Luciano's Pound Puppies

When Luciano Anastasini, a Daredevil who suffered a career-ending injury in the mid-1990s, approached the Big Apple Circus with a new clown act he'd concocted with a pack of abandoned dogs and a choo-choo train, management smiled, and gave him an audition. Fortunately, Anastasini is as talented a dog trainer and clown as he was an acrobat, and his funny act—"Luciano Anastasini and his Pound Puppies"—was added to the Play On! roster. Anastasini focused on reinventing himself professionally after he fell from the Wheel of Destiny—a large wheel on an axis that rotates and spins much like a hamster wheel, and features a performer doing elaborate tricks in the center. As the seasoned performer recovered physically, he considered his options. Anastasini had always grown up with dogs, and he dreamed up a new act featuring a pack of dogs he rescues from shelters around the nation. Ironically, some of the "bad" traits that landed the pooches in the pound in the first place turn out to be the talent that Anastasini recognizes in them as a great circus trick.

Anastasini trains as many as 15 dogs at one time, all of them rescued animals who show some sort of affinity for performance or agility. He performs his act—along with his wife, Gladis, and two sons—with up to seven dogs in the ring at one time.

Contact Gordon or Marybeth MacKay 1-508-947-8595 www.mackayentertainment.com

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  Entertainment

[dave91995]

Fabulous! My wife and son read the book "Stay. The True Story of Ten Dogs", from the Library and were moved by it so much we looked for you online and found this wonderful shot of your show. We fell in love with all the dogs and love what you are doing! Come to Washington State soon!

[Gordon MacKay]

Hi Dave, Glad you liked it. Right now most of their performances for 2012 are scheduled in the mid-west and east coast. In addition to circuses they also perform at fairs, festivals and variety shows. Perhaps you could suggest them to your favorite family events, they would love to come out to Washington!

[lmurphymv]

I have a book about Luciano and his pound puppies so it was so cool to see him in person!

[Donations4Paws]

What wonderful dogs! The story and the trust of these dogs is absolutely heart warming.

[katydid26]

Guidepost is where I first heard about Luciano, too! I just finished the story, then came over here to see if I could find a video. Luckily, there's this one! You said it best about shelter dogs and how they CAN make good pets. I join you in thanking Luciano. Yes, he is an inspiration!

[silafirion]

I read your story in Guidpost and found your videos right after I read it. I had to see these amazing dogs in action! Thank you for rescuing these dogs and giving them a chance to be happy and make others happy. A lot of people assume that if a dog is in a shelter they are not smart or too "broken" to make a good pet. My favorite has to be Penny. A dog with a disability really needs extra love and attention to get the most out of life and you definitely did that for her. You are an inspiration!

[lynndilulu]

I also read 'Stay' - what a terrific story - wonderful both for the dogs and for Luciano.

[apets89]

This man is awesome!

[Chickenywazz]

I love this