Cat-like agility? All a dog needs is a handy ladder
WHEN it comes to climbing ability, cats are usually seen as having the advantage over dogs.
But Willie the Patterdale terrier has worked out how to overcome that problem – by using a ladder.
Such was his determination to continue the chase when a cat sought sanctuary high in a barn, he didn’t hesitate in taking up the challenge.
After a shaky start he soon got into his stride, displaying a real head for heights.
Despite wobbling and looking as if he might fall off about halfway up, he steadied himself and continued to the top.
His antics have become an online hit after owner Gemma Gordon filmed the high drama at their home in Dunvegan, on the Isle of Skye, and uploaded the footage.
It takes the three-year-old terrier only 17 seconds to clamber up the nine steps to the top of the 10ft ladder. He can then be seen searching for the cat. Speaking about her pet, Miss Gordon described him as ‘mischievous’, saying that now she cannot leave any ladders propped against the bales.
The 26-year-old explained: ‘We have a croft, hence all the bales of hay and straw and we have a couple of barn cats.
‘He likes to chase the cats and they jump on top of the bales, so he just started trying to climb the ladder.’
She added: ‘We decided to film him because it was so funny.
‘Once he gets to the top of the ladder he jumps on to the bales and runs along them.
‘But he hasn’t quite figured out how to come back down the ladder.’
Commenting on the video, friends were amazed by her pet’s antics.
Kirsty Duff wrote: ‘Are you sure he’s a dog?!’ Jess Hartwell commented: ‘No way!! Impressive skills!’