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Former Adopt-a-dog Marti Performs As Sandy In New 'Annie'

ARMONK, N.Y. -- Marti, a former resident of Adopt-a-Dog in Armonk, is no longer living a hard knock life.

Marti plays Sandy in the new movie, "Annie."

Marti plays Sandy in the new movie, "Annie."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Adopt-A-Dog

Marti is currently on the big screen as Sandy in "Annie," the remake of the classic musical that was released last week.

The dog came to Armonk in March 2013 after a local rescue group brought him up from a shelter in the south. Bill Berloni, a Connecticut-based animal trainer for Broadway and movies, was looking for the next Sandy.

"They met her and spent time with her and she had that certain drive," Allyson Halm, executive director of Adopt-a-Dog said. "She was very responsive with them. They liked her look. She's literally a rags to riches story."

Marti was adopted by Berloni and Halm said she is very well-cared for.

"She came back from her audition as happy as she left it," Halm said."She seemed very fulfilled."

Berloni, who has been training animals for 37 years and only works with shelter dogs, said "Annie" director Will Gluck believed Marti had that certain look. Marti became close with star Quzenvhane Wallis, who plays Annie.

"She is a dog lover," Berloni said. "They had a very special bond which made the shoot a lot easier. Marti enjoyed it a lot."

Dogs at Adopt-a-Dog have modeled in catalogs before, though Marti is the first Adopt-a-Dog alum to ever grace her paws on the big screen. Halm said she is hoping to screen the film as a fundraiser and have Marti attend. 

"It's very exciting for us," Halm said. "It's a true Little Orphan Annie story. It's the American Dream in K-9 form."

At Adopt-A-Dog, Halm said they make sure every dog that comes to the shelter gets to have a good quality of life. 

"Every dog is welcome until we can find them a family," Halm said.

Halm said the shelter discourages people from adopting dogs over the holidays.

"It shouldn't be an impulsive decision," Halm said. "It's not necessarily a good idea to adopt a dog to have a puppy lying under the tree. Most people are busy and don't have time to deal with a new animal."

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