May 4, 2024 By Karen Mansfield 3 min read

Reggie, a Springer spaniel who loves riding a stairlift, will be featured on ABC’s “America’s Funniest Home Videos” on Sunday.

Karen mansfield/Observer-Reporter

Reggie, a Springer spaniel owned by Dennis and Judy Krivacek of North Strabane Township, enjoys riding a stairlift.

A local Springer spaniel with a penchant for riding a stairlift has earned the national spotlight this weekend.

Reggie, a 5-year-old dog whose fur parents are Dennis and Judy Krivacek of North Strabane Township, will be featured on ABC’s “America’s Funniest Home Videos” on Sunday. The show airs at 7 p.m.

Reggie was caught on camera riding a stairlift leading from the first floor to the second floor in the family’s home.

Reggie’s rides started when he was a puppy, after the Krivaceks installed a stairlift for Judy’s mother, who lives with them.

“One evening, I was in the family room and Reggie jumped onto the stairlift, so I rode him up and down. He became obsessed with it,” said Dennis.

He’d ride it six or eight times in a row.

Dennis started putting the seat up so Reggie couldn’t jump in it. But Reggie, not to be deterred, learned to push the seat down.

Then, he’d wait patiently for Dennis or Judy to start his ride.

“He won’t get out of it until that itch has been scratched,” Dennis said, laughing.

On a whim, Dennis and Judy decided to videotape Reggie on one of his rides to the top of the stairs and back.

Several of Judy’s friends encouraged her to submit the video of her stairlift-riding dog to “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” so they did.

Two weeks after they sent in the video, the show contacted the couple to let them know there was a good chance Reggie was going to make the finals.

Days later, they received a phone call from one of the show’s producers to congratulate them because Reggie had, indeed, been selected as one of three finalists for the May 5 episode. His segment is called “Doggy Don’t Do Stairs.”

“We were ecstatic that Reggie was going to be on TV. Reggie is such a free spirit; he’s always been a clown,” said Dennis.

The couple, retired special education teachers, have three Springer spaniels, all champion show dogs.

But none share Reggie’s delight in riding the stairlift.

“They’re not interested. They’re all a delight to have around. They keep it light and lively around here,” said Dennis.

The Krivaceks plan to host a viewing party on Sunday for at least 40 friends and family members. Reggie will win either $4,000, $6,000, or $20,000, depending on where he finishes.

The couple knows if Reggie won or not, but they can’t reveal the results.

But the Krivaceks don’t mind where Reggie places. For the pup, it’s been a good ride.