Dexter the Skateboarding Dog
Bruce Treby likes to skateboard, and when he goes he has a special friend who likes to accompany him. Meet Dexter, a stout, robust, one year, seven month old English bulldog.
“I got Dexter when he was 14 weeks old, from a breeder in Sarnia, Ontario, after months and months of searching for a breeder,” said Treby. “He’s pure-bred and I have all his papers, etc. I took a big risk as I bought him on Kijiji and you never know if it’s a scam or it’s for real or not.” Lucky for Treby, not only did he get the dog he was hoping for, but he got one that likes to do just what his master does – including skateboarding.
“I knew the breed loved to skateboard and that it comes somewhat natural for them, so as soon as I got him and he was settled in his new home, I started trying,” Treby said. “I got him on the board by putting treats on the nose of the board which was a little successful. I then moved on to putting an old tire on the board and letting him sit on the board inside the tire. He really liked this and got more and more comfortable as time went on. So within a week or so he was off the tire and just on the board. He loves skateboard parks as he finds it a challenge and he also loves hills of almost any sort.”
Treby is from Truro, and was at the Skatepark in Fall River doing a photo shoot for Entity Boardshop in Bedford. “They are one of my many skate sponsors that I have,” he said. “I have lived and worked in Truro for the past year. I’m a welder by day to pay the bills and get my toys and all that fun stuff.” Dexter is busy tugging on his own skateboard and carrying it by its wheels, all in an attempt to get to go down the cement bowl one more time.
“I really can’t take him anywhere unless I have lots of time on my hands,” said Treby, whose girlfriend was “babysitting” Dexter while his master worked.
“He gets more attention than I could ever believe – on and off his board,” Treby said. “English bulldogs aren’t very common to get like some other breeds, so between that and him on the board, he keeps everyone amused and asking for more!”
Clearly Treby is a responsible and loving animal owner. “I did have a ferret, Gunner, who I unfortunately just put down two weeks ago as he was suffering. He lived a great life for seven years, which is a really full life,” he said.
Although Dexter is clearly talented and could probably command a crowd almost as well as his best friend, Treby does not intend to pressure his dog into becoming a professional performer. “No plans for Dexter other than to love and cherish our time together,” he said, “day in and day out.”