Strapped in flying at over 100mph, with goggles Whisper becomes the world’s first Base-jumping dog | YouTube via National Geographic
In the world of Extreme dog sports, skateboarding and surfing are becoming the norm as owners are introducing these pastimes to their pooches. But what happens when you put one man’s dream of flying and couple it with the fantasy of dogs in flight? You get the first dog in the world to attempt Base Jumping!
Dean Potter with dog Whisper, Yosemite | Jen Rapp
Dean Potter has always had dreams of flying. In his 20 year career as an accomplished climber, Potter has free-soloed El Capitan, the alpine walls of Patagonia and conquered the Yosemite bigswalls, but at his side is Whisper, his beloved four-year-old, 22-pound Australian mini cattle dog.
Whisper is featured in Potter’s up-coming film When Dogs Fly, a 22-minute film that explores Potter’s family vacation in the Swiss Alps and his inner emotions and fears of being one with nature.
“I met Whisper by Internet dating. I found her online and chose her because she was my favorite breed, Australian cattle dog–but mini…” said Potter in an interview with National Geographic Adventure, Whisper’s small size made it easy for Potter to bring her on rock climbs that are otherwise too difficult for dogs.
“…I know the truth now, I know there’s more than that fantasy of ohhh…we’ll fly together. There is also, ohh…we could also die together. What happens when dogs fly, it sure wasn’t what I thought it was going to be it was the reality of it – that’s what life is… there’s the fantasy and then there’s the actuality.” - Dean Potter
Dean Potter with Whisper, world’s first base jumping dog | YouTube via National Geographic
Whisper the world’s first Base Jumping dog in her basepack in flight | YouTube via National Geographic
Whisper looks back with owner Dean Potter
the world’s first Base Jumping dog
Dean Potter currently lives in Yosemite National Park and continues to push himself through the creative outlets of filmmaking and writing.
VIDEO: Watch the amazing video of Whisper’s daring adventure on Dean’s Wing-Suit flight
