The Dance of Life: Visually Defining the Human-Canine Bond
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, Show Site 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. Currently, this Texas gal
is sharing and promoting the sport by performing in schools and health facilities, and
holding instructional seminars in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Australia. And despite his
reaching a senior 15 years of age (January 2008), Golden Rookie continues to kick up
his heels.
This team has appeared on
Good Morning America, The Jane Pauley Show,
Regis &
Kathie Lee, The Howie Mandel Show, Pet Star, and Petsburg.
And, even when folks write articles about their accomplishments,
these turn into
must-read events. That is what
happened with the 2005 Seattle Times article,
He's a good dog, fantastic dancer,
which made it to
Number 3 for Most-Read Stories in May. 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 then asked Dave Mintzer of
Ideogram Productions to render it digitally, 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 due to her diminished balance, which can result in falls.
Yet, she continues to be a world-recognized teacher of the sport, traveling
the world and personally demonstrating and spreading the joy
that comes from participation in this sport. In turn, she has taken her cues from a dog who, himself, has suffered from anxiety from his
own fears of the unknown. By bonding with her dogs and helping them live life to the
fullest, she has been able to tackle her own continuing challenges.
Candidly told in Carolyn's own words, the Dance of Life 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. And, one will surely be riveted by the compelling analysis
from Dr. Richard Bruno, Chairperson of the International Post-Polio Task Force and
Director of The Post-Polio Institute, the International Centre for Post-Polio
Education and Research and the Fatigue Management Programs at New Jersey's Englewood
Hospital & Medical Center.
Work continues on our film as we prepare for a Winter 2008 debut.
We are very excited about our now working with
Beal Media, their goal to bring folks' stories
alive. And, the wonderful, recognizable voice of Harlan Hogan,
a fellow animal lover & volunteer, will be providing our narration. 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.
Want to support our film efforts and get your name in the credits as thanks?
Just click here to
make a tax-deductible donation of $25 or more. And, please enjoy our
GReat video clips, news articles and personal feedback generated by this
unbelievable duo.
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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. |
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