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Shelter Dogs Learn Ballet To Find Forever Families

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on December 8, 2020

Rescue dogs will often do anything they can to find their perfect family. That’s why the dogs at Stray Rescue of St. Louis have turned to the professionals for help. Yet, instead of turning to dog trainers or groomers like most rescues, this group sought help from ballet dancers. After all, what’s more appealing than a dog who knows how to dance?

Dancers with the St. Louis Ballet teamed up with the rescue for the third year in a row. Their goal is to share pictures of the adoptable dogs “dancing” with them in hopes of getting them adopted faster.

Rescue Dog Ballet
Image: @dancersanddogs/Facebook

Meet the Doggy Dancers!

Dancers & Dogs, an adorable photography project, teamed up with the rescue and ballet to make all this possible. The dancers from The Nutcracker got to pose for a photoshoot with adoptable dogs, and the results are too cute to handle! In each photo, the dancer shows the dog some elegant ballet poses. Yet, the dogs don’t seem to catch on since it’s difficult to dance while standing on four paws.

Small dog and dancer
Image: @dancersanddogs/Facebook

Even if the dogs don’t learn to fully dance from this experience, it will still help them in the long run. After all, these poses were actually for a photoshoot instead of doggy dance lessons. These photos will help bring a little extra attention to adoptable dogs to help them find homes for the holidays.

“It’s special to know that our work might bring more attention to dogs and cats that deserve a second chance at a happy and comfortable life. And if we can bring a smile to people’s faces at the same time, all the better!” said Kelly Pratt with Dancers & Dogs.

Dog and dancer marching
Image: @dancersanddogs/Facebook

Dancing Their Way Home

For several days, the Dancers & Dogs Facebook page is posting more photos of adoptable dogs with dancers. On some days, they’re also sharing behind the scenes showing the dogs during the photoshoot. The goal is for families to see these dogs and fall in love. Even if you’re unable to welcome a dog into your home right now, hopefully these photos will still bring a smile to your face.

Dancer with puppy
Image: @dancersanddogs/Facebook

“We could all use a smile right now, and this photoshoot is just what the doctor ordered. The adoptable pets featured are beautiful, happy, and healthy, and all they wish for is a family of their own,” said Cassady Caldwell, the executive director at Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

If you’re looking to adopt a dog near St. Louis and one of these pups caught your eye, reach out to Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Hopefully, all these sweet dogs can get situated in their forever homes before Christmas.

Dancer Hugging Dog
Image: @dancersanddogs/Facebook

H/T: people.com
Featured Image: @dancersanddogs/Facebook

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