Pooch Protector

Keeping canines safe in the backcountry.

Dogs are people, too. They’re part of the family. And so to protect my canine kin while backcountry skiing, I outfit him with an old Pieps in a harness pouch. That way, if Raleigh bounds off and triggers a slide, I’ve at least got a chance of rescuing him. The harness required some jury-rigging to hold the transceiver properly, but it’s lightweight and doesn’t hinder mobility. With Raleigh thus equipped, I feel much better about bringing him on a ski tour.

It should be noted that most people disapprove of this practice, and many condemn it outright. The argument is that a dog’s beacon signal may distract searchers from a buried human. But here’s the rub: when I bring Raleigh along, I’m usually alone, or with a partner who approves of the precaution. Perhaps said partner is not merely accepting risk, but rather values Raleigh’s life above my own? I’m fine with that.