THE BALLOON MAN

Afghan hounds inspire trip to circus

Elmiran learns more about act that will be at First Arena this week

 

Susan Sheryll Zoppe is seen in a publicity shot with one of her trained Afghan hounds and a Persian cat. Zoppe's act will perform Tuesday and Wednesday at First Arena in downtown Elmira

FROM: Elmira, NY Star Gazette
by: Sue Hamlin
Apr. 28, 2012
I did a double take last year when I saw a TV ad with Afghan hounds jumping through a hoop. The circus was coming to town and those glamorous dogs were a featured act!
Off I went to the First Arena and met up with Billy Martin, ringmaster, general manager and vice-president of the Royal Hanneford Circus. Martin hails from Olean.
He put me in touch with Susan Sheryll Zoppe, who has a fabulous act with six Afghan hounds. Coming from a circus family, Zoppe's love for the Afghan hound began as a teenager.
She got her first dog, then another and another, and put her act together. Over the years she has used a total of 40 Afghan hounds in her act, each one a precious and beloved member of her family.
As the dogs age, Zoppe gives them easier tricks to do, but keeps them until they die of old age.
Zoppe has never bred a litter of Afghan hounds. She purchases young dogs just under a year old from well-known, respected breeders around the country.
The dogs must have a very stable temperament to deal with the crowds and noise of the circus.
read more at:
http://www.stargazette.com/article/20120428/NEWS01/204280319/Afghan-hounds-inspire-trip-circus?odyssey=nav%7Chead