gottadance.landofpuregold.comGOTTA DANCE: A Life Changing Tail featuring Carolyn Scott & Golden Retriever Rookie

GOTTA DANCE: A Life Changing Tail featuring Carolyn Scott & Golden Retriever Rookie Welcome . . . to the world’s largest Golden-inspired website! Since 1997 we have strived to help others strengthen and proactively lengthen the bond. Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit additionally provides cancer treatment grants for working dogs and funds research in comparative oncology. 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, Dr. Marty Becker & Dr. Jaime Modiano, 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. 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 THE GREASE Routine, which was originally digitized and posted online by Rochelle Lesser GOTTA DANCE & DR. MODIANO: HELPING BOTH MAN AND DOG Films Dan Phillips Media has completed our two films, both to benefit comparative oncology research. 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 the logo you see here. GOTTA DANCE is both literal and figurative in meaning. While clearly applicable for 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. Film Screening and Reception On November 3,2012, at the Land of PureGold Foundation home of the founders, Rochelle and Gary Lesser, we had a small film screening and reception. We presented Dr. Modiano with a check for $15,000, paying him forward on hoped for donations to his cause. Click here to see photos from this special day. GOTTA DANCE Trailer Check out our Progress $16,000 $14,000 $12,000 $10,000 $8,000 $6,000 $4,000 $2,000 As of December 31, 2012, we have provided the film to 61 folks who have each made a $50 donation to Dr. Modiano’s comparative oncology research. Please help us get to our initial goal of $15,000. Get GOTTA DANCE & Dr. MODIANO DVDs as a gift with Comparative Oncology Research Donation . . . Helping both Man and Dog 50.00 (USA only) $65.00 (OUTSIDE USA) 100% of this donation will be provided to Dr. Modiano, Director of the Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota. Comparative oncology is the study of those cancers that occur similarly in people and companion animals in order to identify treatments and cures that benefits them both. A distinction to comparative oncology research is the fact that disease is never induced in the animals being treated. That is, the cancer has...