Working on the slopes can get ruff.
The ski patrol team at Vail Mountain has a new crew member! Cowgirl is a nine-week-old, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. (Try saying that ones 10 times fast!) She's getting started in her career early and had her first day at the slopes last Sunday.
Cowgirl will be working with co-workers Rocky, Jake, and Mookie. The canine crew will help show her the ropes and get her used to being a member of the ski patrol at one of Colorado's busiest ski resorts.
Courtesy of Big Mountain Creative
In just two years, Cowgirl and her handler, Kori Landauer, will be looking to obtain Colorado Rapid Avalanche certification. Once she obtains the certification, Cowgirl can start helping to save lives on the slopes.
Courtesy of Big Mountain Creative
For now, the main priority of the team is to get Cowgirl acclimated to her busy surroundings. This includes having her ride the chairlifts, gondolas, and snowcats. She'll also need to get used to working with the other ski patrol dogs and being around all the skiers who flock to Vail Mountain.
Courtesy of Big Mountain Creative
What do you think about Vail's newest addition? Will you be hitting the slopes anytime soon? Sound off in the comments!
