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'Greatest American Dog': "My dog's gonna fly!"
Harnesses and balance beams a plenty on this week's Greatest American Dog. I have the urge to start chanting "U-S-A" but that might just be my Olympic withdrawal talking...
Spoilers!
The five remaining contestants and their owners regroup after Bella Joy and Bella Starlet elimination. Laurie believes there will be less tension in the house now that she's gone since, you know, she's a loon. The rest of the housemates agree (well, Travis and Teresa really but I'm sure they all feel the same).
The next morning, Travis and Bill bond over teaching Presley the "I'm embarrassed" trick that Star knows. Travis appreciates that Bill actually takes the time to share his knowledge with him and Bill is equally happy to help. They are adorable. I would totally watch a show if the two of them hosted one.
Dog Bone Challenge: The theme this week is courage, befitting as Jarrod Miller brings out a 9,000 pound African Elephant named Susie. The dogs must sit in the center of a circle within a circle as Susie approaches them at a "very steady pace" from 80 feet away. At 20 feet, she will stop and shake her head in an attempt to distract them. If the dog remains, she will approach and grab a banana from the outer circle. The dog that lets Susie get the closest without leaving the outer circle wins.
Teresa & Leroy are up first. As Susie starts getting closer, Leroy starts barking. Teresa tries to keep him calm but it only sort of works and he steps out around 60-feet or so. Leroy's bark roughly translates to, "What the *%*(& is that thing?!? This is so not cool." Laurie & Andrew, the last small dog standing, are next. He's remarkable calm and makes it through the whole ordeal without so much as a peep. Everyone's impressed. It's Bill & Star's turn. She looks pretty calm but moves at the 20 foot mark, partially from curiosity it seems as she moves closer to the elephant from a different angle. It's Galaxy's turn and JD says she has a lot of experience around big animals, so she should be okay. Well, not as okay as Andrew. Travis & Presley are the last to go. He looked a little touch and go for a while there but they make it through triumphantly.
It's time for a tie-breaker. Susie's going to charge at the dogs while the owners stand a few feet away, their backs to the dogs. The first dog who abandons the "sit position" will be eliminated. Susie made it to about a few feet away before Presley stood up a little. It's a first win for Andrew & Laurie! Everyone's impressed, especially Bill.
Laurie starts getting emotional before she even reads the card so the rest of the contestants leave to give her some private time. Travis thinks it's nice to see a more "human" side to her as opposed to just her competitive side.
Best in Show: The challenge is called "Stunt Dog," designed to test the courage of both the owners and their companions. They get a day to practice for a series of stunts that will be judged on execution, degree of difficulty and fearlessness. The feats performed will include a balance beam, an incline ramp, and a zip line. I'm sorry, wait. A zip line? Geez. Laurie & Andrew's advantage comes from being able to work with TV & Film animal coordinator/trainer Tom Roche while everyone else must take turns on the different apparatuses while being supervised by professionals.
Travis has been watching JD to pick up some training tips, which JD gives him props for. He's very smart about that. The big concern for everyone is the zip line. Though Teresa is also concerned with keeping Leroy calm and, most importantly, quiet. Bill is just stoked about Star "flying," something that he shares with everyone else ("The celebration is really gonna start when the orange dog flies."). He really is adorable. I want to pinch his cheeks.
Suffice it to say, the practice equipment is nowhere near as massive as the real thing. Each stage has a easy/difficult path...except the zip line which is just one level of high. The owner will be harnessed, as will their dog, and traverse the obstacle first before calling their companions.
JD starts out by choosing to take Galaxy up the more difficult red ramp and across the red balance beam. During practice, he chose to get her accustomed to the harness and being momentarily suspended in the air, but never had her actually do that stunt fearing she wouldn't be able to do it at all. But to her credit, she did every stunt without hesitation.
Teresa & Leroy go next. She chooses the red paths as well with minimal barking from Leroy. Well, until they get to the zip line. After some hesitation and protest, Leroy finally takes the leap and all is well.
Bill is the first to take the easier blue ramp because the incline would be too severe for Star the other way. He does choose the red balance beam, but Star is having none of the zip line. Bill is proud though a little disappointed.
Travis & Presley take the red paths as well and have no problems with the big jump at the end. Last to go is Laurie & Andrew. I like the jaunty music they begin to play as Andrew heads up the blue ramp. The tiny guy tackles the red beam with no issue but he hesitates at the jump. Laurie calls it when she figures out he won't do it.
The judges seem most impressed by JD & Galaxy, praising the fun way in which they attacked the whole course. Travis is criticized a bit for getting Presley worked up right before the jump and for not exactly being able to control his energy. Laurie and Bill are both in a little bit of trouble since their dogs didn't go down the zip lines. Before they leave the judges remark that it'll be difficult to send someone home since all the dogs did such a good job.
Back at the house, JD notices Galaxy is limping. Oh no!
A trainer comes out and checks out the nine-year old. The injury is in the joint of her front right shoulder. The trainer says it's probably a muscle strain and not "life or death" level, much to JD's relief.
When the contestants come out to hear the results, they notice Galaxy's limp. JD explains and says he's going to take her to a vet and get her looked at proper. On the bright side, JD & Galaxy get Best in Show while Laurie & Andrew, Bill & Star, and Travis & Presley end up in the bottom. Unfortunately, it's Bill & Star's time to go home. The judges are extremely saddened as are the remaining contestants. Victoria calls out, "We love you, Bill" as they take their last lap around the room.
Should Bill & Star have been eliminated? How awesome is little Andrew for being so nonplussed by that huge elephant? Any other thoughts about the episode?
Andrew is so small that everything must look like an elephant to him- therefore, no sweat when a real one comes barreling down towards him, he's used to it!
LO | Aug 28, 2008 6:45:39 AM | #I was so sad to see Bill and Star get eliminated. I loved them. They were the team I was rooting for, and none of the rest thrill me too much.
VS | Aug 28, 2008 6:51:37 AM | #How in the world could the Judges vote out Bill and Star? That was the best team on the show. I think I will not be watching this show any longer. The Judges seem to find it hard to get along with each other, let alone, agree on teaching techniques. Sometimes, a smart dog who refuses to do a trick is better trained then a dog encouraged to do a trick and then getting hurt. The show could of been good. The Judges ruin it. I think I will read instead of watching this show any longer.
Shelly | Aug 28, 2008 8:46:49 AM | #I HATED it that Bill & Star had to go home. Those two had HEART, and how could you not LOVE them both!!
I've been rooting hard for them.
Sadly, the judges HAD to choose someone.
The only ones that didn't complete the challenge were Star & Andrew, so it really had to be one of them.
Little Andrew HAD been better in the "courage department" - he stayed put no matter what the elephant did, while Star bailed at the 20-ft mark.
Being so little, it was a lot harder for Andrew to get up that ramp.
And if all that didn't decide it, I have to give props to Laurie to quitting when she saw that Andrew was stressing out over the big jump. To me, it seemed that she put Andrew's interests ahead of her desire to win, which is something in itself. I know Bill let up on Star, too, but it took him too long.
Based on last night ALONE, Andrew did have an edge.
I hated that, 'cause I was in love with Bill & Star.
On the plus side, Bill seemed so upbeat about it all. He was so thrilled about the whole experience, like a big kid. God bless you, Bill & Star!!! We were so blessed to be a little part of your life!
I was so upset that Bill & Star were eliminated.
Who else thinks that the last stunt where the dogs have to jump down and slide on that wire was too dangerous? I bet sliding down is how Galaxy got injured.
JD should have removed Galaxy from the competition, because she is in a lot pain just to even walk. Shouldn't her health come first? He should have also carried her during the elimination portion instead of having her walk in pain.
Andrew was gusty when facing that elephant. I actually thought he would like sliding down.
Carly | Aug 28, 2008 12:18:32 PM | #I am so upset that Bill and Star were eliminated. The old saying "If someone else jumped off a cliff, would you follow?" comes into play here. Star had smarts - none of the dogs could have known that the harness would save them, even with a baby-slide practice. I'm finished watching this show -- unless JD and Galazy leave next week (due to Galaxy's injury) and they BRING BACK BILL AND STAR!!!
Michelle | Aug 28, 2008 4:37:16 PM | #Tamara, great job on the recap. You always make me laugh!
