A man and his dog have become online stars thanks to adorable videos of him rollerblading and riding scooters with the 75-pound Bernedoodl...
A man and his dog have become online stars thanks to adorable videos of him rollerblading and riding scooters with the 75-pound Bernedoodle on his back.
Andrew Laske, 30, from Venice, California, has an incredibly close bond with his four-year-old pooch, Benji, and they've captured hearts around the globe with their impressive outdoor activities.
The owner and his fluffy friend do everything together — from traveling and hiking to visiting children's hospitals to spread some joy.
Best friends: Andrew Laske, 30, from Venice, California, loves rollerblading and riding scooters with his dog, Benji, strapped to his back
Up for anything: In a series of video clips, Andrew can be seen whizzing through the sunny streets of Los Angeles with his beloved pooch on his back
Home sweet home: The owner and his four-year-old Bernedoodle live in Venice, one of LA's most eclectic neighborhoods
In a series of video clips, Andrew can be seen whizzing through the sunny streets of Los Angeles while holding on to Benji's paws that are rested on his shoulders. The pair also likes to go paddleboarding and jet-skiing together.
'Benji is a very good boy,' Andrew told Jam Press. 'He's smart, affectionate, athletic, friendly, handsome, and one of a kind. He's my son and best friend.'
Traveling is a passion of Andrew's and he never goes anywhere without his trusted companion. Together they have traveled to cities across North America, including New York, Chicago, Seattle, St. Louis, New Orleans, Denver, Aspen, Las Vegas, Dallas, Cabo San Lucas, Vancouver, San Francisco, and Portland.
The sales engineer for Schneider Electric got the Bernedoodle on July 29, 2016, from a breeder in Memphis, Tennessee.
Comfy: Andrew carries Benji in a backpack with the dog's paws resting on his shoulders
Taking a rest: Sometimes, Andrew will push the 75-pound dog on the boardwalk
Understandable: Benji absolutely loves rollerblading with his owner, but they normally don't go too far because carrying the dog can be tiring for Andrew
Winter sports: Benji may be a California dog, but he likes skiing with his owner, too
When Benji was six months old, Andrew began rollerblading while his fluffy pal ran alongside him, but he eventually decided to hoist him on top of his shoulders, inside a backpack.
'I've been rollerblading myself since I was a child and began going long distances over six-plus miles at a time when I was 22,' he said. 'I didn't begin putting him in the backpack until about a year ago after I knew I was physically ready.
'The reason I started doing it was that he often likes to sniff or will get tired and this is a good way for us to keep going.
'I also know Benji won't always be this physically healthy so it's best I begin doing this at an early age. You can tell from the videos that he's definitely a fan!'
Relaxing on the water: Paddleboading is another outdoor activity they enjoy
Open water: Andrew and Benji even go jet-skiing together when they can
Aww: 'He's smart, affectionate, athletic, friendly, handsome, and one of a kind,' Andrew said of Benji. 'He's my son and best friend'
Giving back: The owner and his furry friend like to visit hospitals together to spread joy
Jet-setters: Andrew travels with Benji whenever and wherever he can
Benji absolutely loves rollerblading with his owner, but they normally don't go too far because carrying the 75-pound dog can be tiring for Andrew.
Unsurprisingly, the adventurous pair often get stopped by people in the street while rollerblading together.
'We get stopped a lot,' Andrew said. 'People are in awe at how big and cute Benji is The top questions we get asked are what kind of dog he is and how much he weighs.'
They also have a lot of fans online, with over 53,000 followers on their @lilmanlife Instagram account, where people will reach out to thank Andrew for making them smile with his adorable videos of Benji.
Cutest content: Andrew shares photos and videos of their adventurers on their @lilmanlife Instagram account, including this snapshot taken at Observation Point in Utah
Popular: The dynamic duo has amassed over 53,000 Instagram followers thanks to their heartwarming bond
Next up: They plan on visiting Europe and Asia together whenever coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease up
Team: In the meantime, they're always up for a friendly football or basketball game in their neighborhood
Aww: Andrew couldn't resist getting them matching T-shirts while visiting New York City
Adorable: Andrew and Benji also donned matching pajamas for Christmas this year
'This is why I created the Instagram account to begin with,' he said. 'People love seeing the bond of man and man's best friend and ours is one of a kind.
'We are happiest when we're on the road or trail, seeing new places, having new experiences, and meeting new people.
'We love to rollerblade, chill on the beach, scooter, hike, stand up paddleboard, play basketball and football, eat ice cream, visit the children's hospital, and bring joy to others.'
The duo's favorite adventures so far have been an alligator tour in the Louisiana Bayou, whale watching in British Columbia, and attending Santa Con in Times Square.
When coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease, they plan on visiting Europe and Asia.
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