Tony Award for Theatrical Animal Trainer

Last night theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni was presented the Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theater.

One of the highlights of my years so far writing for Guideposts magazine was interviewing Bill Berloni and watching him work with animals in NYC. Listening to his story of discovering the adorably scruffy pound pooch who became the original Sandy on the Broadway was enough to make me a huge fan. But, add to that Bill's dedication to rescue work, and I was truly impressed.

Berloni trains dogs for movies, television, commercials and Broadway shows such as Annie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Legally Blonde. Once a show's run ends, Berloni's stars live a wonderful life with him on his farm in Connecticut. Currently,he keeps about 40 animals there.

As behavior consultant to the Humane Society of New York, he works with potential adopters to ensure they and the pet are well-matched and that the pet will have a happy and healthy new home.

According to the East Haddam-Haddam (CT) Patch, Bill Berloni commented, "I'm getting this award for excellence in theater through my work with animals. It's not hard to be excellent when I work with those who have an absolute absence of malice, are forgiving and enjoy working in the moment."

Congrats to Bill Berloni on this well-deserved award.