Orphan Annie’s Dog, “Sandy” Was Right Under Our Cold, Wet Noses! 

Rancho Santa Fe, CA – When the curtain rises on the Starlight Theater’s production of, “Annie” August 13 – 30, 2009 the star, San Diego resident Hannah Kornfeld, won’t be an orphan, but her dog will be.  The Starlight, working with Helen Woodward Animal Center and San Diego Pet Training, will feature an honest to goodness orphaned dog in the role of, “Sandy.” 

“Sandy was the right dog with the right needs at the right time,” says Helen Woodward Animal Center spokesman John Van Zante. “About 80% of the pets adopted from the Center come from other shelters or rescue groups. Sandy needed socialization and training. His training coincides perfectly with the production. He was ideal for the show.”   

Rob Kuty, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s trainer and owner of San Diego Pet Training, knew that teaching Sandy to overcome his behavior issues was going to take time. “He’s very smart and he loves to please. His training for, ‘Annie’ compliments his regular training and should make him available for adoption sooner than anticipated.”  

Starlight Artistic Director Carlos Mendoza adds, “For 63 years the Starlight has presented, ‘Stars under the stars’ for San Diegans. We are a part of the community including families and their pets. We’re proud to join paws with Helen Woodward Animal Center and San Diego Pet Training to bring attention to orphaned animals.”

Sandy is not the first rags-to-riches dog in San Diego County. Several years ago Joe and Kathleen Camp adopted a small, scruffy dog from an animal shelter and named it, “Benji.”. Since then the Camps have adopted four Benji’s resulting in five movies.   

During his training Sandy has been living in foster care. His, “foster mom” is strongly considering adopting him. When the final curtain drops on the San Diego production of, “Annie,” Sandy will retire from show business to live happily ever after on “Easy Street.”  

  “Annie” will be presented at 7:30 PM on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday August 13 - 30. Tickets can be purchased online at starlighttheater.org.  

To meet orphaned dogs and cats that need loving families today (not “Tomorrow”) call 858-756-4117 or visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.