Guide Dog Pickle Steals Hearts at Winter Paralympics

At the Winter Paralympics in Cortina, Italy, one athlete is stealing the spotlight without ever hitting the slopes.

Pickle, an eight-year-old black Labrador guide dog, has captured hearts as the constant companion of British para-alpine skier Hester Poole. The 18-year-old from Bath, who has had severely limited vision since birth, is competing in her first Winter Paralympics this week.

"When she comes skiing, it's nice to get to the bottom of the piste, win or lose, and have this furry ball of love waiting for me," Poole said. The pair met while being filmed for the Channel 5 series Puppy School for Guide Dogs, and their bond has only grown stronger.

Pickle has embraced her role as ParalympicsGB's unofficial 26th team member. She's already posed for an official team headshot and received her own canine-adapted kit, making her look every bit the part of an elite athlete's companion.

The lovable Lab has quickly become known around the Paralympic village for her bouncy personality in the snow and her flexible approach to nutrition (she'll eat "pretty much anything she can find on the floor"). She was even spotted joining a volleyball game during the team's training camp.

Sunny's Take

Pickle represents something bigger than adorable photo opportunities. For Poole, who credits her guide dog with restoring her confidence and helping her live more independently, Pickle's presence at the Paralympics shows how assistance animals are essential partners, not just pets.

Six guide dogs are accompanying athletes at these Games, representing Australia, Germany, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic. Organizers have set up dedicated areas for guide and assistance dogs at every competition and ceremony venue, recognizing their vital role.

At the Beijing 2022 Paralympics, another guide dog named Riley even joined her human on the podium after a gold medal win. These furry team members are getting the recognition they deserve.

As Poole prepares to compete in the giant slalom on Thursday and slalom on Saturday, Pickle will wait patiently at the bottom of the slope with Poole's mother. Whatever the results, Poole knows exactly what her companion will want: "lots of belly rubs and all the attention."

The mountains, the competition, the glory, all of it is better with a loyal friend waiting at the finish line.