Pictured: Luigi Navarro skimboarding, from his Facebook page
by Brenda Rees
for Altadenablog
It may be a dog eat dog world, but when it comes to personality, determination and a happy-go-lucky attitude, Luigi Navarro, an almost 4-year-old French bulldog, had all the other canines beat.
Owner Robyn Navarro was watching the television news on Nov. 8 when word came out that Pacoima-based pet food company Natural Balance was holding auditions for dogs to be on their 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade float. Urged on by her two daughters, Ali and Ava, Robyn decided, "Why not?" and brought the French bulldog, one of three dogs that the Altadena family owns, to the try-outs. Just the week before, Luigi was playing around on a skateboard but he had never been around water.
Robyn was stunned to see that her little canine cutie was an absolute natural at skimboarding -- he had never done it before and took to the sport like a duck to water. Sure enough, Luigi was chosen to be in the semi-finals which shocked and surprised Robyn, husband Alfred and friends. Apparently, he had beaten out hundreds of other dogs, many who compete professionally as dog surfers and skim boarders.
It was a special triumph for Luigi because the Navarro family found him at a rescue where the dog had been abandoned by his previous owner because of serious medical issues – namely, he had a poorly shaped palette which prevented him from getting enough oxygen. In fact, when the Navarro family eventually adopted him, Luigi's tongue was blue.
Only recently did the Navarro family discovered that yes indeed, Luigi was chosen to be one of six dogs to ride on the float. Luigi will be skimboarding along with two other canine buddies, while three other dogs will be diving from a high platform. Luigi will be one of two dogs from the Pasadena area on the float.
Luigi will also get star treatment: Natural Balance is putting Luigi and Robyn up in a Pasadena hotel New Year's Eve. After an early bedtime, they will be picked up and taken to the Natural Balance float. Robyn said that, with the dogs, handlers, trainers, support staff, and members of the Van Patten family (actor Dick Van Patten is the Natural Balance spokesman), there will be 35 people on the float.
No doubt, the Navarro family, who own and operate Altadena-based Navarro Construction, will be soon sporting their own I HEART Luigi t-shirts in honor of their talented pet, a dog whose feisty determination and untapped athletic abilities will finally have his day in the spotlight.
Folks can "Like" Luigi on Facebook by searching "It's Luigi."
The Navarros, friends, and dogs: pictured. left to right: Luigi, Robyn Navarro, Ava Navarro holding the skimboard, friend Natalie St. Hippolyte with Carlo, Ali Navarro with Simone, and Katie Hughes.
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Brenda Rees is a freelance writer, editor and "Gal About Town" who lives in Eagle Rock.
