I'm writing because I have a "bone" to pick with Connie Pilston Shoemaker's Oct. 25 review of my debut as Toto in the opening-night performance of Sing Hosanna's! "The Wizard of OZ."

In her article, Shoemaker states that I "left," and that Meggan McGuire (Dorothy) had to "press on" without me.

Although I admit to being a bit overwhelmed by my opening entrance (when I ran offstage), the article leaves the reader with the mistaken impression that I never came back.

People who saw the show know that I was in four more scenes. I allowed myself to be stuffed into a mean lady's basket (which had treats in it!), to be passed around repeatedly by my fellow cast members, and to be screamed at by a very loud witch.

Shoemaker also made no mention of my daring and thrilling escape from the witch's castle - a complicated scene that I performed flawlessly - and that drew applause during the second and third shows.

Not bad for a 7-year-old Cairn terrier with no acting experience!

While Shoemaker's article was fairly accurate, I felt I had to speak out on behalf of animal actors (except cats) everywhere, and defend my performance.