Let me introduce you to the best athlete in my family.
Don’t let his small size fool you. Dex is speedy enough to keep up with larger dogs, his endurance is incredible, and his agility is jaw-dropping. He hops and trots through the treacherous jumble of slippery logs on the beach like it’s nothing.
He delights in movement. One summer we taught him to do a little Parkour…
Let’s get a little closer and slow it down some.
Every paw precisely placed. Strength gathered and released as appropriate. Breath synchronized with what his body is doing, jaw relaxed. Timing of each step and leap – perfect. Natural, graceful, and yes, joyful movement. He doesn’t think. He doesn’t worry. He just moves from instant to instant. His body knows what to do. Each movement leads right into the other.
Man, I wish I had all that in my Karate!!!
Guess what? Dex has a handicap. He was born with bad knees in his back legs – his right bothers him more than his left. The kneecaps are prone to popping out of place. He knows how to pop them back in. When Dex first came to us, the muscles that support those knees weren’t well developed so he often limped or even refused to put weight on his right back leg. Daily walks, especially uphill walks, have bulked up those supporting muscles nicely so Dex rarely limps anymore. The building up process was a bit rough for him, but he always has been overjoyed to go for a walk. Wow. There are times I have to talk myself into exercising!
So there you have it. A little furry creature with a positive attitude and incredible athleticism. An animal who overcomes the challenge of a handicap every single day and who lives in constant appreciation of the simplest things (like tidbits and tummy rubs). Maybe I could learn something from Dex.
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Awwwww – I am not a dog person, but your dog is pretty darn cute and special too……pretty sure my performance could be enhanced by some tidbits and tummy rubs….well….perhaps not!
Thanks for stopping by, Rach! I know my performance would not be enhanced by tidbits or tummy rubs either, but hey, we’re not dogs 😉
Wow! What does he take?? Whatever it is I want some. He’s definitely something else. Nothing can get in his way. If you didn’t mention about the problem with the knees, I never would have guessed it. I’ve always wanted to get a dog but with working 3rd shift 5 nights a week, I worry how the dog would handle being alone for 8 or so hours. Maybe when I retire I’ll get one. Would be nice to have the company. Anyway great video. I’m jealous. 😉 All the best and full respect.
Hi Steve, good to “see” you again!
We have Dex on glucosamine/chondroitin/msm for his knees (don’t tell him it’s medicine – he thinks it’s treats). Dogs do take commitment – waiting for retirement might be best for you. Have a great day, and all the best to you!
OSU!
Nice to have so much inspiration living in the same house! Go Sensei Dex! 🙂
Ossu, Ando!
Dex is one of my heroes 🙂 I’m taking a picture of him with me to the tournament. Thanks for reading and commenting!
That picture should be way better than a 4 leaf clover or a rabbit’s foot. Good luck at the tournament and keep us posted. 😎 All the best and full respect. PS: Mum’s the word on the medicine. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. 😉
Thanks for the well wishes, Steve! I will keep you posted. I sustained a whiplash injury last night in class, my neck is bothering me a bit this morning but not much more than if I’d slept in an odd position. Hopefully a trip to the chiropractor today will help and I’ll be set to go to the tournament. I was planning for this to be a quiet “recovery” day anyway.