The Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026 have just kicked off, and while the spotlight shines on 665 extraordinary athletes competing across six thrilling sports—Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling—another group of heroes is stealing hearts worldwide. These are the service dogs, the loyal, highly trained companions traveling alongside their human partners to the Italian Alps. Far more than pets, these four-legged athletes provide essential mobility assistance, emotional grounding, PTSD management, and unwavering confidence, turning what might seem impossible into something truly paw-sible.

As the Games unfold from March 6 to March 15, 2026, stories of these remarkable dogs are spreading rapidly, reminding the world that Paralympic excellence often comes with a wagging tail and a pair of soulful eyes. From black Labradors guiding visually impaired skiers down treacherous slopes to steadfast companions calming veterans haunted by trauma, these dogs embody dedication, resilience, and pure love. Their presence at the Games marks a beautiful intersection of human triumph and canine loyalty, celebrating 50 years since the modern service dog movement began alongside the inaugural Winter Paralympics.

Pickle: The Waggiest Member of Team GB

Leading the pack in charm is Pickle, the black Labrador retriever serving as guide dog to British Para alpine skier Hester Poole. Born with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare eye disease leaving her with only 5-10% vision, Poole has relied on Pickle since she was 14 years old. The bond formed almost instantly, transforming Poole’s life overnight.

Poole’s mother, Sarah, vividly recalls the change: “It feels as though Hester has grown a foot taller, she’s more confidently going at speed, growing in confidence and stature. And that was overnight with the introduction of Pickle.” The dog assists with navigation in everyday life and during high-stakes training, from bustling airports to cable cars in the mountains. Pickle even holds a European passport issued in Austria and has mastered the art of being carried on escalators during travels.

ParalympicsGB has embraced Pickle wholeheartedly, dubbing her the “waggiest member of the team” and “a very good girl” in her official headshot. She has appeared on news programs and even featured in an audio-described comic. As Poole races down snowy slopes in pursuit of glory, Pickle waits patiently in the athlete village, offering cuddles after intense sessions and reminding her human that no challenge is faced alone.

Australian Powerhouses and Their Canine Allies

Australia’s Paralympic contingent brings several standout duos to Milano Cortina, highlighting the diverse roles service dogs play. Amanda Reid, the first Indigenous athlete selected for an Australian Winter Paralympic team, competes in women’s banked slalom and snowboard cross despite living with cerebral palsy. Her service dog Odell joins her, described playfully by team social media as the “canine equivalent of Lara Croft, Margot Robbie and any woman who loves showing their cheeky side.” Odell provides balance support and emotional steadiness amid the high-adrenaline demands of snowboarding.

For the para Nordic team—focusing on biathlon and cross-country skiing—three Labradors stand out. Suki supports Dave Miln, a former military member and father of two who became a double amputee in 2022 after a harrowing accident involving a large plough while protecting his children. Suki, trained for PTSD management, helps not only Miln but his entire family cope with the lingering trauma. Miln shares, “I’ve had Suki about two years now, and she’s amazing. She’s a PTSD-based dog not only for me, but for my family, too… It’s hard to take her away from the family, but having her here is incredible.”

Matt Brumby, 48, has been inseparable from Willow since the Invictus Games in 2018. This marks Willow’s fourth international trip with Brumby, who competes in para biathlon and cross-country skiing. Willow assists with mobility during competitions and training, offering reliability that allows Brumby to focus on performance. Integra Service Dogs Australia, Willow’s provider, proudly calls Brumby their ambassador and celebrates their shared adventures.

Taryn Dickens rounds out the Australian Nordic group with Gigi, a dual-purpose companion—part seeing-eye dog, part emotional anchor. Dickens battles PTSD and vision loss from Cone-Rod Dystrophy. Gigi comes from Defense Community Dogs, an organization that rescues dogs from shelters, trains them rigorously, and gifts them free to veterans. Dickens says of Gigi: “The most beautiful thing about her is that she never lets me down, no matter how distracted things can get around us. She always knows exactly where I am and how I’m feeling.” In a heartfelt video, she adds, “I could 100% tell you that I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Gigi… She gives me the confidence to be fearless.”

Carina Edlinger and Riley: A Bond Forged in Bronze

Austrian skier Carina Edlinger, who claimed bronze at the Beijing 2022 Games, brings Riley, her devoted guide dog described as her “best fan.” Riley’s presence stole the show in Beijing when Edlinger presented her hard-earned medal to him on the podium. Edlinger once explained: “Even when you have a bad day, your dog still comes to you and wants to have a cuddle. So he is more than gold. He’s always there… My dog needs to be there.” In the high-pressure environment of Paralympic competition, Riley provides the constant reassurance that helps Edlinger push her limits on the slopes.

Why Labrador Retrievers Dominate Service Work

Experts explain why Labrador retrievers appear so frequently among these elite service dogs. Mary Burch, Ph.D., a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, notes: “Labrador retrievers are keenly intelligent, they learn tasks quickly, and they are reliable with good temperament. Because of their physical size, Labrador retrievers are small enough to be easy to manage, and large enough to be used as guide dogs and mobility dogs. Their coats are easy to groom—and the breed fits well into the families of people who use service dogs.”

This combination of brains, brawn, and gentle nature makes Labs ideal for the multifaceted demands of Paralympic life—guiding through crowded villages, calming anxiety before races, or simply offering a furry shoulder after defeat.

The Bigger Picture: 50 Years of Progress

The 2026 Winter Paralympics coincide with the 50th anniversary of both the modern service dog concept (pioneered by organizations like Canine Companions in 1975) and the first Winter Paralympic Games (held in Sweden in 1976). Back then, athletes competed only in alpine and cross-country skiing. Today, the program spans six sports, opening doors for greater inclusion.

Organizations such as ParalympicsGB, Paralympics Australia, Defense Community Dogs, and Integra Service Dogs Australia ensure these dogs receive top-tier training and travel accommodations. The dogs fly on planes, navigate foreign cities, and live in athlete villages, all while maintaining impeccable behavior.

Their impact extends beyond practical help. They boost confidence, reduce isolation, and remind athletes—and spectators—that disability does not define capability. As Paralympics Australia posted on Instagram: “We’re a little biased, but one of the best parts of the Paralympics is the addition of our four-legged friends.”

Heartwarming Moments and Lasting Inspiration

Viewers tuning into the Games will catch glimpses of tail wags in the background, dogs curled up near sleds, or athletes sneaking pets between events. These moments humanize the competition, showing vulnerability and joy in equal measure.

The dogs often receive more adoration than their owners—photographed, hugged, and cheered louder at times. Yet that attention underscores a profound truth: success at this level requires a team. For many athletes, that team includes a dog who never judges, never tires, and always believes.

As Milano Cortina 2026 unfolds amid snow-capped peaks and roaring crowds, remember the quiet heroes padding through the athlete village. Pickle, Odell, Suki, Willow, Gigi, Riley, and countless others are not just accompanying their partners—they are enabling dreams, healing wounds, and proving that with loyalty and love, anything becomes possible.

In a world that celebrates speed, strength, and precision, these service dogs remind us that the greatest victories often come from the heart—and from a cold nose nudging a hand saying, “You’ve got this.”