Rescue dog stars as Toto in travelling Wizard of Oz production

CALGARY – A rescue dog named Nigel is starring as Dorothy’s faithful companion Toto in Broadway Across Canada’s touring production of The Wizard of Oz.

Nigel was rescued from the Arkansas Humane Society by dog trainer Bill Berloni, head of William Berloni Theatrical Animals.

Actress Sarah Lasko, who plays Dorothy, admits she was nervous to work with Nigel.

“I had never worked with an animal on stage, but Nigel is so professional,” Lasko said.

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“He’s so cute. It’s like having the best co-star ever. He’s fuzzy and adorable.”

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“He knows what he has to do, and he knows it in conjunction with everyone’s lines,” Lasko adds.

Lasko said she even bonds with her canine co-star during sleepovers.

WATCH: Actress Sarah Lasko, who plays Dorothy in Broadway Across Canada’s touring production of The Wizard of Oz, joins Global Calgary with details on the canine companion she works with.

2:54 Wizard of Oz comes to Calgary

Broadway Across Canada’s production of The Wizard of Oz runs in Calgary from Feb. 16 to 21, 2016.