Dubai stray turns star: How a rescue went from the streets to theatre stage

Dubai: A mixed-breed rescue dog named Brody has captured the hearts of Dubai’s pet lovers after starring as Sandy in Annie the Musical at Zabeel Theatre.

After being badly injured in a dog fight in Sharjah, Brody, fresh from his theatre debut, is now in an adoption trial seeking his forever home. The good news: adoption interest for mixed breeds has surged.

Before achieving stardom, Brody survived in a stable in the UAE thanks to the generosity of visitors feeding him. The 5-year-old dog was injured after a stray dog fight and was rescued under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa A Al Maktoum and entrusted to Green Paws - an animal rehoming organisation based in Dubai.

Organisers said decision to cast a real rescue dog was no publicity stunt. It was a conscious effort by the Dubai-based Art for All and Green Paws to highlight the potential of mixed-breed dogs, many of whom are overlooked for adoption.

“Brody’s story mirrors Annie’s perfectly — both found love after hardship,” said Ghida Halaby, independent events manager and volunteer for Green Paws and Art for All - one of the driving forces behind this initiative.

“We wanted Sandy to represent real rescues — not purebreds from show kennels, but the dogs who’ve been through hardships and come out gentle, trusting and loving," said Ghida.

“Annie is a story about second chances, finding hope and looking after one another. Through Annie and Sandy’s bond, we hope to remind people that optimism and compassion towards strays still matter.” she added.

Brody was chosen after a careful selection process for his temperament and confidence. He was guided to stage presence under the trainer Alisa from Alisa Tails.

According to the organisers, Brody was trained with very positive and reward-based methods — gradual exposure rather than performance.

Brody's rescue, royal boost

According to Green Paws, Brody’s sponsor is none other than Sheikha Latifa A Al Maktoum, the Dubai royal whose boundless passion for animal welfare has inspired scores of people in the UAE. Brody was one of the many dogs that are supported and given a new life.

Sheikha Latifa has been a longtime supporter of rescues and entrusted Green Paws UAE, with Brody’s rehoming.

Brody’s theatre role amplified his story. “There’s a lot of interest in the adoption right now — phenomenal. But finding the right person who is meant to have Brody forever," she added.

Vetting is very strict for most rescue groups because people continue to abandon even adopted pets.

Casting the perfect star

Ghida needed a rescue for authenticity, "We are doing this musical at Zabeel Theatre — we needed a rescue dog." In total, three dogs were selected to play the iconic role of Sandy - a loyal stray mutt whom the orphan girl Annie rescues early in the story. They were: Brody, Aria and Akito.

“He (Brody) performed on two shows. He did really well; people loved him," she added.

“We went to see one show — the kids loved it, and the parents as well. As soon as he came on stage, people were like ‘that’s Sandy’ — not a prop, but a real dog,” said Chiku Singh - a Dubai-based animal rescuer.

Audience magic, Brody's charm

“He is a very gentle personality-wise, very natural, very comfortable, and naturally trusting — that’s his nature. He was very confident on stage, very responsive to guidance, and very people-oriented. These made him stand out — people connecting with him, very likeable straight away.”