TAMPA, Fla. — “You’ve got food on your nose,” Ellie Pulsifer said to a tiny meowing kitten.

What You Need To Know

  • Annie on stage at Straz Center all weekend

  • 12-year-old Tampan Ellie Pulsifer plays the lead role of Annie

  • All actor animals playing the part of Annie's dog Sandy are rescues

  • Pulsifer wraps up her role as Annie in Tampa this weekend

The Tampa actor is in a meet and greet room of kittens at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

Pulsifer plays the lead role in the musical Annie with a co-star canine Sandy in a traveling Broadway show.

She’s been visiting rescue centers during her tour, that wraps up this weekend, in her hometown.

“When people come in and spend time with the animals and bring any sort of attention to it, we’re so happy,” said the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Regan Blessinger. “Also, because it shows the really awesome animals that we do have here just waiting for their homes.”

Pulsifer herself has always wanted a pet.

And now she knows where she’s coming when it’s time to find her lifelong fur friend.

On the edge of 13, Pulsifer is wrapping up her run on tour as Annie as human star of the traveling Broadway Musical currently at the Straz Center.

Pulsifer and her fellow Annie stars have been visiting animal rescues in cities on the tour.

Why?

Because Pulsifer’s co-star Sandy – that role is filled be trained rescue dogs. And somebody’s got to speak for them.

“It’s given me a closer connection to rescue dogs and shelters,” said Pulsifer. “And it taught me that anybody — dogs — can be stars. Like if they are just trained properly and they’re just given the respect and kindness that they deserve.”

This advocacy work opened Pulsifer’s eyes to animals.

“Really made me realize how important it is to rescue if you are going to get a pet,” said Pulsifer.

After living out of one suitcase and a carry on since last August, fighting motion sickness to do homework on the tour bus, she’s ready to stretch her legs into the next chapter.

“I hope one day I can adopt a dog when life settles down,” said Pulsifer, “but after this, I’m going to get lots of sleep and enjoy the summer and chill.”
Pulsifer’s final performances as Annie will be in front of family and friends.

Her work on the stage and with animals will continue.

“It’s just such a magical experience,” said Pulsifer of her animal volunteering. “And I’m so glad that this tour let me have all the experiences—it’s just been amazing”

Annie plays at the Straz Center all weekend.

And the Humane Society of Tampa Bay welcomes the public to come play with their future pets.