‘Oscar’ for Sophie the dog who starred in ‘Wizard of Oz’

At the Wharfdale Festival of Theatre there was a surprise chairman’s special award to Sophie, who gave a superb performance when playing Toto the dog in Skipton and District Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s presentation of “The Wizard of Oz”.

She was part of a double act with the character of Dorothy, played by Jess Owen or Jenny-Marie Atkinson in the popular production.

Sophie, the little terrier based in the Ribble Valley and North Yorkshire, spent six months of her first year in the East Lancashire RSPCA Animal Sanctuary in Altham, hoping to find a home.

However, since her new owner Ian Brown came along, she has now become better known throughout the area for her magic show performances, and having won a local Oscar, must surely be “The Wizard Of Dogs”.