Pet Adoption Day and a Broadway star

Sunny, a Terrier mix who had been picked up by Animal Control in Houston, was within one day of being put to sleep in 2012 when she was rescued by Bill Berloni. Aside from being active in causes that save and protect animals, Berloni is a world-renowned trainer of animals for theater, movies and television. He and his wife have a farm in Connecticut where they care for rescued animals, train a select few and operate William Berloni Theatrical Animals.

Sunny was nurtured back to health and went on to star on Broadway as Sandy, the dog adopted by Little Orphan Annie, in the revival of the hit musical, “Annie.” Sunny was in the show”™s national tour and now, at age 7, is in Elmsford starring in the Westchester Broadway Theatre”™s production of “Annie,” which runs until Sept. 10.

Against the backdrop of what Berloni does to save animals and help them thrive, and the inseparable relationship created on stage by Annie and her dog Sandy, the Westchester Broadway Theatre is hosting a Pet Adoption Day on July 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1 Broadway Plaza in Elmsford”™s Cross Westchester Executive Park. Participating organizations, which will be bringing dogs and cats for adoption, include Paws Crossed Animal Rescue, SPCA of Westchester and Posh Pets Rescue. The event is being sponsored in part by Pet Smart. Tickets to see “Annie” are not required to attend or adopt a new member of the family.