Noticed one of my little turkleys randomly has these crazy eyes

Certified Aryan king, A17s at worst

Here's his wierd eye membrane

bottom text !animalposters

A dog whose early life started in an animal shelter has now become a star after stealing the spotlight in a professional theater production of The Wizard of Oz.

Owner Lauren Smith and her partner Forest welcomed home a Yorkie and Jack Russell terrier mix named Max after Forest's father and stepmom adopted him from a Colorado animal shelter. The timing couldn't be any more perfect as Max was just days away from being euthanized.

The family first thought Max would fit in as the stepmom raised Shih Tzus, but, quickly Max showed he had big-dog energy. He knew he was destined to be a star. It was when he moved to Virginia with Smith and Forest that Max finally got discovered. And that was without even trying.

Smith told Newsweek that she was walking Max when a woman stepped out of her car at a red light to approach them. Running down the street, the woman, Katy Brown, introduced herself as the producing artistic director of the Barter Theatre, a 91-year-old professional theater.

Brown explained the Abingdon, Virginia-based theater was going to put on a production of The Wizard of Oz and when she spotted Max, she knew she found their Toto. Smith immediately loved the idea with Max already showing off his tricks.

Max was in the right place at the right time, kick-starting his "cage to stage" journey.

Come February, Smith took 12-year-old Max to audition and meet the director, choreographer and other members of the production team. Max performed his tricks. He even did the tricks when others asked, proving he would be a perfect addition to the cast.

Brown shared with Newsweek that casting Max as Toto was a no-brainer. She said Max "sealed it" before they opened up auditions to other dogs. And since then, he's been a dream to work with.

Not only did the theater find their Toto, but Max found his calling

"It's really funny because I've been to a few shows and he'll look out into the audience and check it out," Smith said. "It doesn't phase him and he loves the other actors on stage with him."

Brown explained that Max is truly the opening moment of the show. Dorthy calls for him and he runs on stage, drawing a giant and thunderous reaction from the crowd each time.

Unlike other stars, it doesn't take much to make Max happy. Smith and Brown both mentioned Max will do all his commands when treats are involved, which has made working with him a breeze.

"He's a people pleaser and the treats definitely don't hurt either," Smith said.

And because he is the unofficial star of the production, Max gets treated like royalty. Smith leaves his crate and dog bed at the theater for him to use when he is not in a scene.

Max will perform in all 56 performances of The Wizard of Oz, which is running from now until August 18. Although this is just his first break into the show biz, Smith jokes that she pictures him next up on the big screen.

Source

https://www.newsweek.com/12-year-old-rescue-dog-goes-cage-stage-acting-debut-1917288

Don’t adjust your screen — you’re not seeing double. Twin red pandas have been born at the Detroit Zoo! On June 17, Ravi, a 7-year-old male red panda, and Ginger, a 3-year-old first-time mom, welcomed twin cubs!

Stay tuned for more updates! pic.twitter.com/VG1s0U6gbM

— Detroit Zoo (@detroitzoo) June 24, 2024

My twitter feed became zoo pilled today. IDK why, but I enjoyed it. The Milwaukee zoo named their new baby Macaque today! Red animal stonks are up it seems.

わーいヽ(=´▽`=)ﾉ🐰🌪💕#うさぎ#バニーズエンターテインメント pic.twitter.com/fnBgQCG4Mw

— こはるパパ (@KoharuPapa2022) June 23, 2024