May 22, 2024
By Drew Bancroft
Staff Writer
This article is part of an in-depth reporting project for National Pet Month.
Two of Lyndhurst Public Schools’ four certified therapy dogs took center stage in LHS’ production of “Legally Blonde,” which was performed at Lyndhurst Middle School from Feb. 15-17.
Both Roxie Ruiz, a two-year-old mini Australian Shepherd, and Teddy Wise, a two-year-old Maltipoo, made their theatrical debuts as Rufus and Bruiser, respectively.
“Unconditional love from a pet makes you feel better while also providing a sense of calm and happiness.”
Ms. Wise, assistant director and vocal director of LHS’ annual musical, said she and musical director Mrs. Ruiz assigned roles to the dogs based on their size.
“When we realized there were two dogs cast and the two of us had dogs, [we thought], ‘What a perfect scenario,’” Wise said. “My little boujee puppy went really well as Bruiser, and Roxie was so big and cute, just like Rufus.”
Wise said the pets’ training as therapy dogs, which took place between May 2021 and August 2022, prepared them to step into the spotlight.
“[Teddy] was able to listen to commands and sit comfortably in his carry bag, which were all skills taught during therapy [dog training],” Wise said. “I would never have been aware of how useful these skills were until now. It’s very practical.”
Not only did the dogs contribute to the audience’s appreciation of the musical, but Wise said they provided the cast with emotional support and a sense of comfort.
“Unconditional love from a pet makes you feel better while also providing a sense of calm and happiness,” Wise said.
Ruiz said the therapy dog training, which was conducted by the organization Attitudes In Reverse: Paws For Minds, equipped the dogs with useful skills.
“Following directions, walking [side] by side [and] sitting were all taught during the program,” Ruiz said. “Being aware that they could do that helped to make the decision [to include them in the show].”
Ruiz said it was rewarding watching Roxie thrive in the musical and in her interactions with students at last year’s LHS Wellness Fair, which was held on May 24.
“She was able to add an element of excitement to the school day. Even if that is not what a therapy dog should be for, I believe excitement is able to relieve stress,” Ruiz said.
Sophomore Caroline Melleno, who met Roxie at last year’s Wellness Fair, became Roxie’s caretaker, while freshman Ava Giordano was assigned to take care of Teddy.
They were responsible for keeping their dogs fed and calm in addition to walking around with them backstage.
“Roxie was very attached to Mrs. Ruiz, but she was also really well-behaved and just fun to be around,” Melleno said. “From when I first started, she had definitely grown more comfortable around me and others as well.”
Melleno said Roxie and Teddy’s roles in the show enhanced the quality of the production.
“They were really cute and were able to provide entertainment to the [audience],” Melleno said. “They did a really good job in an otherwise difficult production and were able to steal the show.”
