K-9 Pals and ETC are partnering to promote pet adoptions. Courtesy photo.
In conjunction with promoting the new comedy, The Best Brothers—in which dog ownership is featured prominently—Ensemble Theatre Company has partnered with local nonprofit dog adoption agency, K-9 Pals, to raise awareness about the growing need for homes for dogs in Santa Barbara.
The Best Brothers, playing now through December 21 at the New Vic, focuses on estranged brothers who are forced to come together in the wake of their mothers untimely, yet hilarious, death. While reconciling their mother’s estate, one point of contention raises its head over and over again: who will care for mom’s beloved Italian Greyhound, Enzo? Enzo represents the unconditional love that can come from a dog, even during times of great distress and upheaval in life. This idea, that a dog can change a person’s life, led to the inevitable teamwork between ETC and K-9.
K-9 Pals finds homes for dogs after an owner’s death, and offers a safe environment for sheltering, feeding and training dogs who are waiting for homes. More than 1,200 dogs are taken into Santa Barbara shelters each year. As part of the awareness partnership, K-9 Pals has brought dogs in need of adoption to the New Vic before each matinee performance of The Best Brothers – December 21 is the final event. Adoption events begin one hour prior to the performance. The public is welcome to attend the adoption events, socialize with the dogs, and learn more about the adoption process. A ticket to the play is not required.
K-9 Pals and ETC are partnering to promote pet adoptions. Courtesy photo.
For more information about K-9 Pals, including steps in the adoption process and how to donate, visit www.k-9pals.org. To purchase tickets to The Best Brothers, contact the Ensemble Theatre Company Box Office at 805/965-5400, or visit www.etcsb.org. The theater is located at 33 W. Victoria St.
—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 17, 2014.
