THE NEW BARKER 29 www.TheNewBarker.com If it weren’t for having to work, Lisa admits, she would be in the dog world full time.As it is, her life revolves around Ebony and the family’s cat. There are the weekly agility classes. Additionally, Lisa works with Ebony three times a week as part of her conditioning.“We work to strengthen her different mus- cles. We’ll take more walks when the weather cools down.” They also work with Elaine Rinicker, a certified canine fitness trainer. With all of this, there is life beyond the Agility ring for Lisa and Ebony.“When we are at home, Ebony is a beloved, pampered member of the family. She gets to sleep, snuggled on the sofa, soft blanket or bed, chews on her bully stick or wishbone tendon. We play with her toys or tug and do fun tricks that she enjoys,like ringing the bell that you would find on the counter at a store. She loves to play with the cat, her brother, Kitten Little. We go on outings where dogs are allowed. She goes with me nearly everywhere. Yes, she is spoiled.” Lisa’s best advice for someone with a very busy, distracted dog is to not give up on them. “Find something to do with them that will make them happy. Harness their energy. All they want to do is to please you.” How can you tell if your dog would be good at Agility? Maren of Keegan’s Magic, invites folks to take a class. “We look for dogs running as fast as possible, with smiles on their faces,” said Maren.“Ebony is a lovely dog. She’s very fast and has attitude. Lisa has done a good job of successfully harnessing that energy. I’m really proud of both of them for all they’ve accomplished - inside and out of the ring.” If you’re involved in a sport with your dog and having difficulty - whether it’s Freestyle,Flyball or Agility,again,don’t give up.“It’s really about going out and having fun with your dog,” said Lisa, who has never forgotten the advice given by a judge to a group of competitors, prior to going in the ring. “Be kind to your dog. Enjoy every second, because you never know when going in this ring will be the last time for you and your dog.” Maren Baldwin, Agility Trainer Certified by OneMind Dogs KeegansMagic.com 813.545.0223 Elaine Rinicker, Certified Canine Fitness Trainer. Happy Urban Dog - HappyUrbanDog.com 813.817.9891 DACOF - Dog Agility Competition of Florida DACOF.com NADAC - North American Dog Agility Council NADAC.com CPE - Canine Performance Events K9CPE.com OneMind Dogs - A training method based on a dog's natural behavior. OneMindDogs.com Havanese Angel League Organization (HALO) is a regis- tered non-profit dedicated to the survival and care of Havanese dogs. RescuedHavenese.org VIP Rescue Florida VIPRescue.org Canine Estates CanineEstates.com Florida Little Dog Rescue FloridaLittleDogRescue.com Pet Rescue by Judy PetRescueByJudy.com • Day Care • Salon & Spa • Sleepovers • Boutique • Parties • Training 813-979-1123 centralbarktampa.com LET THE FUN BEGIN! • e Car y a D Salon & S • Boutique arties P • pa pa Salon & S Salon & S • s er v Sleepo 813-979- cen • arties arties P P • aining r T 1123 813-979- ktampa.com albar tr cen GIN! LET THE FUN BEG Together, in Perfect Harmony continued. U Y