Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

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By Tanda Gmiter

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THOMPSONVILLE, MI - Dog lovers checking into Crystal Mountain resort this winter will have a special four-footed greeter waiting for them.

Meet Fisher, the resort's new K9 ambassador. With his Golden retriever grin and wagging tail, his job is to spread cheer inside the popular four-season resort and add more smiles with his slopeside visits.

While he's officially been on the job since this spring, this is Fisher's first ski season helping to check in guests at the Inn at the Mountain's front desk area.

When he's not at his post, you can find the 6-year-old roaming the resort with his owner, Jeff Rabidoux, a real estate agent with the resort's Crystal Mountain Realty. The pup loves to check in on staff, mingle with guests outside having fun, and accept hugs and head pats from his many admirers.

"It just changes the ambiance, it changes the whole feel of the front desk area," Rabidoux said of Fisher's presence. "I think people understand it's more than just a dog. It's a whole feeling you get here."

"Who doesn't like a nice, furry, loving dog?"

Fisher - bolstered by Rabidoux's own skill as a photographer - has a growing social media following as Crystal Mountain's ambassador.

With the resort and Rabidoux's permission, we are sharing some recent pictures from Fisher's Instagram account. To follow Fisher, check out his page at @resortk9.

So stay with us as we look at how Fisher landed this job, his wine-label modeling career, and the special bond he and his owners share.

We'll also show you what's new at Crystal Mountain this year, from an upgraded ice rink to solar-powered ski trails.

And if you're at Crystal this winter, tell Fisher we said hi. He's a good boy.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Fisher sitting on his family's dock, overlooking his namesake lake. "Dad, when is Santa going to be here?"

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Fisher riding shotgun, heading out on an errand with his owner.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Slopeside, with his ski goggles and ready for adventure.

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PUPPY LOVE

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Fisher was part of this litter - 14 adorable fluff balls.

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It was more than six years ago when Jeff and Katie Rabidoux lost their elderly Golden retriever, a dog they'd gotten from a rescue and made a part of their family. They weren't sure when they'd be ready for another pet.

"My wife and I lasted about two weeks," Rabidoux said, of the quiet house with no dog padding around.

They knew they wanted another Golden, and their research led them to a breeder in Kalkaska. They put their names on a waiting list, and were surprised when the mother dog whelped 14 puppies - a huge litter.

Rabidoux photographed the puppies from the beginning, sharing snapshots with other families who wanted to pick a new pet from the group.

But he knew which one he wanted: the big male pup with the boxy profile. His other beloved Golden retriever had a slender face, Rabidoux said. He wanted to make sure this one would look different.

"I didn't want to look at my new dog and see my old dog. I wanted a dog that was unique."

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

He was photogenic from the start.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

In his off hours, Fisher likes to snuggle with his owners' grandchildren.

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A NAMESAKE LAKE

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Last boat ride of the year on his namesake lake in Late October.

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It turns out, picking a name for this new puppy was easy. The Rabidouxs live on Fisher Lake, and naming the dog after the water he'd grow up paddling in.

"We knew that he'd spend much of his life swimming in that lake, so why not just name him after it?" Rabidoux said.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Fisher taking in the view atop the Empire Bluffs at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. "I want to swim."

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

A dip in Lake Michigan on a sunny day.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Who knows more about "grooming" than a Golden retriever?

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Fisher has a couple wines with his face on them. The new Snow Dog Red, and Lake Dog Sparkling Gruner, both by Glen Arbor Wines.

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WINE BOTTLE MODEL

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Fisher's furry face might also be familiar to wine lovers.

It now graces two vintages produced by Glen Arbor Wines. This summer, the "Lake Dog" sparkling Gruner debuted with a label taken from a photo of Fisher swimming.

It can be found at Crystal Mountain alongside "Snow Dog Red."

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Fisher's swimming photo, now the label of "Lake Dog" on Glen Arbor Wines.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

"Lake Dog" wine celebrated its release with a party for Fisher's 6th birthday last August.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Catching air during an early snowfall this year.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Having fun with a lion mane, just in time for Halloween. "I am Mufasa from the Lion King."

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MARKETING PARTNERSHIP

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Fisher had come to work at the resort with Rabidoux in years past, but it wasn't until this spring that he was selected as Crystal Mountain's K9 ambassador.

Rabidoux recalls hearing a story from the resort's owner: A family had driven a long way to come to the resort for a vacation. When they arrived, the kids had one question: "Where's the dog?" They'd seen Fisher on a previous visit, and had been talking the whole trip about seeing him again.

That helped make Fisher's job a permanent role. Rabidoux researched K9 ambassadors at other resorts, and helped craft the job for his dog.

Fisher has completed regular obedience trailing, an advanced training session, and passed his AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.

He's turned into a key ingredient in Crystal Mountain's marketing strategy. Regular photos of him diving into the snow, standing slopeside, or posing near the pool have taken the "Where's Fisher?" game to fans on social media.

In addition to the wine, Fisher's mug can be found on T-shirts and other swag at the resort's store. A line of plush toys carry his likeness.

Rabidoux said his dog is a patient poser, and has learned that the camera is just part of the job.

"When I grab my camera, he looks at me like, 'Where are we going? What are we doing?' "

"I've never had a relationship like I have had with this dog. It's a good team thing."

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Is it treat time?

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

A Golden under the golden leaves of autumn.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Hide and seek.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Work hard. Nap harder.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Modeling some Stormy Kromer gear.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Helping resort guests get ready for a 1.5 mile hike.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Guarding the golf course.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

From mini-me plush toys to "Lake Dog" wine, Fisher swag abounds at the resort's Mountain Market.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Fisher giving his mini-me a once over.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Fisher gets lots of fan mail.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Overachieving: Morphing into a guard dog while his owners stay over at the resort.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Checking out some of the love notes stuffed in his resort mailbox.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

A 2019 calendar, soon to be available to Fisher's fans

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Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain

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WHAT'S NEW AT CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN?

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Improved Ice Rink

Crystal Mountain's ice rink has a new surface this year equipped with a chiller, which will allow smooth skating even if the temps rise above freezing.

And check out the new bonfire area next to the rink, where a twilight toast to the day just might be your new tradition.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Hanging out at the resort's bonfire

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Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain

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Solar-Powered Skiing

Crystal Mountain for years has offered lighted skiing, as well as on its Otter cross-country trail.

This year, the Otter's lights are lit by the sun. Solar-powered illumination is not only energy-efficient, it's a pretty way to ski at night.

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Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain

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Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain

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An Atomic Fleet

A new Atomic line of skis, poles and boots will be available in the resort's Nordic Center.

Want to try cross-country skiing? The resort's Winter Trails Day will be held on Jan. 5.

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Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain

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Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Waiting to greet skiiers and snowboarders at the base of the chairlift.

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Photo courtesy of Jeff Rabidoux

Being adorable is exhausting.

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How To Get There

Planning a trip to Crystal Mountain?

The four-season resort is located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City. It offers lodging, shops, restaurants, as well as space for banquets, meetings and conferences.

Winter sports include downhill and cross-country skiing. In milder weather, the resort's two championship golf courses and the state's only Alpine Slide are big draws.

Where: 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683

Phone: (231) 668-6628

Website: crystalmountain.com

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Image courtesy of Google Maps

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