Miracles Do Happen: An All-Dog Production Of The Nutcracker Exists

Since 2003, I have operated under the strongly held, fiercely defended belief that the greatest thing to happen to Christmas is the film Love Actually. Mostly because of moments like this.

And men like this.

 

Well, today my world was shattered, but in the best way possible. Because, ladies, gentlemen and dogs of the world, I learned that there is something even more amazing than Love Actually. An all-dog production of The Nutcracker called Canine Nutcracker.

 

If you’re not drooling already, here’s the trailer:

 

Not only does this exist, but it’s in its eighth season! (So, like, what have I been doing with my life these past seven years? Other than obsessively rewatching Love Actually.) The production, run by the Pawsitive Therapy Troupe from Downers Grove, Illinois, stars more than 30 certified therapy dogs (and their handlers/understudies), and the funds are directed to the troupe’s continuing efforts to visit health care facilities and schools.

 

The non-profit’s founder, Becky Jankowski, devised the idea for Canine Nutcracker in 1999. Inspired by the rise of dog freestyle dancing and the impact that the troupe’s therapy dogs were already enjoying in more traditional settings, the first Canine Nutcracker took place at the Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. After a few years, the production’s doors opened to the public, and it’s been a smashing success ever since.

We were able to snag some headshots of this year’s cast, as well as some behind-the-scenes peeks at the pawduction. Take a look!

Featured image via Pawsitive TherapyH/t via Dogster