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
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.