DOG TRICK TAKES PAINFUL TURN
THE head trainer of a stunt dog show came close to losing her leg in a freak accident
Sim Hallebrand, head trainer of the well-known Flipping Disc Dogz show, was rushed to hospital in Brisbane earlier this month after performing a new trick with border collie Mickey Mouse in front of an audience at Eat Street in Brisbane’s CBD.
Mickey Mouse ran into Ms Hallebrand’s leg during the stunt and she instantly felt extreme pain and a popping noise in her leg.
Ms Hallebrand’s partner Beau Pearson took her to the emergency room at a Brisbane hospital following the end of the performance.
“She was shaking in pain,” Mr Pearson said. “She was rushed into surgery for compartment syndrome in her right leg — if she didn’t have the surgery she was going to lose a leg.”
Ms Hallebrand is now recovering at their home in Teesdale and is still unable to walk.
“I’m grateful that I have my leg, if it wasn’t for such fast-acting surgeons I’d hate to think of that outcome,” Ms Hallebrand said.
The incident follows the passing of the oldest dog in the Flipping Disc Dogz team, Millie Milkshake.
“So many positives on this trip working but having the passing of Millie Milkshake and this injury has haltered my mojo,” Ms Hallebrand said.
She is determined to walk again and get back to training for exciting performances planned next year.
“Training is on hold whilst I recover, but my mind is constantly thinking of new tricks to teach the kids,” Ms Hallebrand said.
The duo and their eight border collies shot to fame after their acrobatic performance on Australia’s Got Talent this year.
“No matter what happens, what people say or what situation life throws at us, if you never give up, nothing can stop you,” Mr Pearson said.