People of the Rockies | Bow Valley Crag & Canyon

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It is time for a change.

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For over two years I have had the pleasure of meeting, photographing, and writing about the diverse population of artists and artisans in Bow Valley. Over time, this column, named after a classic rock song, has grown into a feature about locals doing all kinds of interesting things, not just creating art.

In the many weeks and months since the beginning of this column, everyone has been addressed here, from silk artists, climbers, potters, puppeteers, dog trainers, doctors and teachers, to name a few.

With the pillar assuming a new identity, it was time to change its name. Now, bowing to Humans of New York, we picked Humans of the Rockies because the column covers people from Lake Louise to Kananaskis and everywhere in between.

The first person featured in this renamed column is longtime Canmore resident Wendy Everett.

You may have seen Wendy and her service dog Hedi out in town.

Wendy volunteers regularly and loves to be faithful to the hiking and walking trails with her black lab.

Everett is originally from Poole, Dorset, UK and has lived in Canmore since 1998.

“I did whale research off Vancouver Island as a volunteer,” said Everett. “When I discovered Canmore on a road trip. And how many people have I never left. “

Wendy has owned Hedi, a Lion’s Foundation of Canada Dog Guides service dog, for four years.

“She helps when I use a wheelchair or crutches,” said Everett. “She opens doors, turns on the lights, gets water from the refrigerator, etc.”

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Everett, with the help of her friend Sandy Lecour, organizes the annual fundraiser for the Lion’s Foundation Walk for Dog Guides in Canmore.

Everett has been offering part-time dog grooming for the past several years.

“I took a class in Australia and really enjoyed it,” said Everett. “I am my own boss. I have been caring for dogs for over 30 years now. “

Everett specializes in small breed dogs and Labradoodles.

“I don’t bathe dogs to keep costs down for the customer,” said Everett. “The funniest customers are pups who get their first cut because they’re so dramatic.”

Since dogs bred with poodles, like Labradoodles, don’t shed, they need regular grooming as their fur grows and can become matted, she said.

“I like building a relationship with the dogs so they aren’t afraid to be groomed,” Everett said. “I like their personalities.”

To contact Everett’s dog grooming business, please call 403-688-6006 or email [email protected]

And if you know a local who you think would be a great person for this column please contact me at [email protected]

Thanks and read on!