It’s official. Macho, the speedy, balloon-biting Russell Terrier is a world record holder.
Macho became the fastest dog ever to run the bases at a Major League Baseball stadium, scooting around the basepaths in a time of 21.06 seconds at Dodger Stadium on Friday, Sept. 24.
The tiny speedster was timed by a Guinness World Records adjudicator who flew into Los Angeles from New York to record the historic canine event.
“I didn’t sleep at all, nervous jitters,” said Macho’s owner and trainer Lori Signs. “No matter what, he is still a dog. There could be a stray pigeon, a gopher or a leaf that falls. We were all just holding our breath.”
After spending a year and a half teaching the four-legged wonder the finer points of baserunning, it all came down to one lap around the bases at the iconic home of Dodger Blue.
Macho, sponsored by the Lucy Pet Foundation and Lucy Pet Foods, was ready for his little trip.
Small balloons were poised on the bases to motivate the pooch to touch each base as he scooted around — a requirement for the Guinness World Record.
Why balloons? He loves them, or hates them; his owner isn’t sure. But he definitely pops them. With gusto.
Signs beamed with pride as she recounted the record-setting run her four-pawed pupil completed.
“He was perfect,” she said. “He hit a grand slam home run. It was amazing. I am so proud.”
Macho had to beat a time of 24 seconds to set the record. No problem.
“He smoked it,” said Signs. ” I started crying when he crossed home plate. All my emotions came forward.”
Later, after a well-deserved rest, Macho dined on a plate of prime rib at home. Probably tastier than a balloon, though no less enticing.