San Benito County Fair will feature animal tricksters of Busy
Bee Dog Productions
We’ve been waiting a long time for this one: a dog and pony show
has come to town, and you don’t have to go to a city council or
board of supervisors meeting to see it.
Animal trainer Lana Anderson and her clever critters will
perform dazzling tricks to the delight of spectators at this year’s
San Benito County Fair. The troupe consists of four dogs
– three of them rescued from animal shelters across the country
– and an American Miniature Horse named Benji.
San Benito County Fair will feature animal tricksters of Busy Bee Dog Productions
We’ve been waiting a long time for this one: a dog and pony show has come to town, and you don’t have to go to a city council or board of supervisors meeting to see it.
Animal trainer Lana Anderson and her clever critters will perform dazzling tricks to the delight of spectators at this year’s San Benito County Fair. The troupe consists of four dogs – three of them rescued from animal shelters across the country – and an American Miniature Horse named Benji.
Ever see a dog play basketball or skip with a jump rope? Now’s your chance. This dynamic team of four-legged acrobats are so enthusiastic about their work, says Anderson, their zeal is infectious. Fair-goers will see the dogs’ stage presence in the smiles they crack while doing their stunts. The dogs are multi-talented – they even sing and dance.
“Everyone loves watching the animals perform,” Anderson said. “The dogs and pony perform with such speed you can’t help feeling their enthusiasm for performing.”
People who choose to adopt a pooch from a dog pound generally prefer one that’s calm and manageable. But Anderson goes for the high-energy canines.
“We use that energy and turn it into something positive,” she said. “Every dog has talents… the best part about adopting a new dog is drawing out those talents.”
Apparently, the dogs like to show off. The louder the cheers from a crowd, the more gusto displayed by these pet stars. The “pony,” Benji, has a minor role in the shows, but Anderson said the pint-sized equine is so cute and adorable that he steals the show every time.
One of the dogs, named Rio Bravo, is a mixed breed who was rescued from the Marin County Humane Society four years ago. The 7-year old mutt, Anderson says, outwits her human handler in many performances and sometimes completes tricks before being cued.
“I can never predict this silly dog,” added Anderson. “She’s a clown.”
And extremely smart. Rio Bravo memorized the show in three days when she joined the troupe.
Anderson’s act is called Busy Bee Dog Productions, and the gang has been doing the county fair circuit throughout the nation for seven years now. The company also performs for special occasions, corporate events, school assemblies, and has made several TV appearances.
The San Benito County Fair is held at Bolado Park in Tres Pinos off Airline Highway from Sept. 28 through Oct. 1. Catch the dog and pony show on Friday, Sept. 29 (“Kids’ Day”) at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Returning to the fair this year is the ever-popular “Washboard Willie,” a fascinating one-man band. The talented and dexterous Willie totes his tootin’, whistlin’ “orchestra” around on a miniature chuck wagon.
Also appearing will be the duo “Scotty and Trink,” slapstick jugglers and unicyclists. They describe themselves thus: “They’ve appeared at more fairs than the world’s smallest horse and the world’s largest pig combined and shilled for everything from cell phone towers to estrogen replacement at hundreds of trade shows and sales meetings around the world. With their hilarious combination of comedy and juggling, unicycling and bad judgment, Scotty and Trink will at least be prompt and a lot of fun.”
It leaves no doubt: all these acts are must-see attractions. For more information, check out the fair web site at www.sanbenitocountyfair.com.
