Homeless Dog to be Trained for Co-starring Role in Austin's Zilker Summer Musical

Online, April 20, 2010 (Newswire.com) - HauteDog: Wet Nose Culture Austin magazine is the driving force behind the newly announced project "Share.Care.Sandy." HauteDog magazine is partnering with Zilker Theatre Productions (ZTP) to present a wonderful rag to riches story of a true-life experience of one homeless dog, named Sandy.

Sandy's 12-week training program will prepare her to be a cast member in the upcoming Zilker Theatre Productions' 52nd Summer Musical. The production, held annually at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theatre, for this year is "Annie", in which Sandy will be playing the role of the orphan's sidekick.

The Share.Care.Sandy. project endeavors to bring awareness to the growing number of homeless and unwanted animals nationally, and their ability to be loving, worthy family members when given a chance to shine.

"The message to all is 'Share Sandy the dog's summer adventure from a homeless dirty dog, to a shining star who finds her forever family, while impacting a community through her resilient spirit," states Susan Patton, project director and founder of HauteDog magazine. "Sandy is simply a metaphor for so many other homeless dogs that just need someone to give them an opportunity to be a great dog."

Sandy, who came from a central Texas shelter, was in immediate need of medical attention after being released from the shelter where she had been held for over three weeks, without prospect of adoption. Her loving spirit and personality glimmered through, however, and she was selected as the perfect dog for the project.

The mixed-breed, medium sized, scruffy canine is being cared for by two Austin foster families, while she is in a training and part-time boarding arrangement. Sandy's training progress and snippets about this lovable, expressive dog will be posted on a forthcoming blog, at hautedogmagazine.com.

In mid-July, applications for a permanent family for Sandy will be accepted, so that she may enjoy her life comfortably as a pet, loyal companion, and beloved family member in a forever home.

HauteDog magazine is soliciting donations from corporate sponsors and individuals to cover the costs of Sandy's training, part-time boarding, travel, and management of daily needs throughout mid-August. All donors receive recognition on the blog, in the summer edition of HauteDog magazine, and also in the ZTP nightly printed program. To be involved, see information below.

Feather and Fur Animal Hospital of Austin, has donated their veterinarian services for Sandy's medical and wellness care. Joyce Martin, of K9 Transition Dog Training is training Sandy, and manages her weekly train, board and foster routine. Nicole Mlakar-Livingston, of Nicole Mlakar Photography has been selected as Sandy's official photographer.

Throughout the months preceding the production, Sandy will have multiple public appearances, and photo opportunities, which will be updated on the blog and on the Zilker Theatre Productions website.

Opening night of Zilker Theatre Productions' Summer Musical is July 9th, and the show runs Thursdays thru Sundays, at dusk (approx 8:30) ending on August 14th. For more complete information about ZTP and the upcoming performances, please visit Zilker Theatre Productions' website zilker.org.

Contribute to Share.Care.Sandy. To be a part of Sandy's story and help bring awareness and funding to other non-profit rescues, or more information, please contact Susan Patton via phone 512-590-1659 or e-mail susan(at)hautedogmagazine.com. Contributions are welcome at all levels, and will support this initiative, and other local non-profit organizations in the Austin area.

About HauteDog: Wet Nose Culture Austin magazine:
HauteDog premiered in Austin, in October 2009 as a quarterly local-market, lifestyle publication for greater Austin dog lovers. With a keen focus on the rescue community, the publication provides free of charge, multiple pages in each issue bringing awareness to rescue organizations and opportunities for involvement and outreach.
HauteDog will be donating all subscription monies received through May 31, 2010 to the Share.Care.Sandy. project, hoping to reach a goal of 200 new subscribers. Subscribe online at hautedogmagazine.com

About Zilker Theatre Productions
Zilker Theatre Productions (ZTP), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides award-winning, pay-what-you-wish entertainment to central Texas audiences by way of the annual Zilker Summer Musical. ZTP is dedicated to the celebration and preservation of the unique American art form, the Broadway musical, and displays this by mounting large-scale musical productions at the Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater in Austin's beautiful Zilker Park. Approximately 50% of the organization's revenue comes from the contributions of individuals and audience members. Additionally, ZTP depends on the generosity of both financial and in-kind sponsors. (zilker.org)