Enniskillen dog owners flocked to a Dogdition held by Enniskillen Light Operatic Society recently to see if their pets have the star quality to take the role of Toto in a forthcoming production of the Wizard of Oz.
Owner Elaina Ellis believed her best friend, eight year old pug Sascha would walk the part because she “loves people, socialising and she’s cute.”
Sarah Green declared five month old cockapoo Luna should win because “she’s very good at witch hunting.”
Sandra Fallis thought her 18 month old Bischon Freis Bella would make an ideal Toto because “she’s friendly and used to children.”
While seven year old Sarah Walsh admitted her mini Jack Russell terrier Rascal had no witch hunting experience, but added: “She’s very good at hunting cats and parrots.”
John McCann, Co-Director said: “We’re looking for a friendly, well trained dog who will interact well with our actors, not be easily distracted , and not bite the children. We also need a dog and owner who can commit to rehearsals and the performance schedule.”
In the original books author Frank Baum didn’t state Toto’s breed but described him as “a little black dog with long silky hair and small black eyes that twinkled merrily on either side of his funny, wee nose.”  In the film Toto was played by a female brindle Cairn Terrier. Her real name was Terry and she was paid £125 each week – far more than the actors who played the Munchkins.
The Dogditions, at St. Michael’s Community Centre, began with a meet and greet session to establish chemistry, then progressed to finding out how the dogs dealt with basic commands, coped with an audience, and most importantly, making sure the next canine superstar can interact with Dorothy, played by local actor Niamh Carney.
The standard of behaviour displayed by all the dogs was incredibly high.
Directors have delayed announcing the name of the canine star that will take the top role.
The production opens at the Ardhowen Theatre on December 1 and runs for 11 shows.