Henry, beloved canine of Vail Ski Patrol, now has an apparel line

Vail Mountain’s first avalanche rescue dog, Henry, inspired the Avy Dog Henry's Legacy apparel collection that joins an existing Avy Dog Bourbon release; a portion of proceeds will support avalanche rescue dog programs.

Henry was Vail Mountain’s first avalanche rescue dog and served as an unofficial ambassador for Vail Ski Patrol beginning in 2008. He helped make the patrol more approachable for visitors. Henry retired from service and died in November 2022 at age 15. Handlers Chris "Mongo" Reeder and Mike "Kanger" Kang previously collaborated on Avy Dog Bourbon and have now introduced the Henry's Legacy apparel collection. Key details: - Chris Reeder picked Henry from a litter in Michigan in 2007 and introduced the avalanche rescue dog program to Vail Mountain in 2008. - Henry died in November 2022 at age 15 and already had several namesakes, including Henry's Hut and other commemorations. - Avy Dog Bourbon was released in collaboration with 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits Company in 2023 and is primarily sold in Vail Valley liquor stores, restaurants and bars. - The Henry's Legacy Collection includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, long-sleeved tees, caps, beanies, drinkware, accessories, dog gear and other merchandise, with designs inspired by actual photos from Henry's service. - Named designs include Henry and Patrol Dogs Flight for Life (four dogs in front of the Flight for Life helicopter), Mountain Rescue Heli (Henry with Reeder during helicopter rescue missions), and Lift Ride with Henry (Henry riding the chairlift with Reeder). - Reeder and Kang say they will donate a portion of proceeds to avalanche rescue dog programs, including Vail Avalanche Rescue Dogs and C-RAD, and plan to grow the Avy Dog brand from Vail to other Colorado ski towns and larger markets. Summary: The apparel line aims to preserve moments from Henry’s service as wearable designs and to continue the Avy Dog brand started with the bourbon release. The creators report that part of sales will support local and national avalanche rescue dog programs, and they plan gradual expansion beyond Vail.