John Barclay has unique insight into the depths of dogs’ ability and dedication.
That came courtesy of a nearly decade-long stint as a police K9 handler, which – with trusted partner Nero – by his side – involved a myriad of situations and challenges.
“His (Nero) achievements were truly outstanding,” said the now retired officer and longtime supporter of the Oakville and Milton Humane Society. “He was admired and loved because of his hard work, determination and his outstanding accomplishments in the field.”
With fond memories of his faithful brother in blue and respect for the ongoing work at OMHS, Barclay will be hitting the dance floor on Nov. 7 as one of six participants for the shelter’s Prancing with the Stars.
Now recovered from a double hip replacement that put active involvement in the fundraiser on hold, he’s eager to further aid his favourite cause.
“If it wasn’t for them, who would take care of the lost, abandoned, injured and unwanted animals? They do a tremendous job. As Gandhi once said ‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
To that end, Barclay has been putting particular care into his practice sessions with professional dancer Ilinca, who paired up with cancer survivor John Garofano to win last year’s event.
“We’re hoping for a repeat,” said the retired officer, who adopted a cat (Misty) from the local shelter when he and his wife Heather moved to Oakville in 1994.
The couple has taken ballroom dancing lessons, and Barclay has maintained the good health and coordination forged through a lifetime of sports and general fitness.
Still, that hasn’t exactly transformed him into an instinctually gifted dancer.
“No, I have very little natural rhythm and therefore it takes me much longer to master a step,” said Barclay, who first heard about Prancing with the Stars through producer Karen Moniz, a strong OMHS supporter who runs Come Dance Studio. “I have to dedicate a lot of extra time due to my lack of rhythm and musicality. I envy those who have natural rhythm.”
Set to compete to Journey’s Separate Ways, Barclay is hoping Ilinca’s guidance and patience translate into a strong performance come show time.
Or at least a respectable one.
“All I can hope for is that all the practice time put in helps for it to go smoothly, as it’s quite intimidating to be dancing live in front of all those people.”
Held at Oakville Conference Centre, Prancing with the Stars will include cocktails, dinner and a silent auction.
Visit the OMHS website for tickets, more information or to make a pledge to one of the participants.
Last year’s event raised $155,000.