Wednesday, August 10, 2011

And The Tony Award Goes To....


This photo was taken during a production of The Miracle Worker in which Erin played Belle the Keller family dog and in this scene a young Helen Keller is attempting to teach sign language to Belle.

"Would you be interested in allowing your dog onstage in a play?" That was the question presented to me by a member of the drama department before morning service at a major Savannah Church and one which didn't involve much arm-twisting on their part. The staff's search for an "obedient hunting dog” had been unsuccessful until they heard of  Erin through the grapevine thus I was approached with details about the dog's scenes and the drama department director was to be called if there was further interest on my part. This was an opportunity that couldn't be passed over so a call was placed the following morning to Wayne and Erin's therapy dog service, obedience training, friendly demeanor, etc was discussed at length and mutually we decided she would be perfect for the role of Belle.

Over the next several weeks Erin took part in rehearsals with her fellow co-stars and it's an understatement to say she had a great time. It took little time for Wayne to express complete confidence in my stage performer thus her scenes were rehearsed the bare minimum but that was okay as that decision allowed more time to bond with fellow co-stars. It was called rehearsal but in reality it was a chance for Erin to receive as much attention as possible and everyone treated their four-legged star with the utmost respect and affection. The cast and crew loved having her around and heaped praise upon her; children and adults alike doted on her and were constantly calling her name so she could wander over for a round of socialization. She often wandered around the auditorium exploring every inch that was made available to her while in pursuit was a gaggle of kids longing for a hug or a kiss on the cheek but without fail she always returned to lay near my feet. Another perk of rehearsals was the delicious catered food and we especially enjoyed the lasagna from Olive Garden; Erin never took her eyes off the fork as she knew I'd give her a portion and I most certainly did.


Erin was taken backstage as the auditorium overflowed with hundreds of paying customers while beaming lights, sound checks, racks of costumes and props told me it was almost show time. Reluctantly she was handed over to a teenage actor who would be her backstage guardian then I headed to a table near the stage where family members and loyal friends were sitting in anticipation of this once in a lifetime event. I was a nervous wreck waiting for the play to began and all I could think about was Erin backstage with strangers wondering why I deserted her. On cue she was led onto the stage by two youngsters holding the leash and they hit their mark where the scene unfolded around them; she did very well but I could tell she was searching for me in the crowd so that really stressed me out as I knew she missed me. The crowd buzzed upon seeing a dog onstage and murmurs could be heard at nearby tables about the doggie actor; I was beyond proud of my girl. At intermission I promptly went backstage to comfort her and the cast said she was very anxious due to my absence so I decided to remain backstage with her for the rest of the evening and future performances.




It was calming for both of us to be together backstage and when the time came for her scenes I reassured her "It's okay. Go on. Daddy will be right here" then she walked out into the blinding light.  From the shadows I watched with a huge smile as Erin did remarkably well and when she was brought backstage I smothered her with affection and praise while her tail wagged a million miles a hour. Erin’s scenes went very well including a pivotal scene where a young Helen Keller tries to teach Belle (Erin) sign language, it was so awesome to see just the two of them onstage with the spotlight shining upon them. Helen was sitting down with Belle’s paw in her hand instructing her in the art of signing while Belle looked lovingly into Helen's eyes, it was so touching and endearing to everyone in attendance. A standing ovation took place after each performance with Erin joining her human co-stars in soaking up the love of the audience; it was a special time for her indeed. After the audience retook their seats the cast lined up outside the door for a meet and greet with the spectators who streamed by to pay their respects to whomever they desired. So many people stopped to pay Erin a compliment, pet her on the head, and many praised me for raising a wonderful dog; it was an amazing experience for us in every aspect.



It was sad when the production ended as we made so many friends and shared many laughs along the way. Erin had an incredible time, touched many hearts and I’ve never been prouder of her than at that moment; as always she never disappointed me. Everything she attempted was achieved with the highest results and her stint as a stage performer was no different; despite my worrying as a concerned father she was amazing every night and gave me many more great memories. After Erin’s passing I received a letter of condolence from Wayne on behalf of the drama department and a phone call during which he said everyone was saddened to hear of her sudden death; it meant alot to know she lived on in their hearts but that demonstrates how special my angel was.

And the Tony award goes to Erin Smith....

22 comments:

  1. glad to know that erin was a actor too :)
    anecdotes about erin brings a smile on my fave !!

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  2. Wow...I am truly amazed by this post! Is there anything Erin didn't do?!?! She lived such a full life, packed with rich and happy experiences. And she brought such joy to others! This was a pleasure to read. I loved the pictures!

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  3. The first picture of the girl with Erin, did you notice that her hair color is almost the same color of Erin's fur?

    I am amazed at all Erin has achieved. There is no doubt about it Erin led a full rounded life.

    Thanks again David for sharing all these stories with us :)

    my latest story http://wehaveastory.blogspot.com/2011/08/seasons-of-love.html

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  4. @Jyoti Erin did lots of things that surprise people LOL Thanks for stopping by!!

