GOTTA DANCE: A Life Changing Tail
Carolyn Scott & Golden Retriever Rookie exemplify the bond that can be achieved through a positive working relationship between dog and handler. They are truly the Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire of the Canine Freestyle world—one in which training, teamwork, music, and movement combine in a unified celebration of joy. One of the founders of the Musical Dog Sport Association and involved in this sport since 1996, Carolyn has been featured in Parade Magazine, Dog Training Weekly, and the books, Living With A Golden Retriever and Working Dogs. Carolyn and Rookie are the only U.S. team to have earned the MCSI title of Musical Freestyle Dog Excellent.

This team has appeared on Good Morning America, The Jane Pauley Show, Regis & Kathie Lee, Pet Star, and Petsburg. And, when articles appear on their accomplishments, they turn into must-read events. That is what happened with the Seattle Times article, He's a good dog, fantastic dancer, which made it to Number 3 for Most-Read Stories in May 2005. The summary article also provided this comment: "People who see the Internet clip of Texas-born Carolyn Scott performing a song from "Grease" with her golden retriever Rookie are riveted to the screen. Thousands have sent her e-mails, many saying they cried with joy."

We came to know Carolyn after discovering an article in 2001 that referenced her and Rookie. After posting it to our site, Carolyn contacted us, later sending a video of her Grease performance. We had it rendered digitally, posted it to Youtube, and the rest is history as this clip continues to circulate the world, bringing joy to so many.

There is a powerful message in the life-affirming joy and inner radiance that Carolyn and Rookie exude, as our film demonstrates the restorative miracles that can abound through the embodiment of the human-canine bond. However, it is important to understand that our documentary is NOT a story about canine freestyle. Rather, it is a courageous story of inner strength and survival, as Carolyn continues in a sense to dance for her life. Enduring her fears without relinquishing that important capacity to rejoice, she is buoyed by Rabbi Hillel's words, "I get up. I walk. I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing."  

Paralyzed due to childhood polio at the age of four years, and additionally diagnosed with a significant heart disorder, Carolyn has suffered much physical and psychological pain. And, today, she suffers from the after effects of her initial polio and treatments, evidencing Post Polio Sequelae. This has resulted in Carolyn's no longer competing in the ring or providing freestyle workshops worldwide.  

Candidly told in Carolyn's own words, Gotta Dance is a frank, yet amazingly, inspiring tale. Poignant commentary is shared by esteemed veterinarians and authors, Dr. Allen Schoen and Dr. Marty Becker, as they further detail the healing benefits of the human-canine Bond and what especially moves them about Carolyn & Rookie's relationship. Dr. Margaret Backman, a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with Post Polio Sequelae/Syndrome sufferers, further provides insight about Carolyn's amazing ability to overcome her acutely painful beginning and formative years. Work continues on our film as we prepare for a 2012 debut. The film truly captures the journey of Carolyn Scott and her Golden Retriever Rookie, hand and paw together, moving from fear to freedom, and so inspiring the lives of all whom they have touched. 
 

Emotional Feedback about Carolyn & Rookie's Bond
"Your video clip actually brought TEARS to my eyes that your pal Rookie could dance with you so VERY well! It was an example of G-d's creation sharing love and companionship. I saw you on Good Morning America and, again, was brought to moist eyes at the incredible demonstration of love and dedication to each other. It all makes me love our animals even more! — Gary

"What a wonderful feeling I get every time I watch both of you dancing together, loving each other. Rookie looks so happy. Watching the two of you just brings joyful tears to my eyes."

"Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful display of the human-animal bond thru the clip of you and Rookie. Every time I watch it, I get tears in my eyes because I completely understand the bond that does exist between humans and their beloved animals."

"In 1992, I was critically injured in a motorcycle accident. At that time, I was exposed to rehab, therapy, pet therapy, etc. Prior to the accident, I too used to love to dance. Due to the leg injury I sustained, I can't really dance any more. Perhaps this is why I find your routine SO moving!"

"I saw you and Rookie on Good Morning America. I found myself crying, but they were tears of pure joy! I grew up with a golden retriever and have very fond memories. The two of you warmed my heart. It's definitely pure gold."

"Carolyn and Rookie certainly made the most of the time and space that they had [on The Jane Pauley Show]. They produced a BIG effect that was way out of proportion to the cramped quarters. I even saw a couple of people in the audience wiping their eyes. That was nice; it made me feel less the idiot for sitting here sobbing over a tiny TV segment. The Westminster dogs were nice to look at and listen to, but Carolyn and Rookie were the highlight of the hour. I do wish it could have lasted a lot longer and gone into much more detail and demonstration. I guess I'm greedy when it comes to watching this team." — Judy and Jacob

Preparing for our Upcoming 2012 Debut
With the assistance of Lauren Genkinger, CEO of TG Madison, a $42 million ad agency in Atlanta and founder of the nation’s sixth-largest Golden Rescue, Adopt a Golden Atlanta, we created this logo for both marketing and merchandising purposes. Coming soon will be fine jewelry from Esquivel & Fees based on this image, so stay tuned.

Dan Phillips Media is now involved in post production and editing, the film to be available in 2012!

The title, GOTTA DANCE, is both literal and figurative in meaning. While clearly applicable for our talented canine freestylers, the intent is far more encompassing. The embodiment of The Bond, where the dance of human and canine is possible, is all about listening for the music, as we attempt to communicate and relate better together. That ability to truly dance with dogs is one we all strive for, and hopefully is aptly represented in this unique image.
 

Carolyn Scott's appearance on 20/20 March 2012
 

2012 Gotta Dance Film: Get your Name in the Credits   For a donation of $25, folks can get their name in the credits. We are now getting   new footage for the epilogue to our story, Rookie sadly gone for some years now.    This small donation will surely help that cause. (See current supporters here.)

HAVE YOUR BUSINESS BECOME A FILM SPONSOR
We would love to be able to have a professional composer score our film and also to be able to provide a film for television distribution in addition to a DVD with director's cuts, featuring presentations by Carolyn Scott and more. However, in order to proceed with such plans, we are desperately in need of funds. Donations are few and far between so we rely on store sales to raise monies. But, the economy has cut our sales to the point that we are now straining just to remain open. Our mission cannot proceed without your most valued help.

Gotta Dance Film: SILVER Level Sponsorship   Donate $1,000 to the Land of PureGold Foundation and receive the following: Website recognition Premier placement & identification as a SILVER Level Sponsor in film credits Free copies of all Gotta Dance related DVD's A 14K Gold Vermeil Necklace pendant featuring image person and dog above
Gotta Dance Film: GOLD Level Sponsorship   Donate $5,000 to the Land of PureGold Foundation and receive the following: Website recognition Premier placement & identification as a GOLD Level Sponsor in film credits Free copies of all Gotta Dance related DVD's A 14K Solid Gold Necklace pendant featuring image person and dog above
Gotta Dance Film: PLATINUM Level Sponsorship   Donate $10,000 to the Land of PureGold Foundation and receive the following: Website recognition Premier placement & identification as a PLATINUM Level Sponsor in film credits Free copies of all Gotta Dance related DVD's A 14K Solid Gold Necklace pendant featuring image of person and dog above Name included on film jacket of all Gotta Dance related DVD's.

 

Celebration of a 15 year Partnership A February 2008 Rookie Update From Carolyn Scott  I have received so many emails of support and prayers I feel blessed. Thank you all for taking the time to write and keeping us in your thoughts. Rookie is doing GREAT! He greets me with a smile every morning as he leads me to kitchen for his breakfast. : ) As many of you know, Rookie was diagnosed with a spindle cell tumor on his right leg near his elbow a few months ago. Since Rookie was about to turn 15 I decided to have my vet remove the tumor but I didn’t want to put him through any further treatment. My vet removed the tumor and I happy to report there is no sign of it returning. At this time I decided to cancel my seminars and not schedule any others for awhile. I just couldn’t be away from home at this time. Then about a month afterwards, when I woke up, I found Rookie completely paralyzed in both rear legs. I was devastated and thought this was the end BUT Rookie had other ideas. I took him to the vet where she x-rayed and explained to me he had arthritis and some other problems that were probably causing the paralysis. Our floors are tile with very little carpet and he could not walk without falling. I decide to follow the vets recommendation and put Rookie on bed rest for awhile with meds to see if he improved. Well, by golly he perked up and was a happy camper every day during this. After a couple of weeks he was able to master the tile and even throw in a few spins. I have to admit I have been depressed a time or two but I have realized that Rookie is happy every day. So I decided to live in the moment as he does and do the same. I feel I have been so blessed to have this extra time with my sweet boy. His attitude is amazing everyday. The other day I let him out to roll in the grass by the pool and the next thing I knew he got this wild look in his eye and headed straight for the pool. Rookie loves to swim but even in Houston the water in a pool can be very cold at this time of year. I almost wasn’t able to stop him from jumping in. : )  Like I said, Rookie loves life and doesn’t realize he is 15 years old now. I am hoping it will warm up soon here and he can take a swim and once again enjoy one of his favorite activities. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. I cannot begin to express how much they have meant to me. Rookie will always be a eternal puppy with thoughts of freestyle, rolling in the grass, eating and swimming in our pool. He thinks everyday is his best day and I am trying hard to do the same. July 15, 2008 Update  Carolyn has asked to have a special message relayed, which can be found here.