By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On August 19, the Medfield Library extended an invitation to Mike Piazza and his Flying High Dogs for a captivating performance on the grass. Piazza specializes in training border collies to execute frisbee-catching feats and mesmerizing tricks for the audience. While the performance proved enjoyable for all age groups, it distinctly captured the imagination of the younger attendees.
Piazza showcased three of his skilled dogs during the event: Mojo, Oreo, and Chaos. Each canine had honed unique talents; Mojo wowed the crowd with backflips, and Chaos, the fastest border collie on record, reached speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour. Piazza also provided a concise demonstration of the initial steps in training a dog to catch a frisbee, progressing towards more elaborate tricks.
The event fostered substantial audience participation, with interactive trivia sessions determining those who would assist Piazza during the spectacle. Numerous children eagerly stepped up to demonstrate both their willingness to participate and their canine knowledge. Six youngsters were selected from the audience to collaborate in collecting and tossing frisbees for the dogs. Throughout the performance, different individuals were chosen to facilitate tricks and partake in a spirited kids-versus-adults frisbee toss competition.
The dogs, showcasing a range of talents, enthralled the audience. Each new trick evoked audible gasps and enthusiastic cheers from the spectators. The dogs further engaged with the audience by exploring the surroundings and receiving affection from those they approached.
For the attending children, the experience was truly remarkable. Many excitedly conversed with their parents about the impressive feats they had witnessed and expressed aspirations to train their own dogs in similar tricks. Piazza's adeptness at holding the audience's attention and his skilled interaction were evident, making for a remarkable show that highlighted the incredible potential of dogs. Piazza's performances span Massachusetts, promising an awe-inspiring experience at each show.
