They leap, flip, spin and turn. But, most importantly, these dogs can fly. John Misita’s acrobatic troupe of Frisbee dogs, K-9s in Flight, has been entertaining audiences across the country for over 10 years. Their resume includes performances with the Purina Incredible Dog Team, NFL halftime shows, and a 90-city tour with the Ringling Brothers’ Greatest Show on Earth.
Catch one of their performances at a state fair, festival, or theme park, and you’ll witness up to six of the most talented Frisbee dogs as they jump, soar, and whirl to cutting edge choreography. You’ll even see exciting stunts performed by the world’s smallest Frisbee-catching dog, a Jack Russell Terrier named Dixie Chopper.
But what makes the stars of K-9s in Flight so special isn’t their multitude of appearances, unparalleled talent, or growing popularity. It’s the fact that all of Misita’s furry performers are adopted or rescued. Because of this, K-9s in Flight shows emphasize the importance of pet adoption, health and welfare. “We’re trying to keep our focus not only on entertainment, but education as well,” says Misita, who takes time out of every performance to address the problem of pet overpopulation. He points out that “3 to 4 million pets are put to sleep every year. So our shows stress the importance of spaying and neutering pets.”
At the start of each show, Misita announces where each star was adopted or rescued from and gives training tips. He also brings out a small dog and a senior dog to show that any dog can benefit from routine exercise and training. Turbo, a 12-year-old national Frisbee champion who was rescued from a trashcan in Florida, makes regular appearances at the start of the show, demonstrating that you can teach an old dog new tricks. “It’s something that’s driven in them,” says Misita. “So training is just a matter of bringing out their skills and the best of what they have.”
For photos and information on upcoming K-9s in Flight performances, visit www.airmutts.com.
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