Comedy Pet Theater: Homeless Dogs, Cats and Geese Become Stars
BY DIANE HERBST TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011 2:00 PM ET
Gregory Popovich saves strays and trains them to make us laugh. He hopes the Comedy Pet Theater inspires you to adopt a homeless animal.
Gregory Popovich has always seen a star quality in homeless cats and dogs. That's why this former Russian circus juggler created the Las Vegas-based Comedy Pet Theater, now touring the country with over 30 formerly stray cats, dogs and geese performing as Popovich's sidekicks.
At each of the Comedy Pet Theater's stops, dogs push baby strollers across the stage and cats use their exceptional balance to awe audiences.
Before each curtain rises, a local shelter or rescue organization partners with the production to encourage adoption.
"I have a lot of people in Las Vegas who visit my show two, three times, and they told me, 'Gregory, after we watch your show we adopt a kitty and he is funny and warm and we are proud we saved one life,'" Popovich says.
While at home in Las Vegas,, Popovich, 46, along with his wife, Izolda, and 19-year-old daughter, Anastasia, (both are also in the show) live in one house while all the pets live in another home next door.
A fourth-generation Russian circus performer and one-time Ringling circus juggler, Popovich started using adopted dogs and cats after realizing the abundance of wonderful animals in need of homes.
"In Russia there are no animal shelters, for me it was exciting to see how people in America support homeless pets," he says. "Then I started to realize how these pets came to the shelters and sometimes it's a stupid reason. So I decided to use pets only from shelters. I hope this sends the message to the audience that if you are looking for a pet, visit your local shelter," Popovich continues. "You will find a good looking kitty or dog for your home."