This year has marked another achievement in Sox’s life – his stage debut.

Local Dance school Defy Dance Academy was choreographing a number entitled “Legs” and wanted greyhounds to accompany the dancers on stage. These dogs would need to be social and confident. Could Sox be included? My answer was (of course), yes. Sox is very social, greeting everyone with the expectations of pats to the extent that I have to keep him on a short leash when passing our local bus stop.

I want him to have new experiences to reinforce his confidence and this was the perfect opportunity.

When asked about my weekend plans, I never thought I would be in a position to say, “I’m taking my dog to dance practice.” But that is what happened (twice):

Yesterday, was the the big day – the performance. We (the dog parents) were allocated our own dressing room and dog chaperone.

All that work – for a couple minutes of fame!

Sox is available for commercial work, provided animal handling meets my Fear Free principles.

Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and canine fitness,  The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand