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Dog Days Done Right

Meet the Woman Behind Denver Dog Guide

Article by Valerie Bianculli

Photography by Gina Betters, Denver Dog Guide

Originally published in Arvada Lifestyle

When Gina Betters moved from Wisconsin to Colorado in 2021, she found herself in a new city with a curious heart and her dog, Charley, by her side. Like many pet owners, she was eager to explore the outdoors—but quickly discovered that finding reliable, dog-friendly resources wasn’t as easy as it should be.

“I was trying to find things to do with Charley—hikes, restaurants, just fun summer stuff,” Gina recalls. “But there wasn’t one place that had it all. I had to search through random blogs and websites, and I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be easier if all this info just existed in one spot?’”

So in August 2022, Gina created Denver Dog Guide, an Instagram-based resource packed with recommendations for Colorado’s dog lovers—from scenic trails to patio brunches, events, shops, hotels, and more.

“I really thought it would just be something small,” she admits. “A fun way for me to remember the things Charley and I did together. But the response has been incredible. It turns out a lot of people were looking for this kind of resource and didn’t even know it.”

Her dog Charley, a golden basset hound, is the heart of it all. “He’s like a golden retriever riding on short legs,” she laughs. “I always joke that my husband knows Charley is the love of my life.”

Gina’s feed is more than cute pictures—it’s trusted. That’s because she personally vets every location she shares. “I won’t recommend something unless I’ve done it myself—been there, eaten there, hiked it, used the sitter, whatever it is. I take that responsibility really seriously.”

When choosing what to feature, she considers more than just aesthetics. “How dog-friendly is it really? Do they have dog bowls, shaded areas, a dog menu? And was it a great experience overall—for Charley, for me, for my husband? That matters.”

Over time, she’s watched Denver and its surrounding communities become increasingly dog-aware. “I’ve seen more places hosting yappy hours or dog events. Farmers markets are putting up signs asking people not to bring dogs on hot days. It’s not just about allowing dogs—it’s about protecting their well-being too.”

Some of her favorite finds? “I love pairing a hike with a spot to eat nearby,” she says. “Flatirons Vista Trail near Boulder is beautiful, and three minutes away is The Flats Beer Garden—super dog-friendly. Another hidden gem is Coyote Song Trail in Littleton. It’s easy, scenic, and great for any dog, from puppies to seniors.”

While the guide started local, its reach is now national. “I get messages from people in Texas, Wisconsin, wherever, saying they follow me, so they’ll know what to do when they visit Colorado with their dog,” she shares. “There’s really a whole community that’s grown from this.”

And yes, she’s partnered with some of the most recognizable names in the pet world. “Kong’s headquarters are near Denver, and we’re partnering to donate to a local shelter. I also work with the Colorado Rapids—they’ve started doing Bark at the Park, which has had an amazing turnout.”

Her dream collaboration? “REI would be awesome,” she says. “They’re so outdoorsy and their brand aligns really well with what me and my followers love.”

Seasonal content keeps things fresh. “In the summer, it’s patios and swimming spots. In winter, it’s dog-friendly snow hikes. I try to keep things hyper-local and timely. If tickets for something like Bark at the Park go on sale, I’ll post about it right away so people don’t miss out.”

Looking ahead, Gina is hoping to branch more into travel content. “My dream is to take Charley to see the ocean,” she says. “He’s 11 now, so it’s a bucket-list moment. I’m working on a dog-friendly airline trip to show others how to make those travel dreams happen too.”

With air travel becoming more pet-accessible—Air France recently announced in-cabin dog travel, and Denver is home to the new dog-friendly airline Fly Retrieve Air—it’s a growing space. “People want to travel with their dogs,” Gina says. “And companies are starting to recognize that.”

For anyone hoping to follow in her footsteps, Gina’s advice is simple: “Be yourself. Find your unique angle. The things people connect with most are often the small, personal touches—like my snow report. Every time it snows, I bring Charley outside and measure the snow based on how far up his legs it goes. People love it.”

Consistency is key, too. “It’s a lot of work, but if you’re consistent and authentic, the right people will find you.”

Denver Dog Guide isn’t just about showcasing places—it’s about building a community. “I love when people tag me in their photos or message me with their own recommendations,” she says. “It’s become this shared experience that brings people—and their pets—closer together.”

And if you’re looking for a new spot to check out this summer, Gina has one on her radar: the new Arvada Beer Garden.

You can follow Gina and Charley’s adventures on Instagram at @denverdogguide.

“I love pairing a hike with a spot to eat nearby, Flatirons Vista Trail near Boulder is beautiful, and three minutes away is The Flats Beer Garden—super dog-friendly. Another hidden gem is Coyote Song Trail in Littleton. It’s easy, scenic, and great for any dog, from puppies to seniors.”

“I won’t recommend something unless I’ve done it myself—been there, eaten there, hiked it, used the sitter, whatever it is. I take that responsibility seriously.”