It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Neo, the record-breaking “parkour collie”.
Neo passed away peacefully on Sunday 23 July, at the age of 14.
Neo was just eight weeks old when he was bought from a local farm by Steve Bailey, who has trained hundreds of dogs at his Canine Crusades behaviour therapy and day-care centre in Somerset, UK.
Neo was able to channel his boundless energy and sharp intellect under Steve’s expert guidance, and in 2017, he set a world record for the fastest 10 hoop/tyre slalom by a dog, clocking an astounding 8.58 seconds.
In addition to his superlative slalom skills, Neo mastered the daring art of "wall running", which involves leaping onto a vertical surface and running with all four paws pressed against the wall.
Neo’s aptitude for agility tricks was evident from an early age. At just six months old, he’d already learnt basic moves such as jumps, hoop, weave, seesaw, and tunnel.
When he was a year old, Neo was already at a “fairly advanced level of agility” according to Steve, so he decided to start teaching the pooch some parkour moves.
Described by Steve as "incredibly intelligent, strong-minded, and confident," Neo was more than just an accomplished athlete; he had also previously served as both a sniffer dog and a sheep dog.
In addition to being a devoted working dog, Neo was a much-loved family pet, known for his gentleness with adults and children alike.
Neo's connection with Steve ran deep, as the pair forged a tight bond after Steve's father passed away. “At the time it was as if he lived to keep me happy,” Steve shared.
Steve cherished their extraordinary connection, and when he and Neo set their world record, he said: “Of all the hundreds of dogs I've rehabilitated, trained, and had stay at my day-care centre, there has never been one that I can compare to Neo; he is truly unique. He is the most intelligent and athletic dog I have ever met!"
Neo’s accomplishments will undoubtedly continue to inspire dog trainers and dog lovers alike, reminding us of the potential that can lie within our loyal companions.
His record-setting legacy may well be continued by his protégé, two-year-old border collie/kelpie cross Teetu, who has her sights set on achieving her own parkour records in the future.
However, Neo’s legacy extends far beyond parkour tricks and world records, as above all, he was a testament to the extraordinary emotional bond that can exist between humans and dogs. Rest in peace, Neo.
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