Thanks to his recent fame as a competitor on “American Ninja Warrior,” Roo is able to bring this message to an even wider audience. But I think more and more people realize that it’s not necessarily about what they look like or where they came from.”Īccording to Roo, although there will always be aggressive dogs, Wallace and Hector both proved that every dog is capable of amazing things-even a dog who was raised under terrible circumstances. Roo believes the tide is finally turning: “There are still people who are scared of Pit Bulls. They helped change the conversation about rescue dogs-and Pit Bulls in particular. Though both Wallace and Hector have passed away, their legacies remain. He never became aggressive, and within one year of living with the Yoris, he became a certified therapy dog, visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Like Wallace, Hector challenged the common assumptions about Pit Bulls. He became a world champion frisbee dog, and his story was later recounted in Jim Gorant’s “Wallace.”Īnd in 2007, Roo and Clara drew national media attention when they adopted Hector, a Pit Bull who was one of many fighting dogs rescued from professional football player Michael Vick’s property. Wallace went on to defy the stereotypes associated with his breed.

Although friends, family and shelter workers cautioned the couple against it, the Yoris brought Wallace-their foundation’s namesake-home. He established a fan following long before his run on “American Ninja Warrior,” beginning when he and Clara adopted a Pit Bull that was considered a liability and scheduled to be euthanized at the shelter where he was housed. Roo frequently turns the spotlight on his own dogs to encourage adoption and involvement with rescue dogs, as well as battle the common misconception that these dogs were abandoned for a reason. With his new platform on “American Ninja Warrior,” Roo is encouraging viewers to lend their support as well. Roo and his wife Clara are the founders of the Wallace the Pit Bull Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the people, organizations and programs that aid homeless dogs. Dubbed the “K9 Ninja,” Roo has made a name for himself by spreading awareness for a cause he’s been deeply involved with since 2002: dog rescue. Out of nearly 500 competitors selected to participate in regionals, the 39-year old athlete was only one of a handful to advance to nationals-and a shot at the $1 million prize-in Las Vegas.

“Then to get that call, do well, and get featured on the show was like a dream come true.” “It’s a slim chance you’re actually going to get that call,” Roo says. “American Ninja Warrior” gives Roo Yori a national platformīy Lauren Bedosky | Photography by Kelvin AndowĪndrew “Roo” Yori of Rochester got the call few are fortunate to get: An invitation to compete in season 8 of hit reality television series “American Ninja Warrior.”

Wallace by Jim Gorant