Canada Free Press -- ARCHIVES

Because without America, there is no free world.

Return to Canada Free Press

COVER STORY

Doctor makes park call

by Brian Thompson

August 4, 2003

Calvin Wu is still thanking the Goddess of Mercy that some local doctors happen to be dog owners.

It was the quick action of Cory Goldberg, a medical intern at Sick Kids Hospital, that saved the life of Wu’s tiny Yorkshire terrier, Roady.

It all happened at College Park on the same summer might when the Rolling Stones were belting it out at Downsview.

Like most unexpected tragedies, it happened in a flash. One minute all the dogs in the park were racing about with their owners proudly watching, and the next minute, something was terribly wrong. Roady collapsed on the ground and within seconds was unresponsive. Although the little Yorkie’s heart was racing, he wasn’t breathing. Just moments before, everybody’s favourite three-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, had been racing to fetch his ball. Surrounded by much larger canines, Roady, not much bigger than your average grapefruit, was the centre of attention.

When it was determined that Roady was not only lying on the ground but also not breathing, pandemonium began to set in. Had one of the larger dogs fallen on the little guy and crushed his heart? No one really knew what had happened.

All of the dog owners on site were in tears; Roady’s owner Calvin Wu was inconsolable.

The author of this article, who was out in the park with Toronto Free Press office mascot Kiko, had the only cell phone.

While Wu was frantically trying to reach his wife, someone suggested that I should run out to nearby Gerrard Street to flag down a taxi. The first passing cabby, having heard what I had to say, rolled up the windows and sped away. A second cabby promised to remain on stand-by to rush Roady to the closest animal clinic. (Thank you, Co-op Cab).

Back in the park everyone was still in tears as there were still no signs of life from the deathly still Yorkie.

While the other dog owners had pulled or led their dogs away, Wu had Roady on his back and was attempting CPR.

As Wu worked on his pet, park newcomers, Dr. Goldberg, wife Tara, and their dog, Dalton happened to be in the park.

Realizing something was terribly wrong, Goldberg was at Wu’s side within seconds. Together they worked as a team performing resuscitation.

Though now on his side, but appearing lifeless, suddenly Roady’s eyes opened and he began looking around, Still shaky, the Yorkie wobbled to his feet. Immediately, his overjoyed owner picked him up and cradled him like a precious child.

In that instant, College Park had a new hero: Doctor (or soon-to-be-one) Cory Goldberg. Doctor to everyone at Sick Kids. "Daddy" to Dalton, the miniature husky dog.

This is not the first time tragedy has struck Calvin Wu. It was only six months ago when Calvin and his girlfriend lost their beloved five-year-old Pomeranian, Boy, in a car accident.

Should anyone think that size makes Roady just a little lap dog, he’s a championship caliber showdog. A nephew (make that a canine nephew) of Roady’s is no less than a blue-ribbon national champion.

Roady, as the story goes, had the runway walk down to a fine art. But his show days were over, when, for various reasons, he had to be fixed. Understanding the little guy’s passion for show business, an undeterred Wu, found a new calling for Roady as an obstacle course racer. In this latest chapter of his career, Roady has beaten many dog--mostly beagles.

For Roady, it all started with beagles. At the park, a beagle once grabbed the Yorkie’s ball and ran off with it. Roady took off in hot pursuit and the much bigger beagle couldn’t shake him. Amazed at the sight, Wu realized that a new hobby had been born--obstacle course racing.

The day after the College Park incident, Roady was back on home turf with a clean bill of health from his vet. Both Wu and his girlfriend are grateful that there are quick-thinking heroes like Dr. Goldberg out in the park.

On the day after, all Roady wanted to do was to run and play fetch. But still under doctor’s strict orders to take it easy for a few days, he settled for the next best thing: the joyous caresses of fellow dog owners just happy to see him back at the park.


Pursuant to Title 17 U.S.C. 107, other copyrighted work is provided for educational purposes, research, critical comment, or debate without profit or payment. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for your own purposes beyond the 'fair use' exception, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Views are those of authors and not necessarily those of Canada Free Press. Content is Copyright 1997-2018 the individual authors. Site Copyright 1997-2018 Canada Free Press.Com Privacy Statement