The cloudy skies cleared away, revealing the Boston skyline, soaring airplanes and … flying dogs? The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, or JFK Library, hosted Mike Piazza and his Flying High Dogs showcase in tandem with its “Presidential Pets” exhibit Sept. 10.
Yoga mats and picnic blankets bordered the central green, leaving plenty of room for dogs like Mojo, Oreo and Chaos to sprint. From frisbee catches to backflips, Bostonians and onlookers gathered around the lawn to watch the border collies perform tricks, eliciting “wows” and “awws” from the audience.
The JFK Library’s “Presidential Pets” exhibit focuses on the importance of animal relationships in day-to-day life. Pets help mitigate stress and can positively impact people, according to the JFK Library Director Alan Price.
“It’s certainly well known that pets have been a comforting influence for presidents for many, many years, and also for their children,” Price said. “Many kids, I think, are going to experience this exhibit or these activities and have good conversations with their parents about, ‘Can we get a dog or a cat?’ And I hope they will be kind to these pets.”
While looking for engaging animal-themed outdoor activities, Price came across Piazza and his dogs. The team has appeared on Animal Planet, ESPN and many other programs, making them the ideal performers to represent the exhibit and educate visitors about dogs.
Piazza does 200 shows a year, but this was only his second Boston show in 2025. As someone who has had a dog his whole life, performing not only allowed Flying High Dogs to become his full-time job but also paved a way to connect with a younger audience.
“A lot of times I get emails from shy kids who see me do the show, and they get their own dog. I get emails from the parents saying that [Flying High Dogs] changed the kid’s life,” Piazza said.
Throughout the show, Piazza asked for audience participation. Parents and younger children threw frisbees to the dogs and excitedly answered quiz questions about the smallest dog — chihuahuas — and the second smartest dog — poodles. When participants answered correctly, Piazza gave them small, plastic gold medals.
Nina Bramson, a Boston College graduate student studying social work, had several dogs and a turtle growing up. Pets have always been a comfort in her life, so when Piazza offered to let her toss the frisbee, she said she felt exhilarated taking the chance.
“I think there were a lot of people that came here with probably super low expectations, including myself,” Bramson said. “But it’s so fun watching dogs jump around and be happy, and I think that energy was super contagious.”
As the sun began to set over the water and on the performance, audience members filtered into the museum to enjoy the exhibit or lined up to take photos with Mojo. Others, satisfied with the remarkable experience, took in the blissful view.
“Pets, I think, also bring people together, and the ability to engage with pets is a privilege,” Bramson said. “To be able to experience unconditional love from a pet is a very special thing that you can’t get from human connection.”
