Community Corner

Four-Legged Star of 'Annie' Up For Adoption in Carlsbad

Mocha is a 5-year-old Terrier who is a very trainable.

Mocha, a 5-year-old terrier blend, is up for adoption after playing Sandy during Moonlight Stage Productions musical Annie in Vista.

How did Mocha, a shelter dog, become top dog in a Broadway-style outdoor production?

Animal trainers Alexandra “Alex” Kuty and Rob Kuty of La Mesa found Mocha by chance after their business San Diego Pet Training was contacted by Moonlight officials to train a dog for the role of Sandy.

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“We wanted a shelter dog,” said Rob Kuty. “We were looking for a scruffy, cute and, most importantly, a ‘sandy’ colored dog. We want to show the public that shelter animals are very trainable if you give them a chance.” 

They visited the Bonita shelter to look at a different dog—one they saw on its website that had the right look, the Kutys said.

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“While we were there, we found Mocha and knew she was the one,” Rob Kuty said. “Mocha has come a long way.” 

The Kutys said Mocha’s previous owners had given her up for reasons of expense—“like many who are affected by the tough economic times.” 

Now that their assignment is complete, Mocha is ready for a permanent home. Her adoption is through  and applications are being taken through Aug. 11.

Anyone interested in adopting Mocha can visit the county’s Department of Animal Services website at SDDAC.com and fill out the special-needs adoption application. They are specifically looking for a home for Mocha that has no other dogs and at least a six foot fence. 

The most qualified applicant of those received will be selected, the Kutys said.

Address of the county shelter is 2481 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad. Phone is 619-767-2675. Fax is 760-431-8401.


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