Creature Comforts donates doggie delights for 'Toto'

“Toto,” played by canine actor “Sparky” in the upcoming “The Wizard of Oz” presented by the Fallbrook Players Junior Conservatory (FPJC), was recently presented with a basket of goodies donated by Innova Dog Foods and Shirley Schmitt, the owner of Creature Comforts, located on Beech Street in Fallbrook.

“This is Sparky’s first stage appearance,” said owner Charleen Gale. “I think it will be fun to watch him up there pretending to be Toto. I really appreciate Creature Comforts donating this gift basket because it makes us feel like real Hollywood stars!”

The FPJC will be performing “The Wizard of Oz” October 27 through November 12 at the Fallbrook Mission Theater.

In the movie, a well-trained Cairn named Terry plays the woefully untrained Toto. Dorothy’s first big mistake is in not knowing her dog. Cairn Terriers are a breed built to “chase nasty ol’ cats” and cowardly lions. But with some obedience training, and an owner who knows what drives these fearless pups, terriers can be good neighbors, even in Oz.

Dorothy’s second mistake is in refusing to leash her dog. Long after she knows they “are not in Kansas anymore” and a squadron of flying monkeys is in hot pursuit, Toto is still running around loose, adding to the chaos. Dorothy just doesn’t get it.

By the end of the movie, Dorothy has learned many things. She has learned there are good witches and bad witches and that there is no place like home. But did she ever figure out how to be a responsible pet owner? Most likely, Toto was soon back in Gulch’s garden chasing the cat and courting disaster.

“Creature Comforts is very concerned about pet safety and supporting responsible pet ownership,” said Schmitt. “That is why we made sure to include a leash in our gift basket!”

Tickets for “The Wizard of Oz” are available at the Mission Theater Box Office, located across the street from the Mission Theater, or by calling (760) 731-2278. In addition, the public is invited to enter or attend “The Essence of Toto” contest being sponsored by the Historic Downtown Merchant’s Association. The event is being held October 28 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Village Square located at Alvarado and Main.

The contest, which is not just for dogs, will be judged by Mr. Jerry Maren, an original Munchkin from the movie. Mr. Maren is “The Lollipop Kid” who hands Dorothy the lollipop in one of history’s most beloved movies. He will reprise his role the opening weekend of the FPJC production.

For more information about “The Essence of Toto,” call (760) 728-1414.