PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES: Bogart the dog has gone a long way from being a star at a shelter to a star on the stage! Viewers were overjoyed that the former PIN pup was featured on 'America's Got Talent' for his incredible agility abilities.
Why not acquaint yourself with Heather Knudson and Bogart if you're seeking an emotionally resonant experience on 'AGT' today? Undoubtedly, this act might be among the most heartbreaking ones viewers have witnessed throughout the show's history. It's evident that fans have caught a wide array of dog performances since the show's inception. So, what sets this one apart? The fundamental truth is that Bogart has only three legs, having lost one during his battle with cancer. Nevertheless, he exudes the same zest for life and vibrancy that he once possessed, and he proudly puts it on display.
Who is Bogart?
Heather and her partner had no inkling of how dramatically their lives would transform when they volunteered at a shelter in 2017. Among the dogs rescued from this perilous shelter, one pup sought a fresh start. After spending some time with him, Heather made the resolute decision to adopt the pit bull mix. They named him Bogart, and from the moment he entered their lives, he embodied an "explosion of wild puppy energy."
However, this spirited dog excelled in obedience training and took genuine delight in it. When Bogart received a cancer diagnosis, the optimal solution was the amputation of one of his legs. Heather felt concerned about him, given the profound shift in his mood. Then, on a certain day, he developed an interest in the backyard agility tunnel.
Following that, Bogart resumed his training, regaining a sense of his usual self after a long period. Currently, he confidently competes with his four-legged counterparts in various events, including 'AGT'.
Heather and Bogart truly commanded the stage with their contagious joy. This talented dog moves so gracefully that it's effortless to overlook the fact that he's without one leg. Witnessing his journey since 2017 is truly heartwarming! "He's changed my life in so many ways," Heather remarked. She further added, "How strong he is, and how much of a fighter he is. And it’s led us here today."
'He’s a little winner!'
"We would just love to show America that dogs can go through anything, and still go out and do what they love," Heather explained to the judges. When Howie Mandel inquired about Bogart's participation in agility events, she replied, "He competes against four-legged dogs, and he’s out there with the best of them."
Bogart sprinted and leaped through an obstacle course in a classic dog performance set to Rachel Platten's song 'Stand by You'. At one point, the dog hands Heather a sign that says "Bogart Loves Simon," no doubt endearing himself to the animal-loving British judge. "He’s a little winner!" At the end of the performance, Terry Crews yelled from the sidelines.
"I have a feeling Bogart is going to be a big hit on ‘America’s Got Talent,''' Heidi Klum said. "And I have to tell you, I totally forgot that he was just on three legs. You really don’t notice it anymore because he just moves like any other dog. It’s quite incredible." Simon Cowell had nothing but "love" for Heather and Bogart, Sofia Vergara called it "heartwarming" and "inspiring," and Howie commented on how the dog "showed up" and "seems happy," but his thoughts were cut short when Bogart lay down and seemed bored. The act receives a "yes" vote from all four judges, advancing them to the next round.
'Another lame talent, so boring'
Reacting to the preview released ahead of the audition, fans wrote on Instagram, "Nothing special about that it’s just agility training." Another person commented, "America has no more talents this show gonna get terminated like the Ellen show." One user also wrote, "The dog is gifted not the person." A fourth user added, "Another lame talent, so boring and animal trafficking, ewww so awful."
One user commented on the post, "Americas got talent is a joke." Another person added, "Don't care." Others added, "America's got talent belongs to the streets! Seriously."
New episodes of 'America's Got Talent' Season 18 air every Tuesday on NBC at 8 pm ET.
