New Opera West has released the new animated opera “Pepito.”

The opera represents the first animated dog opera and tells the story of a couple who go to an animal shelter hoping to adopt a puppy, but are met with surprise and uncertainty.

The opera questions whether Pepito is the right dog for them and what makes the perfect companion. The opera also explores what it means to take a chance on love and family.

The new work was composed by Nicolas Lell Benavides with a libretto by Marella Martin Koch. The cast includes Alexandra Christoforakis, Alexandra Nowakowski, Samuel J. Weiser, and Joshua Blue.

“Pepito” was made in collaboration with Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco which gives senior dogs a second chance at life. The opera was also originally commissioned by the Washington National Opera.