By Diana Lee, Communications and Marketing Manager (diana.lee@skipatrol.ca)
Earlier this year, we launched our Pets of Patrollers feature to highlight the happiness and comfort we experience when our animal friends interact with us.
For our ninth feature, here are our December cuties:
Baxter, Ontario
Baxter is a 10-year-old Schnauzer and has been a St. John’s Ambulance therapy dog since 2015. I became a patroller at Hockley Valley resort in 2016 and have trained Baxter to run beside me while I ski down the hill (he gets to ride the lift back up).
When a patron has fallen, Baxter is always quick to get to them and sit with them. He became a very popular asset at Hockley.
As Baxter gets older, he comes out to the hill only on special occasions, like the last night ski of the season. He stands at the top of the hill with his blinking red light and red patrol vest on, waiting for pets from anyone who wants to come and say hi!
Owner: Liane West, Hockey Valley Resort, Central Zone.
Charlie, New Brunswick
Meet Charlie, our lovable four-year-old Shorkie pup who’s become an honorary member of the Canadian Ski Patrol at Poley Mountain, N.B. For the past four seasons, she’s joined us for training, greeted fellow patrollers, and brought smiles to everyone she meets—patients and staff alike. Charlie is a regular in the patrol room, often hanging out during safety meetings after our shifts. On weekends, she camps out with us in our van in the parking lot, always ready for another snowy adventure. She’s a small dog but mighty with a big heart, and we think it might be time to find her a patrol jacket of her own! You can follow her on Instagram @the.mighty.charlie.
Owners: Danielle and Marc Leger, Poley Mountain.
How to get your pet featured
Please send an email to Diana Lee (diana.lee@skipatrol.ca) with the subject line: Pets of Patrollers: Your Name, Your Pet Name and the following details:
- Name, age, breed of your pet (e.g., Onyx, two years old, German Shepherd dog).
- Fun fact or an interesting detail about your pet and what they mean to you.
- Attach a photo of your pet (bonus points if they are wearing CSP gear.
- Your zone and the name of the resort(s) you patrol at.
Mental health is an important aspect of the Canadian Ski Patrol. We hope that these pet photos spark joy throughout your 2025 season!
Even for those who don’t have pets, interacting or even seeing an animal can boost their mood. Just think of the positive impact of therapy dogs.
This post is also available in: French