We love hearing from the families who adopt our retired sled dogs and seeing where life takes them after their time on the trails. Finding the right home for every dog is something we care deeply about, and staying connected with the people who welcome them into their families makes each adoption even more meaningful.

Sometimes, those connections begin right here at Snowy Owl. Our staff spend a great deal of time getting to know the dogs, caring for them and learning their individual personalities. Every so often, one of those relationships becomes something permanent.

That’s exactly what happened between Goat and Hannah May, Snowy Owl’s Kennel Manager and Tour Guide Supervisor.

Hannah lives in Canmore and is originally from Scotland. She works closely with Snowy Owl’s adoptable dogs and runs our adoption program, but Goat’s path into her home happened naturally over time.

“It started when Goat was recovering from her spay and came to my house,” Hannah explained. “She was incredibly calm. As the winter went on, she would come home with me on her days off from running, and we bonded so much that I couldn’t not adopt her.”

Hannah began taking Goat home on her days off in the fall. By spring, Goat had moved in as a full-time foster while Hannah waited for a few pieces of her life to fall into place. In July, the adoption became official.

“Best day ever,” she said.

Today, it’s just Hannah and Goat at home, and according to Hannah, Goat has more than filled the role of family companion.

“I wanted a cat and a dog, but she is both in one,” she said. “She’s super calm in the house and then so excited for adventures outside, so it’s perfect.”

Those adventures include mountain biking, running and hiking, usually followed by a well-earned nap. At home, Goat loves watching the world pass by from her window seat and testing out new enrichment toys.

The skills Goat learned as a lead dog have also carried into her new life. She still responds to the same directional commands used on the sled, including “gee” for right, “haw” for left and “on by” when it’s time to keep moving without becoming distracted.

“Her ‘gee’ and ‘haw’ have been amazing for running and biking with her, so she knows which way we’re headed,” Hannah said. “‘On by’ is great when we need to be respectful of the local wildlife and not pay attention to them.”

Goat has also learned to wait, which helps when crossing roads or getting out of the car. Some of her training remains a work in progress, however.

“She’s a stubborn Seppala, so ‘sit’ is still a work in progress,” Hannah joked.

For Hannah, one of the most rewarding parts of adopting Goat has been seeing more of her personality emerge as she settles into retirement.

“As the person who runs the adoption program at Snowy Owl, it’s been so wonderful to do it myself and watch all the personality of a dog shine through as they get used to retired life,” she said.

Those who know Hannah and Goat agree that the two are especially well matched.

“People say she’s the dog version of me, so it’s a great match,” Hannah said.

Goat now has a home where she can relax by the window, take on new enrichment challenges and head outside whenever her favourite adventure buddy is ready. Hannah, meanwhile, has discovered exactly what so many Snowy Owl adopters have told her over the years.

“I’ve heard it before that once you get a Snowy dog, you’ll never get anything else,” she said. “Well, I’m hooked now.”

We couldn’t be happier that Hannah and Goatie Girl found their way to each other.