Nestled in the scenic beauty of Bozeman, Montana, Brady and Connor have made a wonderful life for themselves and their three adorable dogs: Piper, Cedar, and Pine. Having lived in Bozeman for six years, this family has experienced growth and adventure, both personally and with their furry companions.

 

Originally from Virginia, Brady moved westward, spending time in Jackson, Wyoming, where she trained horses before settling in Montana. “I fell in love with the West and knew I wanted to make it my home,” she shares. In her first year in Bozeman, she welcomed Piper into her life. “Piper came to me when I was single and needed a companion,” Brady recalls fondly. Their bond grew stronger as they explored the mountains and valleys together. Three years ago, Connor, who hails from South Carolina, joined the family, bringing a passion for upland hunting that would soon influence the family dynamic. Cedar and Pine joined the pack shortly after, completing their lively household.

 

What keeps Brady and Connor enamored with Bozeman? “We love the area more than anything,” she says. “Every time we travel, we can’t wait to return home. The culture, the people, the way of life, and, of course, the stunning scenery keep us loving it here year after year.” For Brady, residents' respect and love for their surroundings make Bozeman a truly special place to call home. The combination of friendly neighbors, community events, and access to nature creates a vibrant atmosphere that resonates deeply with them.

 

Piper, a six-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever, was the first to join the family. Brady welcomed her while she was single, seeking companionship on her adventures. “Piper came to me when I needed a friend,” Brady recalls. The two spent three incredible years exploring the world together, forming a deep bond. Although the term “English Cream” often raises eyebrows among AKC breeders, Brady appreciates the calmer temperament these dogs frequently exhibit, making Piper a perfect companion.

 

Cedar, a two-year-old English Pointer, came into the family after Connor moved in. Connor is an avid upland hunter. He sought Cedar from a trusted breeder in the Midwest, knowing she would be an exceptional hunting dog. “Cedar thrives in the grassy plains, finding sharp tails, huns, and pheasants,” Connor explains proudly. Her natural hunting instincts and enthusiasm are infectious, and she has quickly become the epitome of a working dog.

 

Pine, the one-year-old half-sister to Cedar, was an unexpected addition to the family. When her original home fell through, her breeder reached out to Brady and Connor, knowing how much they adored Cedar. “How could we say no to another one of her?” Brady remembers. Although Pine is still in training and has big shoes to fill, she is quickly proving to be an excellent hunting dog and a beloved family member. Despite their differences, Brady and Connor love each of their dogs equally, cherishing the unique personalities each brings to their home.

 

The names of the dogs are meaningful as well. Piper is named after Pipers Gap Road, the road in Virginia where Brady’s family farm is located. Cedar is named after Connor’s hunting camp in Cedar Run, Pennsylvania, and Pine follows the tree theme. “We wanted to keep it fun and unique, and it turned into a little nature-inspired theme,” Brady laughs.

 

 

Cedar and Pine are the stars of the family when it comes to unique talents. As hunting dogs, they have a natural ability to find birds, a purpose they embrace wholeheartedly. “When we pull out their collars, they go crazy,” Brady shares. “You can see the excitement in their eyes; they know it’s time to work.” With her keen sense of smell and agility, Cedar often leads the charge, while Pine is learning the ropes and showing great promise as she matures.

 

On the other hand, Piper has a different specialty: she’s an expert at locating friendly people wearing brown vests at Murdochs, knowing they often have treats in store. “She’s such a social butterfly,” Brady laughs. “Piper loves meeting new people and getting belly rubs. She can charm anyone!”

 

The dogs also have a penchant for giant stuffed animals. Brady recounts a Christmas when they gifted the trio a reindeer toy nearly the size of Piper. “We thought it would be a fun surprise, and they absolutely loved it,” she says. Now, they have a collection of large stuffed animals, including a bunny and a fox, which they adore despite being too large for indoor play. “They each have their favorites, and it’s a riot to watch them play tug-of-war,” Connor adds.

 

 

Some of Brady’s most cherished memories with her dogs occur in the mountains. “We spend a lot of time in the backcountry on horseback, and the dogs always tag along,” she explains. Watching Cedar and Pine run through the woods, chasing birds and squirrels, brings her immense joy. “Being in nature with them and the horses is all I need to be happy,” she adds, emphasizing their heartwarming connection with the great outdoors.

 

The dogs love spending time with the family’s horses in their neighborhood. When the horses roam in the yard, Cedar and Pine enjoy running alongside them, often engaging in playful antics. “Our younger horse, Snoopy, loves to chase them and pick up their stuffed animals,” Brady laughs. “It’s all so fun to watch!”

 

If Cedar and Pine could choose their ultimate adventure, it would undoubtedly involve hunting. For Piper, however, the dream adventure revolves around water. She is a faithful water dog who relishes every opportunity to swim, whether at the lake or river, regardless of the weather.

Brady’s dogs have a special place they love to visit: Murdochs, a local store where they can pamper themselves. Every year on their birthdays, Piper, Cedar, and Pine enjoy a trip to Murdochs, starting with a pup cup from a nearby coffee hut. “They get so excited every time we go!” Brady exclaims. Each birthday celebration includes choosing a new toy and indulging in treats, making it a joyous occasion for the entire family.