Scrolling past the caption “skydiving dog” on your newsfeed likely conjures expectations of a video ripe with campy-dog close ups, jump-cuts and a cartoon soundtrack more relevant to a TVO Kids show than a BASE-jumping short. And yet, Dean Potter brief film has a strange philosophical air about it that satisfies equal parts artistic integrity and the simple desire to watch an adorable pup strap in to a wing-suit and fly.
This small excerpt of Whisper’s flight is a trailer for Potter’s 22-minute film, “When Dogs Fly,” which has allegedly attracted interest from big-name networks such as HBO, CNN, Discovery and National Geographic Channel.
Naturally, animal rights activists have spoken out against Potter’s decision to bring Whisper along for the flight, with a RSPCA spokesperson making claims as to the possible stresses inflicted upon a dog in free fall. Potter responds in a blog post , assuring concerned viewers that Whisper’s flight is entirely of her own decision.
“I pull the wingsuit from my pack and Whisper nestles in close, gesturing to me, ‘…don’t you dare leave me here alone.’ We work together to secure her into the BASE-pack. She is so patient with my clumsy hands and stares into my eyes, ‘…I trust you Papa.’”
In accreditation of this claim, Whisper seems happy to remain at the forefront of Potter and his girlfriend Jen Rapp’s adventures, staring in multiple films, including “When dogs Fly,” “The Man Who Can Fly,” and “Moonwalk.” The mini-Queensland Heeler has since earned international recognition and the tittle of “Best Climber Dog on Instagram” from Climbing Magazine—and with just cause: Whisper is the world’s first canine wing-suit BASE jumper.
Watch the video here:
