ROCKYSPOT MACY in the "SPOTLIGHT"

This local Newcastle, all-volunteer, non-profit animal rescue has hit the big time in the form of a lovable scruffy dog named MACY who will play Sandy in the legendary Broadway musical Annie. There's no confirmation on dates or a venue just yet for the comical Macy's debut, but many expect sensationalism out of this little abandoned mutt from a small Oklahoma animal shelter.

Picked up as a starving stray by PAWS (Pontotoc County Animal Welfare Society) Rescue, a local non-profit private shelter contracted with the city of Ada, Macy was given the legal 72 hours of holding time, before spatial issues could dictate her future, fighting for a space amongst the endless number of homeless animals coming into the shelter. Due to her cute looks and outgoing attitude, Macy avoided euthanasia but spent many months overlooked in the crowded, cramped cages that make up the scary chaos of a shelter environment.

Fortunately, Macy was chosen to enter the A New Leash On Life, Inc. Pen Pal Prison Dog Program at CCA-Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville, OK, a non-profit organization dedicated to training dogs and changing lives. The Pen Pal Program selects dogs from local shelters and rescue groups to live in the prison for 10 weeks with the inmates and receive basic manners training. Unfortunately, despite being a model student, Macy was the only dog at the end of the program scheduled to return to a kill shelter instead of an adoptive home or no-kill rescue. Seeing something magical in Macy, RockySpot Rescue brought her home with us Newcastle. And just 3 short months later, none other than the famous Broadway animal handler and avid dog lover Bill Berloni found his next shaggy star!

Featured on numerous talk shows and in countless magazines and publications, Bill Berloni is currently recognized in the January 2010 issue of Dog Fancy Magazine as one of the top 40 people in history who have influenced the dog world. He will also be featured in an informational article in Ladies Home Journal's January 2010 edition. Widely recognized as an expert in animal behavior and for his dedication to rescue work, Bill is also a behavior consultant to the Humane Society of New York, a no-kill shelter that supports rescued animals in New York City.

For more than 30 years, William Berloni's Theatrical Animals has provided animals trained to meet the demands of live performances – from Broadway to ballet – as well as film, television and commercial work. His animals have worked on Broadway productions such as Legally Blonde, The Wiz and Annie Get Your Gun. His film work includes Charlie Wilson's War and The Producers. His new book is Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars.

Playing the legendary role of Sandy in the Broadway musical Annie will be no easy task, but after what Macy has overcome, she is sure to amaze. With a sweet, easygoing persona, and scruffy funny face that will tug at your emotions, this lovable leggy Oklahoma stray will steal the spotlight … and your heart.

For more information on the groups mentioned above please go to these links:

William Berloni's Theatrical Animals -- http://www.theatricalanimals.com/
RockySpot Rescue, Inc. -- http://www.rockyspot.com
A New Leash on Life -- http://www.newleashinc.org/
PAWS Animal Welfare Society -- http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/OK126