Fly: Another great dancing dog at the bridge
By Gina Spadafori
August 23, 2008
Nancy over on “A Dog’s Life” sends word of another loss in the world of canine freestyle — “dancing with your dog.” Attila Szkukalek’s great border collie, Fly, is gone. Here’s a collection of their routines, and here’s my absolute favorite (can you imagine how many hours of work went into these couple minutes of performance?!):
Wow, so amazing!! Storm and I started a freestyle class and to do a very simple routine took a long time to teach. I can’t imagine how long that one took to perfect.
Comment by CLynch — August 25, 2008 @ 10:25 am
The lack of response to this announcement just depresses me. Maybe American audiences are just not familiar with Attila and Fly. That Charlie Chaplin video surpasses even Carolyn Scott and Rookie, and they were Greats in the Sport.
Dr Szkukalek gave up his career as a biochemist in genetic engineering to become a full time dog trainer, espousing operant conditioning methods. I am sure his heart is as broken as all of us would be and have been when our beloved dog dies.
Wait for him Fly, and when he comes over the Bridge, give him about 6 feet to make it safely on to the grass, then go between his legs, turn around and slap him on the butt with your forepaws!
Comment by Anne T — August 25, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
I was kinda surprised, too. The Chaplin routine that’s linked to is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen.
Who says dogs don’t have a sense of drama and of humor? Fly is laughing along with the gag, every step of the routine.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 25, 2008 @ 6:56 pm
I am a big fan of BCs, but know they aren’t the breed for me. Fly and Attilla’s performances just made wonderful music with my heartstrings. I am so saddened she’s gone.
Comment by Anne T — August 25, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
I guess because it was posted on another list I frequent.
Also posted on that list was the statement that he will not be getting another dog because his wife doesn’t want him to. If that’s true, that’s piling heartbreak on heartbreak.
Comment by The OTHER Pat — August 25, 2008 @ 8:54 pm
Every time I see this video it makes me smile, even as I watched it this time with tears streaming down my face.
Comment by Therese — August 27, 2008 @ 9:25 pm