The Jackson Hole Patrol Dogs are the hardest working canines in the valley. Day in and day out they work alongside ski patrol practicing search and rescue techniques. More than just members of the patrol, these dogs are family members of the patrollers who take care of them. Their individual personalities run wild until playtime is over and work begins.
Ski patrollers are an odd amalgamation. Part professional skier, laborer, explosives specialist, first responder, coach, sex symbol—they wear many hats. So, it makes perfect sense a few patrollers would add avalanche dog trainer to their requisite skill set. And it’s nothing new.
Meet avalanche dog Sable born on March 23, 2013, is a Boykin Spaniel. Medium sized and compact to carry, at 32 pounds, she is friendly, has an enthusiastic personality and is very lovable to everyone she meets. Her large, feathery ears hang close to the cheeks, setting off an expression of soulful intelligence. Boykin Spaniels move with the effortless and balanced gait typical of durable gundogs. Bred to work in their native South Carolina, web-toed Boykins can swim like seals, and dig efficiently in the snow. She’s an avid worker who also loves to hunt pheasants and grouse, and we are proud to have her on our team.
Meet Ziggy, a female American Upland Labrador who is the half sister of Luna. One may confuse Ziggy with their dog at home, but her training as a patrol dog has developed quickly and she will be a staple for years to come on the team. Her youthful energy has provided a spark to the team and she loves her time on the mountain, especially riding in toboggans and on lifts. If you see Ziggy around the mountain, be prepared for an abundance of cuteness and joy, but remember she has a job to do!
Meet Scout, an American Labrador pup. She’s very energetic, loving, and feels most at home on the mountain. Her middle name is Red, which is an appropriate coincidence considering her love for “Big Red”, the Tram. If you see Scout around, she will surely greet you with the exuberance only a puppy exudes.
Meet Cache, a Dutch Shepherd. Cache is a tenacious, intensely driven worker who also has a knack for playful mischief. Cache won the lottery landing at JHSP; she was initially supposed to go to the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, but when they shut down temporarily due to the pandemic, JHSP was able to sweep her up and move her to Jackson.
Meet Luna, a female black lab puppy. Luna's dad, Scott, is getting her comfortable with her role by bringing her to work every day and building trust with him and the environment on the mountain. She loves snow and has been excited to begin to see it fall. While she still has some training ahead, Luna is already displaying the perfect traits of a successful avalanche dog, intuition, loyalty, and a keen sense of smell.
Meet Sparrow, a female Airedale who loves working in the winter, but really excels in the summer protecting people from Grizzly bears in the high alpine. She’s loving and enjoys spending time with her fellow JHSP dogs. She has an adventurous spirit and is passionate about helping those in need.
Meet Toby, an English Shepherd born on Dec 12, 2021, in Buffalo, WY to parents Molly B. and Sonny D. Toby is happy to call Jackson Hole home! He’s showing lots of bravery, curiosity, and happiness. He is excited to begin the process of becoming a Jackson Hole Ski Patrol Avalanche Rescue Dog.
