A Tribute to Denali

There is no question that the bond between humans and dogs is special…

Ben Moon and Denali found each other in 1999 after Ben paid a visit to the local shelter. Together they spent years traveling around the Pacific Northwest, photographing surfers and rock climbers. They enjoyed an idyllic, nomadic lifestyle, as Ben’s career documenting adventurers started to take off.

In 2004, Ben was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal, and while in the hospital for surgery, the nurses allowed Denali in the room. He would jump and lie down gently beside Ben, and during the long, brutal chemo sessions his caring gaze never wavered. Ben beat the cancer, and soon the pair were back on the road again, but 10 years later Denali was diagnosed with cancer. One month after being diagnosed, Denali was gone.

Ben has created this incredibly touching tribute to his friend, told from Denali’s point of view, and his story will leave you with a deeper appreciation of life and every single moment. For the love of Denali.❤

The video short — a collaboration between director Ben Knight, producer and cinematographer Skip Armstrong — premiered at 5Point Film Festival, winning both Best of Festival and People’s Choice. It also was an official selection at Telluride Mountainfilm fest.