A Hockey Hero's Heart: Mikael Backlund on Family, Pets, and Purpose

A hockey star's heart is captured by more than just the game. Mikael Backlund, a King Clancy Award winner and ambassador for Parachutes for Pets, joins Melissa in a mission close to their hearts. In this episode, discover how Lily & Dexter’s Legacy was born from a simple idea—to support children in foster care, children receiving cancer care, and families affected by ALS, three causes deeply personal to Mikael and Melissa. 

As letters from children began pouring in, Mikael and Melissa knew they had to do something. Together, they have helped over 150 children in Alberta stay with their beloved pets, bringing comfort and connection to so many lives. For Mikael, coming home to his dogs has offered much-needed comfort and support—especially on those tough days when the game is lost, but love is always won.

Join us as we explore the profound bond between humans and pets, the challenges of explaining the loss of a pet to a child, and how the friendship between Mikael and Melissa has saved so many lives and furry friends. From touching stories of resilience to the healing power of pets, this episode is a heartwarming testament to the family connections pets create and the lives they forever change.

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About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently - pets aren't just like family. They are family.

On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.

Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David , Founder & Executive Director of Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni, Coach & Athlete Ambassador. They talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives. 

Connect with us on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companions.champions/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/companions-champions/
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