    @Jessica Thanks for the great comment, she led a full life for sure!! Appreciate you visiting :)

    @Debbie I never noticed the hair color likeness but now that you mentioned it lol It's my honor to share these stories with everyone!!

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  5. Beautiful and, as always, so touching! Erin certainly deserved a Tony for her hard and dedicated work. That she deeply touched so many lives, though, is a much greater reward!
    Blessings!

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  6. Erin led such a fabulous life thanks to you. She experienced life like no other dog! She traveled the world, acted, was a therapy dog and obviously loved life to the fullest. I'm so happy you picked her out of that litter of pups! It was meant to be. :D

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  7. @Martha Yes her true reward was touching others and the friends she made but a Tony for best canine would have been nice :)Aprreciate your visit!!

    @Mari She was meant to eneter my life as I was destined to offer her the world. It was a perfect match and I'm so thankful all worked out as it did. Thanks for visiting!!

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  8. David, what a wonderful story! I can just imagine how anxious you must have been watching her and poor Erin not feeling you close. You have so many, many precious memories to treasure!

    The photos are so beautiful!

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  9. @Nelieta Thanks for stopping by!! I was anxious but oh so thrilled and proud of her...There are many great memories from that time, we were both blessed for sure!!

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  10. Surely there ought be a film made celebrating Erin'S Life! There is so much you both did together! Lovely and thank you for sharing!

    Best
    Padmavani

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  11. Oh, I love the Miracle Worker! I’ve never seen the stage production, but have seen the old film with Patty Duke (Helen Keller) and Anne Bancroft (Annie Sullivan). Did you happen to see that old classic – wonderful! The newer version is not as good, in my opinion.

    I’d give anything to have seen Erin as Belle! She’s a star forever… that sweet, adorable Erin. I’m even more in love now than ever :) This is one of my favorites David, this story. Because my daughter Abi is in show business too - a pure passion!

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  12. Oh boy she was some star! You truly had someone so gifted in Erin, David. I can always feel the pain of her loss and her absence in your life. But Erin did have a full and rich life and the credit goes to you.

    http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/08/road.html

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  13. @Padvamani A film about her life would be awesome and an amazing tribute!! Thanks you so much for visiting :)

    @Debra I never kneew much about Helen Keller at all until Erin got the role then I read many books and watched The Miracle worker's and yes I prefer the original. I'm so glad you like the post and hopefully Abi has much success in the acting biz. Thanks for visiting my corner of the blog world :)

    @Rimly Erin certainly had a full life, that was my goal for her and I'm thankful we did so much together. Appreciate you stopping by!!

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  14. She was a special angel and lives in the hearts of all those who loved her. We also miss her without having met her, such is the bond of words and writers.You keep her alive with your memories and share them with us, thank you for the same.

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  15. @Sulekkha So sweet of you to say!! Doing my best to keep her memories alive through words and I'm so glad you have been part of this journey. Thanks so much!!!

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  16. This post was a treat, David. What a truly amazing dog Erin was and what a colorful life she led!

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  17. aw...so sweet! I never really experienced the joy I hear in the words you share towards your beloved Erin; my husband however grew up around animals and tells me many stories/adventures...and of course he wants our children to have that. So, last year I 'gave' in to my oldest daughters wishes to get her a kitten...well last month Cupcake, our cat got a hold of something and got really sick; there was nothing the Vet could do...I am just heart sick over the loss. I have no words to share with you for your loss ~other than to say I am sorry!!! Thank you so much for sharing...she was a beauty! I just recently started taking my kids to a Literacy Program with Therapy Dogs...not only is it helping with the reading; its helping her to grieve the loss of her cat.Animals are truly remarkable companions!

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  18. @Corinne Thanks for the kind words and stopping by!! :)

    @Amy So sorry to hear about Cupcake, that makes me sad to hear that. Hope you get another fur friend for the family in the near future. The library reading program is so worthwhile..I took Erin to a local branch so kids could read to her. Thank you for commenting and visiting!! Blessings!!

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  19. I loved your phrase " And the Tony Award goes to Erin Smith." She truly is an award winner in every way.Her talents continue to amaze as she was so at home in the situtations you put her in. But the key to her comfort was "You"..always there to comfort and cheer her on in her successes.I think she took strength from you and then achieved new adventures over and over again.It does not surprise me that everyone loved her and that she was a natural. It seems one think Erin loved to do was to "Please"...she looked right at home on stage...incredibled when she had so little training.Be the proud Dad...you both had lots of fun..not to mention the good food. I know, I have been on Crew's before...the food is soooo...good. Always..

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  20. Must have felt amazing to see her up on stage " acting". What a wonderful memory!!!


    http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/08/photographing-love-for-magnificent.html

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  21. @Leeann Thanks for your wonderful words!! Erin was amazing at everything tasked to her and I agree that she loved to make me happy. We certainly fed off each others happiness and it pushed us to great heights. Together we were magic!!

    @Jim It's a great memory and special time in our life's. I'll always remember her brief but memorable stage career. Thanks for stopping by!!

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