MUSKEGON, Mich. — From a stray on the streets to a star on stage.
A former shelter dog has been cast in a local production of "Annie." This up-and-coming actor is preparing ahead of his debut performance next week.
When the curtain rises at the Muskegon Catholic Central auditorium, there will be a lot of talented performers.
One in particular embodies the very essence of the play.
His name is Olaf, and he went from being an orphan to living a good life thanks to his dog mom. He plays “Sandy,” the lovable stray that befriends the little orphan girl.
“It's a new challenge for him. It really is. But he's really doing well. I really am proud of him," said Jodi Jarvis-Therrian, Olaf’s owner.
Sandy’s story is similar to Olaf’s. Four years ago the sweet, fluffy dog was pulled from an overcrowded shelter in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.
He was transported to Big Lake Humane Society in Muskegon to meet his foster and Dog Blessed LLC trainer Jodi, whose soul dog Odin had recently passed away.
“I really wanted to get more out into the community and I wanted a dog that would be able to do that. So, I wanted to take him out and just make sure that he was okay with other dogs and people, and he was he was wonderful," Jarvis-Therrian said.
Within a week Jodi knew she was going to foster fail. But first, Olaf had to overcome his fears and troubled past.
“I would say sit to him and he would duck like someone hurt him. And so, we just changed it. He now speaks Pig Latin," Jarvis-Therrian said.
Olaf now helps Jodi teach animal first aid, dog sports and takes part in scent work competitions.
“He helps other dogs too, that are having a hard time becoming social, especially the puppies, because he's floppy and he's so gentle and patient," Jarvis-Therrian said.
Olaf is proof that animals from shelters are not broken.
“Given any type of chance, which is all they're looking for is just a chance to be your companion, to be your friend, to be your family. You might find the most amazing story that you'll ever be involved in," said Velvet Light, Shelter Manager at Big Lake Humane Society.
It’s no longer "the hard knock life" for this former stray.
“They can achieve greatness and he has and he's happy," Jarvis-Therrian said.
As Daddy Warbucks says to Annie, “You are special, never stop believing that!”
All rescue animals like Olaf are special too. You can see Olaf in Annie on March 22 and 23. Tickets are still available.
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