Bend’s high-flying 3-legged dog flies even higher

Bend’s most famous pooch is rolling out her bucket list — literally. The Humane Society of Central Oregon’s beloved three-legged mascot isn’t letting her specially fitted wheelchair hold her down from living out her golden years.

Maty, the nearly 15-year-old Australian Shepard mix, has already crossed off stand-up paddle-boarding, a visit to the Chimps Inc. sanctuary in Tumalo and a cheeseburger on National Cheeseburger Day.

Her owner, Lynne Ouchida of Bend, said Friday that Maty has inspired others to be adventurous, no matter what obstacles stand in the way.

The dog has had quite the challenges herself. Maty and her litter mates were found abandoned in a motel when they were just a few weeks old. Maty had a staph infection in her leg that almost killed her.

Instead, Maty’s leg was amputated, and she adapted and was adopted by Ouchida.

Starting her life as a rescue, the three-legged mutt only went up from there — leaping into the sky time and time again to become the first and only three-legged dog to compete and place in the Skyhoundz Worlds Canine Disc Championship.

Since then, Maty has been in dozens of articles and several TV programs. There’s a book about her, and fans all over the world.

But Ouchida said none of that tops Maty’s roles of visiting and cheering up the sick in the hospital and greeting kids in the classroom as the Humane Society’s ambassador.

“Her greatest gift is to inspire people to not let limitations hold them back,” Ouchida said Friday.

It’s the message Maty has taken all over the world on her three legs, but now Maty could be on her last one.

“She’s got early-stage kidney failure and some cognitive issues,” Ouchida said of her aging pet, who’s also suspected of having had a stroke last year.

But Maty’s not giving up without a fight, and true to her nature, she’s still going up.

“We always say she flies high,” Ouchida laughed as she lifted Maty into a plane piloted by Mike Kloch of Leading Edge Aviation. “This is a pretty big moment. We always said we’d get Maty to fly over Bend.”

The Deschutes River, The Old Mill, Pilot Butte. — all of Maty’s favorite places in a whole new view from way up yonder.

“This flight is hitting me harder than I thought,” Ouchida said. “It’s a reminder her time is limited.”

And it’s a reminder to make every day count.

“She still is able to enjoy life, and we want her to enjoy life to the very end,” Ouchida said.

It was one last ride in the sky, but there are more adventures on the horizon.

Also on Maty’s bucket list are riding a motorcycle and go-kart, and taking one last trip to Bend’s High Desert Museum.