If the holiday season can be summed up with one event at the Arts Center, it has to be our annual production of The Nutcracker, A Kansas Ballet. This magical production brings together artistry, community and of course… animals! You may be familiar with the Mouse King and Queen and the dancing bear, but this year, to make the season extra special, we teamed up with the Lawrence Humane Society for a marketing campaign called The Muttcracker. Dancers were paired with adoptable animals and our staff was inspired to share their photos of their own rescued pets. Check out their stories below and visit the Lawrence Humane Society to see all of the adorable animals up for adoption.
Visit us on social media to see photos from our Muttcracker campaign and get your tickets now for The Nutcracker, A Kansas Ballet!
Early Childhood Coordinator Andria and her dog Lulu! Andria adopted Lulu from the Lawrence Humane Society during her second chemo treatment and she has been by her side ever since. Lulu’s favorite things are sleeping on the couch when no one is looking, food, chasing the cat, food, attempting to sit in laps and food!
Youth Education Coordinator Mariah and her dogs Margot and Luna! Margot was rescued from the Atchison Animal Shelter. She is a sassy Instagram model with the user name: @margotthemixedweenie. Luna is Mariah’s sweet foster puppy from Melissa’s Menageries Second Chances. Mariah is in the process of adopting Luna & Margot can’t wait to be her new big sis!
Adult Education Director Kyla with partner Louis & their dog Banjo! Banjo’s life before they rescued him is a mystery, but Kyla suspects he is part muppet and a former interior designer because he is delightfully goofy, and has strong opinions about the placement of pillows and blankets. He’s also an extrovert who wants to meet everyone so they’ve gotten to meet a lot of neighbors while on walks.
Office Manager Jennifer’s dog Finnegan was adopted from the Ottawa Animal Shelter. Jennifer says Finn is that unconditional love you can rely on, tolerates anything, and the keeper of secrets. He loves all other animals and is one in a million!
Salesforce Administrator Brent and his dogs Jake and Mia. Jake was found by Animal Control wandering outside of Topeka in the dead of winter and briefly lived in an in-home shelter before being rescued by Brent’s family. Mia’s pregnant mother was rescued from a grim puppy mill and she was born in a local shelter. She is the jelly to Jake’s peanut butter.
Director of New Media Marlo and dogs Anubis and Argos! Both dogs are rescues from Mokan Greyhound Adoption. Argos and Anubis are enjoying their early retirements from track life by running laps in the backyard, eating the occasional remote control, and being the world’s best couch potatoes.
Marketing Director Amy’s cat Tino was adopted from the Lawrence Humane Society!
CEO Margaret and her dog Millie!
Lawrence Ballet Theatre Director Cindy’s cat Covie was rescued from the Lawrence Humane Society in 2004! Here Covie poses with flowers that were given to Cindy after a performance.
Performing Arts Director Elizabeth and her dog Nigel!
Development Coordinator Alex & her dog Japhy! Japhy came into her family’s lives when a friend couldn’t take care of him anymore.
