kurgo

It all started with a pushy dog named Zelda. Kurgo founders and brothers, Kitter and Gordie Spater, grew up exploring the woods in Vermont along with the family dogs. Their entrepreneurial spirit and love of dogs motivated them to create Kurgo—although the brand’s inspiration is credited to Kitter’s dog, Zelda. Adventure Together Fund Kurgo is committed to companionship, enabling people and dogs to go together, get outside, and confidently explore their worlds. In 2021, we decided to shift the focus of the Kurgo Foundation to encourage underrepresented communities to go outside with their pets. The Adventure Together Fund directly sponsors the creation of educational and aspirational content by BIPOC creators, LGBTQIA+ creators, creators with diverse gender identities, and creators with diverse body sizes. This is a collaborative effort where we work with these platforms to empower diverse voices in the outdoor space. Blue Path Service Dogs They provide autism service dogs that offer safety, companionship, and opportunities for independence. The service dogs help encourage trips outside of the home by keeping the child safe. The families pay a nominal equipment charge, but the dogs and lifetime support are free. Paws for Life K9 Rescue Launched in 2014, this is a rehabilitation program where inmates dedicate 10 weeks of training and socializing with shelter dogs. At the end of the program, the dogs earn their “Canine Good Citizen” certification through the AKC, helping them get placed with families, and many of the inmates are able to return to the community; becoming dog trainers, business owners, and working at nonprofits. Unlikely Hikers Lead by Jenny Bruso, Unlikely Hikers is a diverse outdoor community, hiking group, and podcast for the underrepresented hiker, representing BIPOC creators, LGBTQIA+ creators, and diverse body size creators.