Cameron Jaeger held a profound love of outdoor adventure and, to him, it was never meant to be experienced alone. Whether with friends, family or his beloved dogs, he took every opportunity to bring others along for the ride.

Two years after his untimely passing, that spirit of adventure lives on through Cam’s Doggy Day Adventures, a Pincher Creek Humane Society volunteer program.

Shelter dogs can now leave their kennels behind for a day of extended nature-based outdoor adventures with volunteers like hiking, bike riding and lake swimming.

For Cam’s mother, Sandy, the program perfectly reflects her son and is a beautiful tribute to his memory.

“I love that it’s taking a dog out being active,” she says. “I can’t think of any better tribute to Cam than for somebody to say, ‘I’m going to take a dog for a walk today and get it out for some fresh air and some socializing.’ ”

Cam lived in Crowsnest Pass for several years with his partner, Kayleigh Montgomery, and their two English springer spaniels, Robbie and Leo. They took every opportunity to experience the region’s unique landscapes.

While not originally from the area, Crowsnest Pass was the perfect place for them to settle. From Cam’s love of nature, which developed from the moment he was born, to his passion for climbing, hunting, fishing, skiing and competitive swimming, the fit was natural.

“Cam was someone who loved the outdoors and he was someone who loved sharing it with the people around him,” Sandy says. 

“He was that guy that would be the one initiating an adventure floating down the Bow River in Cochrane with his buddies and camping overnight on an island.”

Born in Canmore and living in Kananaskis Country, Lac La Biche, Cochrane and Calgary, Cam was introduced early to the natural wonders of Alberta.

His father, Rod, served as a conservation officer with Alberta Parks, primarily in Bow Valley Provincial Park. While living in a little ranger house in Bow Valley as a child, Sandy says, Cam quickly came to hold deep appreciation for the life around him.

“He was exposed to wildlife on his front lawn,” she says. “We would hear the elk bugling in the night, we would walk to his dad’s park ranger office and see the elk along the park road, so Cam grew up surrounded by wildlife.”

Sandy and Rod instilled deep respect for living things in both Cam and his brother, Conrad.

She recalls the care Cam showed for every creature in his life — the family dogs, a pet hedgehog and lovebird, and an injured owl.

“He was not afraid of jumping in with both hands,” she says.

“He and his dad were down in the Milk River and they found an owl that had been porcupine quilled. Cam went over and wrapped the owl in a blanket and they put it in a Rubbermaid tote and took it to a rescue society.” 

Cam grew up with English springer spaniels, a breed near and dear to the Jaeger family. He and Kayleigh carried on the tradition with pups Robbie and Leo, who accompanied the pair on countless excursions.

“Dogs have always held a very special place in our family’s life,” Sandy says. “Every picture that we have of him from his time in the Crowsnest always has a dog in it.”

Tragically, on April 27, 2024, Cam was struck and killed by an impaired driver while riding his mountain bike in Montana after a day spent outdoors with friends. He was 36.

The loss was felt deeply and widely. Cam touched countless lives as a wildland firefighter for six seasons across Canada, as a geologist with Teck Resources and as someone with a gift for pulling people toward adventure.

His life was celebrated in Hillcrest Mines with an evening of fireworks on May 25, 2024.

A repeated expression during the celebration of Cam’s life was his ability to inspire others to try new things and embrace the outdoors.

“He was someone who introduced many, many people to climbing,” Sandy says.

In the midst of grief, Kayleigh channelled her love for Cam into something lasting. After seeing repeated calls for help from the Pincher Creek Humane Society during a period of overwhelming animal intake, she asked friends and family to donate to the shelter in his memory in lieu of flowers.

Kayleigh “wanted something that would have longevity, because they both love dogs so much, it was the natural choice,” Sandy says.

What followed was an outpouring of support that initially raised more than $22,000 in 2024, followed later by another $10,000 contributed by friends, family and community supporters.

Staff and PCHS board members hadn’t met Cam, so when donations began accumulating in his honour, co-manager Crissy Riegert says, staff were gobsmacked by the overwhelming support and its impact on the organization.

“We’d never had something like this,” she says. “It’s humbling and it’s so amazing to know that Cam was so loved.”

Kayleigh and Sandy eventually connected with the shelter, allowing staff to express their gratitude and begin discussing ways to honour Cam’s memory.

Since then, the donations have greatly impacted animals in the shelter’s care and the greater community. This includes purchase of a much-needed van to transport animals to veterinary appointments and community events, and a new printer to manage paperwork demands, along with veterinary expenses.

The financial support came at a perfect time for PCHS, which was in the midst of a record-setting year that saw more than 400 animals pass through the shelter.

“We just had a massive intake in 2024. It was nuts. We’d never seen a year like that,” Crissy says.

The idea for the adventure program emerged naturally while staff were searching for a way to ensure Cam’s name and legacy remained clearly and publicly connected to the shelter.

“We came up with Cam’s Doggy Day Adventures so people can come in if they’re heading out for an adventure for the day,” Crissy says.

“Maybe they’re going down to Waterton for a hike or heading to the lake and we’ll hook them up with a friendly dog who would just love to get out for the day.”

For Sandy, the program is a direct reflection of her son’s philosophy and outlook on life, which she describes as “Let’s get out there and enjoy, and make the most of the day.”

“He would have been gratified to know that funds raised in his name went to support the Pincher Creek Humane Society through Kayleigh’s hard, hard work,” she says.

“Our family, led by Kayleigh, are thrilled that we are able to give back to the community, and he would be absolutely delighted. He’d be out there with his dogs enjoying it and would just say, ‘Take care of the things around you. Show them kindness and love.’ ”

The impact has been significant for dogs in the shelter. 

While regular walks are important, Crissy says longer excursions offered through Cam’s Doggy Day Adventures provide a deeper level of enrichment, as well as physical and mental stimulus, as they enjoy newfound sights, smells and experiences.

As a result, many dogs return from outings noticeably calmer and more content.

“They got that happy, slow tail wag because they’re just like, ‘That was a great day. I am pooped. I have sniffed everything. I have peed on everything. I have enjoyed stretching my legs,’ ” she says with a laugh.

The outings also help shelter staff better understand each dog’s temperament and needs outside the kennel environment, improving chances for successful adoption.

Volunteers often become emotionally attached to the experience.

“They always come back with smiles on their faces,” Crissy says. 

“They’ll tell us stories about the dog running into the lake or chasing dragonflies. I think there is a [part of them that’s] like, ‘Hey, I’ve done something for somebody else,’ and that’s always a really nice feeling.”

About $18,000 of the memorial donation is earmarked for major yard improvements at the shelter, including a new community dog agility area dedicated in Cameron’s memory.

The agility project, which Crissy hopes will break ground in the coming weeks, includes new fencing, dedicated dog runs for shelter animals, storage space and an agility area accessible to the community during operating hours.

The MD, local businesses, volunteers and grant applications are all helping move the project forward.

Seeing his legacy carry on through the shelter provides comfort to Cam’s family amid unimaginable loss.

“It was our silver lining,” Sandy says. “It’s a positive. It’s a silver lining out of something that otherwise could have been very bleak.”

Sandy is now also involved with MADD Canada advocacy efforts, promoting safer roads and responsible decision-making. She inspires people to never get behind the wheel while impaired and hopes Cam’s story expresses a simple but meaningful message. 

“Enjoy every day, live life to the fullest,” she says. “Cam wasn’t a saint, but he had a really good heart and we miss him, and we’ll miss him eternally.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for Cam’s Doggy Day Adventures can contact the Pincher Creek Humane Society at 403-627-5191 or visit the shelter in person.