
What Dogs Teach Us About Being Present
Okay, this one gets to the good stuff. How has Sherb changed your life?
Love this question 🙂 Sherb has changed my life in a really grounding way. He’s made me live in the moment so much more, and he constantly pulls my attention back to what actually matters: time with family and friends, and being present in the life right in front of me.
He has this very direct “dog way” of calling me out if I’m spending too much time on my phone. And when we’re outside, his pure joy and total presence in nature is contagious. Watching him take in the world so fully reminds me to slow down, get out of my head, and be in it, too.
How to Start Adventuring Outdoors With Your Dog
A lot of dog parents want to get outside more, but they’re nervous to start — especially if they’re new to hiking with a dog, working on training, or just don’t know what’s “too much” too soon.
For those who want to explore the outdoors more with their dogs, where should they start?
Start small and build up, just like you would for yourself. Pick shorter, low-risk outings first so your dog can learn the routine and you can learn what they need, then gradually work up to longer days.
Prioritize basics that make everything safer and more fun: solid recall, the right gear, leash manners, and a dependable “leave it.” Bring more water and treats than you think you’ll need, and have a backup plan for cold, heat, or rough terrain (coat, booties, or just turning around early).
And be flexible. The goal is to make the outdoors a positive experience for your dog, not to hit a summit at all costs. If conditions change or your dog isn’t feeling it, call it and try again another day. The best adventures come from consistency and keeping it fun.
You’ve mentioned being totally willing to turn around — which is such a good safety rule. Zooming out a bit, what’s your best advice for keeping cold-weather adventures fun and not stressful, especially for people who are still building confidence?
Cold-weather adventures are all about staying flexible and paying attention early.
We bring the right gear, but the biggest safety tool for keeping things safe and stress-free is knowing we’re always willing to adjust the plan if needed (and always having cell service or a way to dial for help). Going in with a flexible mindset is the single most important thing. And if you have to bail but you tried, honestly that’s half the battle.
I genuinely think winter can be so fun, and it might even be the most fun season, but you have to commit to making the best of it. Start small, stack a few good experiences, and over time your perspective shifts from “I need to move to Florida ASAP” to “wait… why is this kind of amazing?”
Lightning Round — Quick Answers Only!
Snowy hike or cozy cabin day?
Both! Hike then hit the cabin!
Sunrise adventure or sunset stroll?
Sunrise 🙂
Favorite Sherb treat reward?
He loves the Ryoken Instinct adventure bars!
One word to describe Sherb on an adventure?
Happy
One word to describe him at home?
Content
Related winter reading (quick + helpful): Winter Dog Myths vs. Facts · How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs? · Whistler vs. Snowline Coat Comparison
Shop Sherb’s Whistler Winter Coat Shop Sherb’s Tahoe Harness
Shop Sherb’s Winter Gear
If you’re building your own winter adventure kit, here are the pieces featured in this interview (plus a few helpful reads to keep winter outings safe and comfortable):
Follow Sherb on Instagram: @sherbdogg
Follow Sherb on TikTok: @sherbdogg