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My name is Zuzana Riha Driediger and this is my rescue dog Balu.
Right now he's in training to be my third
avalanche rescue dog with the Canadian Avalanche Rescue
Dog Association,
and today we're practicing loading and unloading him into a helicopter,
which is one of the fastest ways of getting to an avalanche around here.
Balu uses his keen sense of smell to detect human scent buried under the snow
and it's my job to work with and direct him so he can be successful.
As a rescue team we encourage anyone traveling through mountainous terrain
in the winter to be sure to obey
all the avalanche warning signs and be prepared for winter conditions.
If you are working in avalanche terrain, your employer's avalanche safety plan
is a tool to keep you safe.
If you are visiting a ski area, be sure to respect any closures or warning signs.
If you are part of a professionally guided group, be sure to follow your guide's instructions.
Before you go out on your own into the backcountry, it's super important to get
the skills and knowledge required by taking an avalanche course.
I see a backcountry use becoming more and more popular every day
and the industry is producing gear and tools that make it easier for people to
get out and enjoy the mountains.
Now we're seeing more and more people out there and some of them are pushing
the limits further and further.
I hope people understand that not only are they putting themselves at risk,
but potentially the rescuers as well, should something go wrong.
We've experienced many
situations where, due to the conditions, we've had to take a step back and
consider our own safety,
which is always priority. At the end of the day,
our mission is to help people, but we also want to be able to come home safely to
our family.
(to Balu) Speak! Arfff! (Balu speaks) Good boy.