I’ve been a part of the Bozeman community since 2016, marking over 8 years here. The support from the local small business community has been invaluable in helping me launch my own venture, DogDash, and it’s something I truly appreciate.

 

DogDash was inspired by my beloved German Shepherd, Millie, who sadly passed away on my birthday, November 1st, last year. The organization celebrates the deep emotional bond between dogs and their owners, creating joyful and healthy experiences while giving back to the canine community. We are committed to donating to animal rescues and shelters across Montana.

 

DogDash’s mission is twofold: to strengthen the connection between dog owners and their pets through active and engaging activities and to support animal shelters and rescues by connecting our community with these organizations. We aim to help individuals experience the joy that dogs can bring to their lives while finding loving homes for homeless pets. We are dedicated to giving back to the canine community by supporting shelters, breeders, veterinarians, and other organizations that work tirelessly to care for, love, and protect dogs. We collaborate with local nonprofits, including Tiny Trails K9 and Big Sky Happy Trails in Missoula, MT, to assist with their fundraising efforts and support their rescue missions.

 

Millie, also affectionately known as Princess Millie or Millie Girl, was a 7-year-old female German Shepherd. Her lineage was impressive, with her grandparents in Germany having won an AKC dog show for Best in Show.

Our fundraising events celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives, allowing attendees - human and canine- to engage in games, tackle obstacles, and forge new friendships.

 

For instance, on June 24, 2023, we hosted the DogDash Monster 3k, a fun-filled 3k run/walk obstacle course at Story Mill Park in Bozeman. This event aimed to unite families and pets in friendly competition while raising funds for local animal shelters and rescues. The event featured raffles, prize giveaways, puzzle challenges, a doggy ice cream eating contest, and more. In honor of our mission, 100% of the profits from our DogDash merchandise were donated to Tiny Tails K9, a nonprofit dog rescue based in Manhattan, MT.

 

On July 29, 2024, we held the DogDash Barkfest in Belgrade, MT. Every ticket purchased contributed to our goal of raising $10,000 for Montana animal rescues and shelters. The evening was packed with entertaining activities, including wiener dog races, fun dog games, an agility course, and goodie bags filled with beloved treats and toys. Local vendors also participated, making it a ‘paw-some’ festival with plenty of opportunities to win prizes while supporting a noble cause.

 

As the owner and founder of DogDash, I started this journey in September 2021, which means I’ve been involved for over three years.

 

My journey to founding DogDash is rooted in a life-altering experience. In 2016, I survived a horrific car crash caused by impaired driving, which left me with 17 major life-threatening injuries, including a broken neck, two strokes, a traumatic brain injury, a collapsed lung, a shattered pelvis, a dislocated hip, and multiple fractures in both feet. When I emerged from a six-day coma, my doctors were uncertain whether I would ever walk again. To encourage my resolve to not only survive but to embrace life, my mom promised me a dog.

 

True to her word, just two months later, after my hospital release, she found Millie, a German Shepherd puppy. She had been waiting for me, as her previous owner had faced a tragic loss and felt unable to care for her. While Millie was initially meant to be my service dog, she evolved into so much more—my source of inspiration during my darkest moments.

 

As a puppy, Millie motivated me to push myself physically and mentally. She was eager to play and encouraged me to work hard to get out of the wheelchair as she playfully pounced in front of me. Her favorite toy was a frisbee, which she could catch with remarkable agility. Millie had uncanny intelligence, understood commands in complete sentences, and possessed an extraordinary ability to sense my emotional state. Her joy and companionship were instrumental in my recovery and ignited my will and desire to embrace this second chance at life fully.

 

Years later, as I regained my ability to walk, I wanted to celebrate my Millie Girl and show my gratitude for everything she had done for me. Drawing on my background in event coordination from my time working with Color Fun Fest and Mud Factor, I decided to organize an event filled with all of Millie's favorite things—toys, smells, and treats. This celebration honored Millie and ignited my passion for helping others connect with their dogs.

 

Thus, DogDash was born, evolving into a platform that fosters connections between dogs and their owners while promoting the joy and love these relationships bring. I quickly realized, however, that DogDash was more significant than just his journey with Millie; it became a mission to help other dogs and their humans build meaningful connections.

 

Running a nonprofit presents numerous challenges, but I thrive on problem-solving and creativity. When I face obstacles, I remind myself that our participants often endure more significant struggles. Nothing worth pursuing comes easy, and that drives my determination.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working with DogDash has been its positive impact on the community. A particularly memorable moment occurred when Tiny Tails K9 Rescue’s social media and Venmo accounts were hacked, resulting in the loss of funds. Feeling helpless, the organization reached out for assistance during one of DogDash's events. I arranged for a local news station to cover their story, which ultimately gained the attention of a former senator. Thanks to this exposure, Tiny Tails regained control of their accounts. Witnessing the joy that DogDash events bring to dogs and their owners has been an incredible source of fulfillment for me.

 

We have an exciting event planned for October 2025. Community members and businesses can get involved by sponsoring DogDash events, donating, or purchasing tickets and merchandise from our website.

 

Ultimately, DogDash's long-term goal is to establish a nonprofit dog sanctuary that provides loving ‘fur’-ever homes for dogs in need. Through their ongoing efforts, Christian Struthers and DogDash strive to create a brighter future for dogs and their humans, fostering connections and celebrating the unconditional love these relationships bring.

 

Let’s come together to support our precious pets by sponsoring or donating to DogDash today! To do so, please contact Christian Struthers via email at christian.dogdash3k@gmail.com or by phone at 406-209-5990.

 

To buy tickets when they are available or to learn more about DogDash, please visit www.dogdash3k.com or check out their social media pages:
 Facebook: 3kdogdash
 Instagram: dogdash3k
 YouTube: DogDash