Rescue Dog Stars as Sandy in Theater Production of "Annie"

When a young, neutered male dog of unknown origins ended up at SpokAnimal, a non-profit humane society and adoption center in Spokane, Wash., he had no idea acting was in his future. But Val Hughes, owner of The Family Dog (pet services) and a seasoned dog trainer, had been watching and waiting for the perfect dog to play “Sandy” in the Spokane Civic Theatre’s spring production of “Annie.”

“When I heard that the Spokane Civic Theatre planned to do Annie this year, I thought a dog from the shelter would be a perfect ‘Sandy,’” says Hughes.

Hughes’ plan was given the go-ahead by theater personnel. Many of the theater supporters are very pet-oriented and often their furry friends visit the theater, says Yvonne Johnson, executive artistic director of the Spokane Civic Theatre. Developing a working relationship with the shelter seemed like a natural choice.

One day when Hughes was searching photos on the SpokAnimal site, she stopped at one, gasped and said to herself, “That’s him.” But to be sure, she had to see the shelter dog in person and test his behavior.

What Was Hughes Looking For in Her Theater Dog?

Size was an important factor in choosing a dog for this particular role because Sandy needed to be big enough to make Annie look even smaller than she is, says Hughes. He’s most likely an Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix. In the beginning of the play he needs to look scruffy and then he gets gussied up with a big red bow, so fur that accommodated those looks was important.

“But [being] lovable was really important because I want to hear a great big ‘awww’ from the audience every time he appears on stage,” says Hughes. “Being fearless and somewhat of a showoff helps, too.”

“Sandy” passed all of Hughes’ tests, so she took him home and is now training him for his starring role in “Annie” scheduled for May 18 through June 17, 2012., which is also the theater’s 65th anniversary.

When the production starts, Hughes will make sure Sandy is groomed, exercised and rested prior to every show and she’ll be handling his on-stage behavior. Some of the specific behaviors needed for the play include being able to walk willingly on a rope, come when called, go to a person, put paws up on shoulders, lick out of a bowl, run across stage and bow. He’ll also need to bond with the actress playing “Annie” and follow her closely on stage.

Sandy Represents Adoptable Pets

Sandy's role in "Annie" will also help rescue pets. All proceeds from the May 30th performance of "Annie" will go to the care of stray animals at SpokAnimal, plus the shelter will have adoptable pets onsite at this benefit performance. The audience can meet a wide array of the shelter's animals and consider adopting one.

“We are hoping to send a message to our audiences regarding the love and joy adopting a pet can bring through seeing Sandy take part in this production,” says Johnson.

As for Sandy’s future, because of all the efforts Hughes has put into the selection and training of the dog, she has first right of refusal. If she decides to keep him, he’s hers. If not, she hopes to place him in another home where he can continue his acting career.