Local Artist Swings From the Ceiling to Save the Lives of Those Who Have No Voices
Imagine a life surrounded by walls made of wire with no human companionship and just enough food to survive. Welcome to the world of a puppy mill dog. Catering to thousands of pet stores around the country seeking cute puppies to sell, puppy mills are large scale dog breeding facilities where dogs are typically kept outdoors in chicken wire cages in deplorable conditions their whole lives. Far too many people are unaware puppy mills even exist. Kyla Duffy, founder of Happy Tails Books and the non-profit Up for Pups organization, intends to change all of that by dazzling the eyes and warming the hearts with “Don’t Kill Bill: A Celebration of Adopted Dogs,” this March in Lakewood, Colorado. Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy this informative theatre experience, which utilizes short films, live storytelling and music coupled with aerial acrobatics celebrate rescued dogs’ resilience while highlighting rescuers’ compassion.
“Our show offers children, teenagers, and adults of all ages a unique twist and spin on humane education in a fun, safe and entertaining environment,” said Kyla Duffy, show writer and producer. “Puppy mills continue to be a despicable source aiding the already challenging problem of pet homelessness, and we firmly believe education is essential.” Duffy created the show to raise awareness about puppy mills and encourage people to get involved with animal rescue organizations. Local organizations that work a multitude of breeds, from Boston Terriers to Great Danes, will be present in the lobby to answer any questions, and Up for Pups will be promoting adoptable dogs during the show.
Proceeds from the show will be used to further Up For Pups animal advocacy efforts. In addition to enjoying this wonderfully unique theater production, attendees will have the opportunity to win a gift basket full of dog products as well as a $500 donation for the dog rescue organization of his or her choice (rescue must be present in the lobby to win). Each attendee will get one free drawing ticket at the door with a chance to buy additional tickets during intermission. Drawing ticket sales benefit local rescue organizations.
“Don’t Kill Bill: A Celebration of Adopted Dogs” Event Details:
Saturday, March 10th, 7:00 p.m.
Lakewood Cultural Center
470 S. Allison Pkwy
Lakewood, CO 80226
$19 adult, $15 student/senior
Tickets are available at http://upforpups.org/events
About Up for Pups
Up For Pups is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mistreated domestic animals by raising public awareness through creative, memorable initiatives. To learn more, please visit http://upforpups.org/.
About Kyla Duffy
Kyla Duffy is the editor-in-chief of Happy Tails Books (http://www.happytailsbooks.com/). Since May 2009, with the help of volunteers and her co-editor, Lowrey Mumford, Kyla has collected thousands of stories from people who have fostered and adopted dogs and cats, compiling them into the Lost Souls: Found! series, which uses the written word to reach out to animal lovers about rescue and rehabilitation, breed by “furrific” breed. From the age of 15 until 21, Kyla was a professional snowboarder. With sponsors like Airwalk, Nixon, 686, and Dragon, Kyla toured the world for photo shoots and competitions. Snowboarding gave Kyla many opportunities to promote her sponsors on television, radio and in newspaper/magazine articles, and she is excited to do the same for her Don’t Kill Bill sponsors today. Kyla and her husband, Dylan, live in Boulder, CO with their adopted cat, a puppy mill survivor named Bill, a backyard breeder rescue named Hillary and a perpetual stream of foster dogs from MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue. In their “spare” time, they transport rescued animals for Pilots and Paws via small private aircraft.
About Bill (Puppy Mill Survivor Turned Mountain Goat)
Bill, a handsome Boston Terrier, was born into slavery in 2006. Life as a breeding dog in a Missouri puppy mill took its toll on Bill, and we can only assume that he was surrendered to a rescue by the breeder at the age of two because he wouldn’t breed. In fact, when he came into foster care in 2008, this terrified dog wouldn’t even move. Bill was shipped from Missouri to Nebraska and then on to Colorado, where he met his foster parents, Kyla and Dylan. When he arrived at their home, he was as dead as a living dog could be. There was no light in his eyes, and he was completely unresponsive. He was so “gone” that he didn’t even shake. He just sat in the back of his crate staring blankly at nothing…for months. The story of Bill is actually quite long, hence the need for an hour-and-a-half show! In a nutshell, after getting lost in the woods for three weeks (that, in and of itself, is a story) and then almost being euthanized, Bill’s foster family adopted him, slowly rehabilitated him, and after two years of patient, consistent love and care, Bill has become the most popular dog in town and an ambassador for dog rescue and rehabilitation.
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