By Diana Lee, Communications and Marketing Manager (diana.lee@skipatrol.ca)
Meet our October furry friends:
Dakota, Quebec
Dakota is a Husky/German Shepherd mix and a wonderful, happy, active and very friendly dog. Owner and patroller at Owl’s Head for 35 years, Patricia Burton, considers Dakota “my best friend and my constant.” Following 14 spine surgeries, Dakota gave Pat purpose and helped Pat heal.
While Pat gets stronger day by day, Pat had joined the adaptive ski program and was presented a Lifetime Member Award in Eastern Townships Zone!
Owner: Patricia Burton, Division Quebec, Eastern Townships Zone (Estrie)
Sam, Ontario
Sam is an eight-year-old Golden Retriever adopted five years ago as an international rescue from Cairo, Egypt, brought to Canada by an organization called Golden Rescue, based in Barrie, Ontario.
“When Sam came into my life, I could see that he already had a very gentle nature and loved people. Not squirrels though… Sam and I became a therapy dog team through the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, and we began visiting senior’s homes, so Sam could share his lovely calm nature with others.”
“When Osler Ski Club in Collingwood, Ontario, hosted a safety day, I knew Sam would be a good addition to the Ski Patrol’s education booth, so the kids could pet him, get some safety stickers and learn about safety on the hill. With approval from Osler management, Sam was a huge hit! The kids loved him and he loved the attention. True to his nature, he gently interacted with the kids, and happily absorbed pets, hugs and ‘fake pawdicures’ on his paws given by the kids using some tongue depressors from my first aid kit! This is all not surprising to me, since Sam is always sweet and happily interacts with humans, whether it’s in Canadian Tire (his favourite shopping stop), or in the street, or in the park.”
Sam continues to be a gentle giant of a Golden and brings joy to anyone that has the time to give him a pat or an ear scritch, or his favourite: a hug.
Owner: Gillian Parker, Osler Ski Club (Collingwood), Central Zone.
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 this fall.
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.
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