A generational story about the torch passing between the two dogs – one a young gun, another a seasoned veteran – and a look at how the pair impacted the life of GUNNER’s own Luke Moore.
For me, The Mantle is more about the dogs—and the people—that helped me get to where I am today.
At the heart of the story, and of everything I’ve built in my career and life, are two incredible dogs: Goose and Dex. These two dogs aren’t just companions; they’ve been anchors in my life, supporting me through highs and lows, and providing a foundation for the relationships that truly matter.
Goose: The Beginning of Something Bigger
Goose came into my life when I was 9 years old. As you can probably imagine, I had no idea what I was doing when it came to training a dog. I tried my best to figure it out, and I think what ended up being the biggest factor for how amazing Goose was and the amount of time we spent together.
Goose wasn’t just a companion in the typical sense; he was my partner. There’s something special about a dog that has the kind of bond that Goose and I had with each other. He understood me in ways that not many people did. Through the awkward stages of growing up, he was right there beside me— middle school, high school, and college. Always ready for adventure, always present, always loyal.
When it came time to create The Mantle, I knew that its essence had to reflect the same kind of loyalty, dedication, and companionship that Goose showed me daily. The project wasn’t just about making something people would love— it had to be about relationships, and Goose is the one who taught me what it meant to build something strong and lasting. The best relationships are built on trust, patience, and mutual respect, and those are the themes that run through every part of The Mantle.
Dex: The New Chapter
As Goose got older, I knew I wanted my next dog to learn something from him. His steady demeanor and drive have always been incredible, so it was important to me that my new pup was able to learn from him.
Where Goose was steady and unassuming, Dex brought a new kind of energy into our lives. He was a bit of a wild card, full of energy and curiosity, always pushing boundaries and testing the limits. But as with everything that has happened in my life, Dex taught me lessons too. He showed me that there’s beauty in uncertainty, and strength in letting go of control. I realized that sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to embrace change and trust that the unknown will bring growth. We went through a very tough time in my family a few months after getting Dex and he truly helped me get through it– more than I can even explain.
Together, Goose and Dex have shown me what it means to balance stability with growth. It’s not just about having a solid base; it’s about knowing when to take chances and when to hold steady. This balance is exactly what we’ve tried to capture in The Mantle. It’s not just a product or a project; it’s a representation of how relationships, built on mutual respect and understanding, can stand the test of time. And that’s exactly what I hope people see when they experience The Mantle.
The Power of Relationships
Looking back, I can’t help but recognize that the creation of The Mantle was always about relationships. It wasn’t just about the dogs; it was about how they brought me closer to the people who mattered most— my family, my team, and my friends. Goose and Dex made me better at connecting with others, at building trust and respect, at fostering an environment where loyalty is just as important as success.
And as I look ahead, I can’t wait to see what the future holds. With relationships like the ones I’ve built with Goose, Dex, and everyone else who has walked with me on this journey, I know that whatever comes next will be built on the same solid foundation. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for both of these dogs.
