The title of the show is Annie, but it is no secret that the dogs that play Sandy have their own spotlight. Since 1976 Bill Berloni has been training the rescue dogs playing Sandy. The dog, according to the script by Charles Strouse, Thomas Meehan and Martin Charnin, is described as medium-sized, sandy color of an indistinguishable breed. It is important to not only Berloni but also the touring production to highlight rescue dogs and local no kill shelters that strive to save every healthy or treatable pet. Here are just a few of Colorado’s own with links to their adoptable dogs:

Rainier (Rainey) Treviño and Georgie in the North American Tour of ANNIE. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

MaxFund is a true, no kill animal shelter and adoption center that challenges the traditional methods of animal sheltering by leading the ‘No Kill’ movement in Colorado. MaxFund is a non-profit organization that was established in May of 1988 to provide medical care for injured pets with no known owners and to seek out new homes for these animals once they have recovered.

• Adoptable dogs

PawsCo  is dedicated to reducing pet homelessness by keeping animals in their homes through partnering with the Food Bank of the Rockies for a year-round pet food drive. It also serves as a partner to shelters and rescues to foster the most in-need animals – those animals not thriving in a shelter setting.

• Adoptable dogs

Underdog Animal Rescue is dedicated to changing the perception of the “underdog” – the forgotten ones, the misunderstood ones, the ones that get picked last (or do not get picked at all). All their underdogs (and a few cats) are saved from overcrowded partner shelters and rescue groups where they would not have received a much-deserved second chance.

• Adoptable dogs

No Kill Colorado also has an extensive list of shelters. It notes that not all are no kill shelters, but the list may help you find a place near you to adopt, not shop.

If you are not sure about adopting, you can always volunteer to help at a shelter and/or foster. Fostering is critical to these organizations, and it is so rewarding. While on the surface it may sound hard, the joy of helping a dog find its “furever” home in a time of need is crucial and rewarding. Check out your local shelter and rescue for many useful resources.

And, be sure to check out Sandy… err…Annie in the spotlight at The Buell Theatre for one week only November 21-26, 2023.