If Stormy Kromer ever needs a canine model, Harvey Washington Reynolds is ready for his close-up. Management inquiries welcome. (yes, he has an agent).
By Billy Golden, Beacon Floof Correspondent
Some dogs fetch balls. Some dogs fetch sticks. And then there are dogs like Harvey Washington Reynolds, who fetch attention, admiration and the occasional spontaneous squeal from strangers who have seen his face on billboards before they’ve ever shaken his paw.
And yes, that is his full name.
At just 3 years old, Harvey has already cemented his status as an Upper Peninsula icon, a title he wears with calm confidence and an impeccable coat. He says the moment he realized he’d crossed over from “very handsome dog” into full-fledged model territory was when people started showing up to the office specifically to see him after spotting his face on marketing materials.
His rise from exceptionally handsome puppy to full-fledged model was cemented the moment fans began seeking him out in person: “When strangers come by the office after they have seen me on a marketing piece and want to just see me,” he said.
His modeling career didn’t begin by chance. Reynolds credits his human, Kathy, with recognizing his potential early and putting him front and center.
“Kathy thrust me into the spotlight,” he said. “Though I do like being in the spotlight.”
Despite his strong online presence, Reynolds leaves the technical work to his team.
“Fame comes second nature to me, and I let my human take care of all of my correspondence and social media,” he said. “She is more accurate on the keyboard.”
Maintaining his signature golden look takes serious commitment. Reynolds said grooming is a non-negotiable part of the job.
“Being this handsome, I certainly need a lot of care for my wonderful locks of hair,” he said. “If I don’t get my toe hair trimmed, I end up with ‘Grinch toes’ and snowballs in between them in the winter.”
Full grooming sessions, he noted, take three to four hours.
On shoot days, Reynolds describes himself as calm and professional, with one small caveat.
“I’m pretty chill, though having a treat in between shoots is awesome and keeps me focused,” he said.
When asked about favorite types of work, Reynolds didn’t hesitate.
“I love being admired and gushed over by all who see me,” he said.
With recognition comes responsibility, something Reynolds takes seriously.
“I guess I’m somewhat famous,” he said. “Part of my job and responsibility is that when folks see me, hopefully it brings them happy thoughts and makes them smile.”
Off-duty, Reynolds prefers a quieter pace.
“Hanging out in my favorite chair at my house watching TV and keeping an eye on whether my human goes into the kitchen are important,” he said. “I also love to go on walks. I’m told I look like a movie star prancing down the street with my golden locks flowing in the wind.”
His diet, unlike his schedule, is strict.
“My human has me on a pretty strict regimen,” Reynolds said. “I don’t get any people food. Though popcorn doesn’t count.”
He added that raw vegetables are staples, including broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, along with “a half an apple every morning.”
As for toys, Reynolds has clear preferences.
“The more worn out the tennis ball, the better,” he said. “Though one needs to remember, if you are throwing balls with me, you better have a few on reserve because I tend to be stingy.”
A typical day includes perimeter checks for wildlife, workdays at the office, naps, toy inspections and multiple property surveys before bedtime.
Dog friendships are approached cautiously.
“If the other dog doesn’t jump on me, mess up my hair or has his or her nose where it shouldn’t be, then they are accepted,” Reynolds said, noting that his Uncle Gus, a 110-pound English lab, frequently tests those boundaries.
“That is very annoying and is not tolerated,” he added.
Kathy said she recognized Harvey’s star quality early on.
“Immediately,” she said. “He was the absolute cutest puppy with the best temperament.”
What surprised her most?
“How much he would like all the attention and the attention he gets from complete strangers,” she said.
Balancing work and normal dog life has been easy, she said.
And does Harvey know he’s famous?
“Oh, I think he somewhat knows it,” she said. “Especially when his fans stop by and let out a big squeal.”
As for advice to aspiring floofs, Reynolds keeps it simple.
“It’s all about the smile,” he said. “Also, if you don’t like being touched, this might not be your destiny. I love to be touched.”