Charming “Muttcracker” Pairs Dancers with Rescue Dogs to Assist Them Find Homes
A unique cast of actors is on the stage with beloved figures like the Snow Queen and the Nutcracker—homeless pets searching for adoptive homes—in a touching turn of events! In the Muttcracker series, dancers from Saint Louis Ballet are paired with rescue dogs from Stray Rescue of St. Louis, making a charming series of photographs. This extraordinary collaboration aims to find these furry pets forever homes and highlight the beauty of dance.
A famous Christmas tradition, the Nutcracker ballet is cherished by families worldwide. Dancers & Dogs, recognizing its power, came up with a sweet idea that combines their two biggest passions—Dancers & Dogs—to aid animal friends in need. In addition to honoring the magic of the Nutcracker, this well-considered collaboration aims to enhance the lives of dogs in need of families to adopt.
Dancers & Dogs’ creator, Kelly Pratt Kreidich, stated Reshareworthy.com, “Dancers and Dogs are my two greatest loves, which is how the idea for the brand came about. We reasoned that combining dogs of varied sizes and types with experienced dancers might develop interesting pictures highlighting their relationships and creating unusual shapes.” The spirit of both art forms is expertly captured by this original idea, producing eye-catching pictures highlighting the beauty of movement and the unique bonds between dancers and dogs.
The adoption of Blaze
Now in its third year, the excellent partnership between the adorable rescue animals from Stray Rescue of St. Louis and the gifted dancers of Saint Louis Ballet never fails to enthrall spectators at the Muttcracker. This campaign, which showcases the beauty that arises when the worlds of dancing and furry companionship come together, aims to support the arts while finding loving homes for the animals through adorable photographs.
Rhett has found a new home and has been adopted!
In the words of Kreidich, “Three years ago, we launched the Muttcracker project in collaboration with Stray Rescue and St. Louis Ballet as a fun way to show rescue dogs (and cats!) in an uplifting and whimsical way.”
Hideaway has been adopted and has found a new place to call home.
“A lot of these animals have experienced true hardships, such as being abandoned, suffering from malnutrition, and even experiencing severe cruelty. Nutcracker pairs them with characters from The Nutcracker to show them in a positive light.
Scooch
This year’s Nutcracker includes gorgeous dogs, a cat named Squishy, a dog who conquered extreme odds, and canines with specific needs.
Sugarplum Fairy, Lori Wilson, and Saint Louis Ballet with Brice & Eckerle
Two special-needs dogs named Eckerle and Brice were taken from a shelter that lacked the means to provide for them. Dogs and Dancers states, “The Sugar Plum Fairy bestows nothing but happy wags and full bellies to Brice and Eckerle.” “They may have a few distinct looks and movements, but they are joyful and loving people!”
Brice & Eckerle with Sugarplum Fairy, Lori Wilson, Saint Louis Ballet
Brice & Eckerle with Sugarplum Fairy, Lori Wilson, Saint Louis Ballet
For the holidays, “Jumbo Jack has made a new Doll friend!”
Lauren Kot, Saint Louis Ballet; Jumbo Jack and Harlequin Doll
“Jumbo Jack is one of the biggest fighters for Stray Rescue of St. Louis. He had to have part of his lower jaw amputated after being shot in the face. For months, he was forced to eat through a feeding tube.
Lauren Kot, Saint Louis Ballet, umbo Jack, and Harlequin Doll
“The best news, though, is that Jumbo Jack got a forever home just last week. Congratulations, my dear son!” There is happiness and celebration over the heartwarming news that Jumbo Jack has found a lifelong home.
Lauren Kot, Saint Louis Ballet, umbo Jack, and Harlequin Doll
“Junior thought the Reed Flute dancer might be willing to share some Marzipan after hearing about some delicious treats. Perhaps in exchange, Junior was going to give some kisses.”
Lauren Christensen, Junior, and Dancer, Saint Louis Ballet
Lauren Christensen, Junior, and Dancer, Saint Louis Ballet
A beautiful cat named Squishy has hydrocephalus, a condition where water collects around the brain. “Squishy is searching the St. Louis region for a medical foster family. Contact Stray Rescue of St. Louis if you can provide for this lovely girl and have a pleasant home.”
Squishy the Cat and Liz Lloyd, St. Louis Ballet
The Muttcracker photos from previous years were a huge success, offering fresh starts to the animals in the photographs.
Soda Fountain has been adopted.
According to Kreidich, “within a month or so of being featured, every animal from the first two years of Muttcracker found homes.” “The majority in just a couple of days!”
The adoption of Newt
Iris, on the other hand, found her way back home.
The owner and Iris have reunited!
According to Kreidich, the animals from the 2020 Muttcracker are doing well, and several of them have already found homes.
The adoption of Rhett
More Muttcracker photos are available on the Dancers and Dogs Facebook page.
For more stunning pictures, go to the Dancers and Dogs website.
Due to this year’s pandemic, many theaters and other locations cannot host live performances; instead, several ballets stream live on video. Among them is Saint Louis Ballet, whose website provides information about their 2020 Nutcracker performance and ways to assist them.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis constantly needs supporters and possible adopters. For further information, go to their website.
