Welcome to Paw Patrol Chilli!

“There is a growing body of research showing how therapy dogs can help people in stressful situations; an interaction with a dog causes us to release "happy hormones" (endorphins, oxytocin and serotonin) which reduces stress (cortisol levels), lowers heart rate, and provides overall feelings of well being which can have great benefits in emergency rooms and first responder settings. Chilli is only in the early stages of her training however we are already seeing the potential for how she may be able to assist our guests and the patrol team. The response from the staff on mountain is overwhelmingly positive and our hope is that Chilli will play a role in boosting morale and provide support for our team as well as the public.”

“She loved the snow and spent the first few days sniffing everything and getting familiar with her new surroundings,” explained Tess. “It was wonderful seeing her take to the snow so happily and revelling in catching snowflakes. We had a couple of runs on Bourke Street before the public got out skiing, with her learning to run on the snow between our skis and she even managed her first ride on the chairlift quite calmly.”

“Our focus in these early stages is all about her well-being as a young pup learning obedience and social skills in a unique environment. We’ll see how she goes this winter and if she enjoys it, and it suits her temperament and work drive, I am hopeful we can progress into therapy dog training and a future role for Chilli where she can comfort people in stressful situations.”

Ed Mahon, Manager of the Mt Buller Ski Patrol has welcomed the program, and Chilli.

“As our Patrol celebrates a significant 75 year anniversary this year it’s fitting that we embrace new ways to support our guests, and our team. The work of the Patrol is sometimes stressful as we care for patients, comfort lost children and conduct search and rescue operations. It will be interesting to see how Chilli’s presence and training can support us all. There is a long history of dogs being part of Ski Patrol work around the world in a range of roles including avalanche rescue and therapy roles. Chilli is the first canine member of the Mt Buller Ski Patrol to pull on a red jacket and hopefully it’s a successful trial and she might not be the last.”

Chilli has only been in training on mountain for a couple of weeks however is already a popular figure and is spreading joy as she learns and explores the mountain.

“She definitely has a fan club already and our team love to see her out in her red jacket with Tess and Campbell. She has a gentle and calm disposition and already seems to be settling into her ‘job’ up here,” said resort spokesperson Rhylla Morgan.

“Mt Buller is very proud of the 75 years of continuous contribution the Ski Patrol has made to our community. Tess and Campbell are blazing a new trail that we are all very excited to see succeed and Chilli’s training has the full ‘suppawt’ of the lift company and the resort management. We all wish Chilli the best as she settles in and brings comfort to everyone she meets,” she added.

Tess and Campbell did extensive research before settling on the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever as the breed they wanted to work with. Chilli is a dog that has been bred with the qualities and physical characteristics to suit her role including a water-repellent double coat of medium length and a soft dense undercoat. They are known as curious and intelligent dogs with a strong work drive that get along well with children. ‘Tollers’, as the breed are known, also love water which is a good fit as Tess is a marine scientist spending much time in the ocean during the summer months. Both Tess and Campbell are keen divers and enjoy time on and in the water when they are not up on snow.

Tess and Campbell met patrolling together 10 years ago, got engaged on the Mt Buller summit and are now happily married, with Chilli a welcome addition to their family. Follow Chilli’s journey on her Instagram @red_hot_chilli_dog and look out for her when you are next visiting Mt Buller.

She’s very cute but please ask Tess and Campbell before approaching Chilli – she’s learning and working!

WATCH CHILLI'S FIRST DAYS ON SNOW >