On a beautiful September day, Catawba College’s Abernethy Quad was transformed into a grassy arena where Frisbee-catching dogs showcased their athletic abilities.
Catawba College students, faculty and staff were treated to a late morning performance by the Marvelous Mutts, a group of rescued dogs turned well-loved and well-trained athletes. Their performance was sponsored by Wigwam Productions, the student-run entertainment programming group on campus.
Clapping, shouts, oohs and aahs met the solo performances of Lolita, Rizzo and Yoo-Hoo. Afterwards, the students gathered to pet and pose for photos with members of the athletic trio.
Marvelous Mutts is an organization that adopts dogs from shelters and through rescue groups and works to develop them into amazing canine athletes. Founder Nadja Palenzuela, who is aunt to Catawba senior Frank Cardelle of Salisbury, and the Marvelous Mutts have been performing at fairs, festivals and schools since 2007. She has also competed with dogs in agility, dock diving and canine disc since 1999.
As passionate supporters of dog adoption, this traveling troupe emphasizes the potential in shelter dogs.
The dogs are performing this week at the Rowan County Fair.