Puppy Love—Nutcracker Edition

You already know dancers really love their dogs. But Sacramento Ballet is taking their animal affection a whole new level. They’ve partnered with Sacramento’s Front Street Animal Shelter to feature adorable, furry friends in their annual production of The Nutcracker. And get this: Every pup (or feline) onstage is adoptable!

A scene from Sacramento Ballet’s #Muttcracker (if only I could take credit for that fantastic pun) (photo via SB’s Facebook)

Here’s the scoop: During each performance, one dog and one cat make their stage debuts, then during intermission and after the show, adoption counselors with 5 to 10 animals meet with prospective families from the audience. So far, they’ve had a 100% success rate—finding homes for 40 homeless animals. (All together now: AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!)

(L) Company member Rick Porter with the world’s danciest kitten; (R) more kitten fun backstage (photo via @sacballet)

Inspired? If you’re in the Sacramento area, there are five shows left—aka five more chances to adopt your new best friend. Get more info and tickets here.

Forget the doll. Bring Clara more puppies! (photo by Robin Hagy)