Border Collie Delights Theater Audiences By Nailing His Debut on Stage

There's a never-ending list of reasons to love dogs, from their precious wagging tails to their unwavering loyalty. If you consider all of the special skills and talents they can have, the species is truly impressive! From sled-pulling and sheep herding to truffle hunting and search-and-rescue, it's easy to feel like dogs can do anything.

As one special Border Collie named Whidbey proved in a recent theater performance, dogs really can do anything! He's one of @thejoycrew, a group of performing dogs known for their impressive tricks, and he blew the audience away during his very first stage performance. His mom, who posted the September 23 TikTok video, couldn't be more proud of her boy, and she made sure he was rewarded handsomely for his acting skills!

Here's how he pulled off his very first performance in live theater:

Good boy, Whidbey! This adorable animal actor paid such close attention to his mom until it was time to go on stage, but even then, he knew precisely what to do. Practice makes perfect, and it's no secret that he and his parents had practiced several times before letting the dog make his stage debut by himself. After all, so much obedience training and acting practice goes into each role. He has every reason to be confident about a job well done!

Related: Golden Retriever Making His Theater Debut in 'Annie' Has Everyone Cheering

"I would've given him a standing ovation," admitted commenter @kristyjoy7. I'm sure you won't be alone! This sweet Border Collie deserves a massive dinner after that outstanding performance, though he may have to wait to get un-ready with the cast and stick around to help ask for donations as guests walk out the door. It's a theater tradition! Besides, I have a feeling the fans would be starstruck to meet this canine actor. I certainly would be--and I'd want to donate more!

Famous Canine Actors

We might one day see Whidbey's name up in lights or maybe on the Hollywood screen, but he's certainly not the first dog to star in a play, movie, or TV show. The most famous dog of 2024 is Messi, another Border Collie, who starred in Anatomy of a Fall. Cinema's first canine actor came in the form of a Smooth Collie named Blair. She starred in a 1905 short film titled "Rescued by Rover," and she paved the way for so many dogs to act in plays and movies afterward.

Some of the most iconic dog actors include Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd who appeared in films in the 1920s and 1930s, and Pal, the Rough Collie who first starred as Lassie. There are so many other canine stars who haven't had the same kind of recognition, and it would be wonderful to see them all--including Whidbey--getting the praise they deserve!

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