Harbor City dog has sights set on Westminster Masters Agility title

It takes great vision to win at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City -- both literally and figuratively.

Rickie Roo, a well-known star and “spokesdog” in the world of dog agility who has been featured in magazine articles and advertisements, once again has both.

The rat terrier, owned by Deborah Davidson Harpur of Harbor City, will be among 3,000 dogs competing at Westminster, which for the second time will be including the sport of agility.

It’s a sizable feat for the little dog, who was nearly blinded by a genetic disorder called primary lens luxation. But because she had undergone genetic testing for the disease, her owner knew she was at risk. When Rickie Roo showed signs of the disorder, she underwent a special procedure and her sight was saved.

Rickie Roo has since bounced back and has claimed a spot to compete in Westminster’s 2nd Annual Masters Agility Championship.

“She’s far-sighted and has no depth perception,” Harpur said in an email, “but she still has her rat-ittude and we are going for it, with blessings from our veterinary eye specialist.

“No matter what, we are winners for getting there at all,” Harpur added.

The agility trial finals will be televised nationally Sunday on Fox Sports 1.

The full Westminster week schedule can be found at www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

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Times staff writer Ruben Vives contributed to this report.