In the diverse world of entertainment, perspectives and opinions can vary widely, as vividly demonstrated by the four judges of America’s Got Talent 2017. Among the many talented contestants, one act stood out for its unique charm and skill: Sarah and her dog Hero, a border collie. Traveling from North Bay, Ontario, Canada, Sarah brought with her a wealth of experience and talent that would soon captivate the audience and judges alike.

Sarah is far from an average dog trainer. With over five years of experience running a dog training business, she has established herself as one of the top trick dog trainers in the world. Her expertise spans a wide range of training courses, including agility, dog trick classes, obedience, and more. Sarah’s dedication to her craft is evident in her numerous free training sessions shared through social media, inspiring and educating dog owners globally.

During their audition, Sarah and Hero performed an exciting and meticulously choreographed sword fight, a routine that showcased Hero’s exceptional abilities. Despite the impressive display, not all judges were initially on board. Both Mel B and Howie Mandel voted no, leaving Sarah’s future on the show in jeopardy.

At this critical moment, Simon Cowell, known for his quick wit and straightforward, often ruthless comments, stepped in. Recognizing the extraordinary nature of the performance, Simon took it upon himself to explain the depth and difficulty of the tricks performed. Hero, at that time, had mastered an astonishing 60 tricks—a feat that speaks volumes about Sarah’s training prowess and Hero’s intelligence and dedication.

Simon’s intervention proved pivotal. Howie Mandel reconsidered his initial vote, changing it to a yes, allowing Sarah and Hero to advance to the next level of the competition. Their journey did not end there; Sarah and Hero continued to impress both the judges and the audience, eventually making it to the finals and finishing in fifth place.

Sarah and Hero’s story is a testament to the power of talent, dedication, and the ability to recognize and appreciate extraordinary skills. Simon Cowell’s support played a crucial role in their success, proving that sometimes, a second chance is all it takes to shine.

Watch the full video of Sarah and Hero’s performance below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments on our Facebook page!