Pedigree and Annie Join Hands on Socially Responsible Project for Shelter Dogs

This may come as a surprise to many musical fans. Since 1977, when Annie debuted on Broadway, Sandy, Annie's adopted and loyal furry friend, has been played by real shelter dogs. Keeping up with the tradition, Tony winner dog trainer William Berloni has found and will train Sunny, a dog rescued from a shelter in Houston to star as Sandy in the production of Annie. Her understudy, Casey, was also rescued from a shelter near Nashville, Tennessee.

Pedigree provides professional nutrition to the canine stars through its Food for Dogs and they are trained for their stage roles with treats from the brand. "We are extremely excited to have the Pedigree Brand as our partner because of our shared interest in finding homes for shelter animals," Annie producer Arielle Tepper Madover said. "Annie is about a girl and her dog desperately seeking a place to call home, and we're hoping Sunny's story inspires audiences to consider adopting their next pet."

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Antonio Pasolini is a Corporate Social Responsibility writer for Justmeans, Antonio Pasolini is a journalist based in Brazil who writes about alternative energy, green living and sustainability. He also edits Energyrefuge.com, a top web destination for news and comment on renewable energy and Elpis.org, a recycled paper bag/magazine distributed from health food stores in London, formerly his hometown for over a decade. He is also a happy herbivore.