The life of an agility dog is fast-paced, but eventually, even the speediest dogs slow down. After ten years running, jumping, and weaving his way through agility courses, it was time for Lakota the Australian shepherd to retire. Of course, this energetic dog wasn't just going to fizzle out after such a great career. His loving handler, Val, made sure that this incredible pooch got a proper last bow. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sobbing like a baby by the end of this video.
I have a massive soft spot for four-legged senior citizens, so when I see people like Val giving them the love and respect they deserve, my heart melts into a puddle. Just like the guy who created an air-conditioned bed for his old friend, Lakota's human best friend does everything she can to make the aging dog happy and comfortable. She only takes him through the obstacles that he can comfortably do, leading him away from all the jumps that could hurt his joints. Lakota may not be a puppy anymore, but he still has tons of energy and clearly loves showing the crowd what he can do! His young spirit reminds me of the old dog that still loves going for piggyback rides.
Val and Lakota really show the world what agility is really about. Sure, it's cool to watch dogs conquer all sorts of obstacles as fast as they can, but in the end, it's not about that. It's about the bond between dog and human. It's about perseverance and dedication. And, most importantly, it's about the wagging tail of a very happy (and very furry) athlete. Congratulations, Lakota! You've left behind an amazing legacy.
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