Jess the black labrador was just nine days away from being euthanised when she was given the chance to run away with the circus.
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Two years on – and with dozens of performances under her belt – the keen canine is a crowd favourite on the Webers Circus line-up.
The labrador's lucky break is thanks to sixth-generation circus stalwart, Natalie Weber, and her daughter, who are behind the circus’ popular comedy dogs act.
Ms Weber said Jess was a natural performer.
“She’s a real people-pleaser and was one of our quickest dogs to train,” she said.
“If we get a rescue dog and find we can’t train them, we’ll find them a good home.”
Despite being a quick learner, Jess has found strong competition in fellow pooch, Rio, who was retired from the show two years ago.
Ms Weber said Rio was known to make a surprise visit mid-show, racing into the ring and nudging other dogs off their stands.
With meticulous training under their collars, the comedy dogs are known to delight audiences with their hoop-jumping, rope-skipping and barrel-pushing antics.
They will among the star attractions when Webers Circus arrives in Bega for the first time next week.
Also on the spectacular list of family entertainment with a Wild West twist is Cody Harrington, who won the junior world juggling championships in Las Vegas, as well as trapeze, line dancing, whip cracking and much more.
The big top will set up at the Bega Showground in Upper St from March 29 until April 8, with various matinee and evening performance times.
Tickets are on sale one hour before show time at the Bega Showground ticket office – cash sales only or a $2.50 fee for eftpos or credit cards. Bookings can be made in advance online at www.weberscircus.com.
- The Merimbula News Weekly has two family passes to the Webers Circus in Bega to give away. Simply email your name and contact details, with Merimbula Circus Tickets as the subject line, to tim.shinnick@fairfaxmedia.com.au to go in the draw. Entries close 4pm March 28.
Show times
Thursday, March 29, 7pm
Friday, 2pm
Saturday, 3pm, 7pm
Sunday, April 1, 2pm
Monday, 11am
Thursday, 7pm
Friday, 7pm
Saturday, 3pm, 7pm
Sunday, 11am