“My life goal now is to help dogs, help animals in general.”
That is from Teymur Gafarov, an accounting clerk at the University of Lethbridge.
Gafarov is part of the global competition ‘My Dog, My Inspiration’, hosted by world-renowned dog trainer and behaviourist Cesar Millan and voting platform Orbiiit.
The 34-year-old is in the quarterfinal stage of the contest, which will see three winners receiving a meet-and-greet and a training session with Millan.
One grand prize winner will also get $25,000.
The contest asks participants to share how their dog has inspired them and changed their lives. Gafarov said his current four-legged friend Millie offers plenty of support, but it was his dog, the late Lucy, who initially inspired him to enter the competition.
Originally from Azerbaijan, Gafarov said he arrived in Canada at the age of 16 in August 2008. He said he did not plan to get a dog, but in 2019, he met Lucy at an adoption event and there was an immediate connection. Five years later, Lucy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and lost her leg in August 2024. Gafarov said she did not lose her positive spirit, but unfortunately her cancer spread and she passed away on Jan. 10, 2025.
“How I met her, what hardships she went through and what lessons I learned from [her experience] – that [inspired] me to be part of the contest,” Gafarov said.
He noted Lucy was the only family he had in Canada.
Being a longtime fan of Cesar Millan, and inspired by Lucy and Millie, Gafarov became a certified dog trainer through the Animal Behaviour College. He is also actively involved with the Lethbridge and District Humane Society.
Gafarov said winning the contest and meeting Millan would be an invaluable experience.
“It’s going to be a perfect opportunity for me to expand my knowledge to help more dogs, more animals in general and people, too,” he stated.
Gafarov said his end goal and ultimate dream is to operate his own animal sanctuary.
“Ever since Lucy passed, it changed my perspective on things. I read lots of books on dog psychology, Cesar Millan books included, and I just want to help animals,” he remarked.
Additionally, Gafarov is set to launch his own dog training business, featuring videos with Millie and some of the furry friends he has met through the local humane society.
“I’ve never been so excited about anything as I am about this dog training business. I have a few clients already and when I’m talking to them about dogs and their psychology and what to do and what not to do, I’m literally getting goosebumps and this is the first time I’ve had this feeling about anything, that I’m enjoying it so much. I’m so passionate about it, that it brings me that kind of joy,” he said.
Gafarov’s voting page can be accessed through Orbiiit.
He explained that the voting process requires voters to verify their identity for a vote to count. He said the process is only needed once, and the support he has received so far has been amazing and is thankful for his friends and family cheering him on.
The competition also supports the Cesar Millan Foundation, which offers education for youth, as well as support to shelters, rescue groups, and pet owners.
