B.C. agility dog with 3 legs wins national award
Although Fisher is partial to just laying about cuddling the cat, the dog’s determination is proving to be boundless.
“He waits until you close the door [to go outside],” his owner, Erin, says. “And then it’s all fair game.”
Like the time Erin came home to find that Fisher had climbed up on the counter and chewed through 10 tins of the cat’s food and devoured everything inside.
“Fisher lives his life with no regrets; 100 per cent would do it again,” Erin smiles. “That’s how he rolls.”
The canine first demonstrated his carpe diem demeanour when he was young, when despite losing a toe to cancer surgery, he developed a passion for competing in agility courses.
“He's just a goofy dog,” Erin says, showing me videos of Fisher running up ramps, scrambling through tunnels, and jumping over bars. “He’s having fun.”
But then Erin discovered that the cancer had spread and Fisher’s only option was amputating one of his front legs.
“It’s tough,” Erin signs deeply. “Realizing that everything we hoped was going to be OK wasn’t.”
Although the surgery was a success, Fisher struggled to find stability, both physically and emotionally. So after he healed, Erin wondered if a return to agility might re-ignite his spark.
“When he saw the tunnel, he was like, ‘I used to really like those!’” Erin says, showing me video of the three-legged Fisher’s tail wagging before entering the tunnel. “And he’s been running around ever since.”
Despite missing a leg, Fisher is finding his joy, and regaining his agility ability.
“I’m still in awe of what he can do and how happy he is,” Erin smiles.
But the fact is Fisher with three legs is not as good at competitive agility as when he had four. Turns out, he’s even better.
“He came first [in Canada],” Erin says, showing me a photo of Fisher with his trophy, the golden cup standing where his leg used to be. “It was an exceptional day!”
When he’s not taking home national hardware, Fisher spends his time taking part in local Terry Fox runs and playing patient at kindergarten veterinarian days.
Erin says Fisher is also offering a lesson for us all.
“If it brings joy in your heart, then give it a go, even if you’re not perfect.”
Because obstacles (whether they be cat-food cans or canine agility courses) are simply opportunities to overcome. Or in Fisher’s case, soar beyond.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'