I love Bill and Star, too, but it really is a competition and whatever it ends up being that week, the dogs need to be able to complete the task because someone has to leave every week. It's a contest.
I am always more entertained by the dog bone challenges. I think they are fun, interesting and very entertaining. I was rooting for Bill and Star to take it all, but I won't stop watching because they're out because I have to see what they come up with next week.
Cynx | Aug 28, 2008 5:35:44 PM | #Definitely bummed over Bill & Star being eliminated. I was rooting for the two of them to take it all. I, too, think Star was just being smart not to jump off the 'cliff.' If they'd had an opportunity to jump from lower levels first with a harness, then it would be a fair competition. I thought this show was about how well the trainers (owners) could train their dogs and the level of bonding between them. Getting them to do stunts like this, is not real training. Bill & Star (and Laurie & Andrew and JD & Galaxy) are way ahead in this department. Travis & Presley have good rapport, but Travis is just learning how to train his dog. I really am disappointed that Bill & Star are gone. Bill was such a cutie!
Barb | Aug 28, 2008 5:40:27 PM | #I too was sad that Bill/Star were eliminated. And as far Andrew winning the first challenge with the elephant - my first thought that it wasn't courage, just maybe Andrew just isn't all that bright to know he should move.
Cynic | Aug 29, 2008 6:33:23 AM | #I am too upset that Bill and Star were eliminated. I would be proud of my dogs if they didn't want to jump off the edge. Way too high up, so dangerous. I bet that is how Galaxy got hurt because of how the straps were on the dog.
If these judges really cared about dogs, they would not have had that challenge.
T | Aug 29, 2008 9:00:34 AM | #First, WTF was it with the judges putting Travis and Presly in the bottom 3? Preslay was enthusiastic all the way, and jumped when required (how smart was it t require dogs to do that is debatable, but I thik it was retarded). Teresa and Leroy had much more problems, Lery kept barking up a storm, and it took the longest time and an insane amount of Teresa's screaming to get him to finally jump. So why was Presley in the bottom 3, and not Teresa and Leroy? Because the judges are fools. I sincerely believe that they decided to let Bill and Star go just for the entertainment value of the show. Having all males with big dogs would have looked much worse than still having one woman with a little 'underdog' dog. What fools. They took the heart out of the show with Bill and Star's elimination. I'll not watch again.
Renata | Aug 29, 2008 10:40:02 AM | #i've googled Galaxy's injury to get here! i'm w/whoever said the zip-line straps caused the injury... tho i remember the dog wagged it's tail the whole way down, like that was so much fun! i hope they don't have to exit the comp because of it.
jenscrabble | Aug 29, 2008 3:13:22 PM | #Bill and Star were my favs too, and I don't know if I can watch the show anymore with them gone. Last week they said Bill pushed her too hard in the maze with the puppies, now this time he stopped when she didn't want to go on and the sent them home. The judges need to make up their freakin minds. Star is the Greatest American Dog-didn't she actually save Bill's wife's life? That's more important then any of these competitions. This one the judges even said they'd be surprised if ANY of the dogs did. Bill should have told them "she didn't do the jump, but she's not hurt, now is she."
Harvickfan | Sep 1, 2008 9:34:31 AM | #Bill & Star should not have been voted off. This show is over for me. I fully agree with what was said Star is the Greatest American Dog, regardless of what the judges think. You could clearly see the love and devotion that Bill & Star had for each other. Brittanys are so intellegent and loving, we had one for over 15 yrs. This last challenge was insane. If JD & Galaxy have to leave due to injury, they should let Bill and Star back on.
CJ | Sep 1, 2008 3:55:00 PM | #Trying to find out Travis and Presley's last name. A friend thinks he grew up with them in Perry, OK. Anybody who knows please email me. thanks Melody
Melody | Sep 3, 2008 7:49:32 PM | #IGNORANCE! that is all I can say. The JUDGES are ignorant...bring back bill and star
Rachel | Sep 4, 2008 2:19:16 PM | #Hi,
I would be proud of my dogs if they didn't want to jump off the edge. Way too high up, so dangerous. I bet that is how Galaxy got hurt because of how the straps were on the dog.
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