Canine’s Cameo in Camelot to Highlight Adopt-A-Dog Month

By BRIAN D’AMBROSIO, Media Relations Coordinator at MCT

Synonymous with scarecrows, spectacular foliage, and goofy-faced pumpkins, October is a fall delight.

Perhaps not as widely associated, October is also the American Humane Association’s Adopt-A-Dog Month. As part of doing their part to pay tribute to all things canine, MCT and the Humane Society of Western Montana hope to find a home for one great shelter dog named Misty.

Thanks to a partnership between MCT and the Humane Society of Western Montana, Misty’s fuzzy face will be cast in the Missoula Community Theatre’s rendition of Camelot.

Misty, the terrier-cum-actress, with Lora O’Connor, Director of the Humane Society of Western Montana.

Misty, the terrier-cum-actress, with Lora O’Connor, Director of the Humane Society of Western Montana.

Knights. Thrones. Regal Ceremonies. And a canine named Misty showcasing her strut in the role of “Horrid.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with the Humane Society of Western Montana during Adopt-A-Dog month,” says Joe Martinez, director of Camelot. “Having Misty perform in the show, I hope, will let people know that there are truly amazing dogs out there that need a home.”

Meet 10-year-old Misty, a medium-sized, athletic Terrier mix. For one lucky person or family, Misty will be a great exercise buddy, best friend, hiking partner, and constant companion.

One more attribute to add to Misty’s repertoire is that of actress. Misty’s cameo appearance is scheduled to take place at the start of the play. She will also visit with audiences in the lobby during the intermission of each performance.

“I love the idea of Misty being part of Camelot and part of the theatre,” says Lora O’Connor, Director of the Humane Society of Western Montana. “Misty has been here a long time. She is a great, great dog. She loves cats. She loves people. She has so much to offer.”

Meet Misty, the 10-year-old, medium-sized, athletic Terrier mix who will perform in MCT's production of Camelot.

As incentive to adoption, O’Connor points to the fact that dogs have been proven to help keep humans happier and healthier by reducing stress, granting companionship, and providing total love.

Misty’s adoption is O’Connor’s top priority, and she hopes that all the showbiz attention helps to find Misty a new environment.

If Misty is adopted prior to the conclusion of Camelot’s run, O’Connor will request that the new owner be willing to transport the gregarious canine to rehearsals and all of the shows. If Misty isn’t adopted before Camelot ends, O’Connor will look for a volunteer to board the starlet on those days and nights that Misty has to be at the theatre.

After all, the show must go on – and the pretty pooch will be part of it.

“I always said that Misty had a face for movies,” says O’Connor.

Camelot opens at The Missoula Community Theatre on October 19, with performances October 19-21, 24-28. For tickets or more information, call the MCT Box Office at (406) 728-7529 or visit the MCT website.

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Read more of Brian’s stories about the fascinating places and personalities that shape Western Montana in his blog archive.

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Brian D’Ambrosio is a Missoula writer, editor, instructor, and media consultant. D’Ambrosio’s recent articles have been published in local, regional, and national publications, including High Country News, USA Today, Wisconsin Trails, Bark Magazine, Montana Magazine, and Backpacker Magazine.

His latest book about legendary vigilante screen actor Charles Bronson, Menacing Face Worth Millions, A Life of Charles Bronson, is available for purchase on Kindle. He is also the author of Montana Summer: 101 Great Adventures in Big Sky Country. D’Ambrosio’s next book, Desert Horse: A Life of Marvin Camel, a biography of the Montana boxing legend, will be published by Riverbend Publishing in 2013.