b'Myth: Shelter dogsBringing Another Message to the Art Form are unsocialized. Reality:Avery Held moved from Carmel, Indiana specifically for Many owner-surrenderedAzara Ballet 14 months ago. Shes been dancing all herlife; professionally for six years. As a dancer, she experi- dogs have lived withenced judgment right after high school, much of it body families and haveoriented.Wherealotofdancecompaniesprioritize had regulartheshowsandcostumes,Azarasenvironmentprioritizesthe dancers.social interaction.She grew up with dogs and fondly recalled the familys blackLabrador Retriever named Chloe and an Aussiedoodle named Olive.Her dog, Lemon, just recently died, so Avery was eager to help us facil-itate our photographic project at Hillsborough County Pet ResourceCenter. The dancers met us at the shelter on a Sunday, their day off.It was important to all of us to be able to help showcase dogs whootherwise might not have a chance to find a home, Avery told us. Nomatter their situation or what these dogs have been through, as weworked with them, we could see their happiness light up. The experi-ence was humbling, and reinforced how important it is not to judge abook by its cover.Of her hopes and dreams, Averys include to be able to dance aslong as her body allows. As a dancer, our careers are pretty short. Wespend half of our career training, and then once we get there, we can TOP:: Avery poses in front of the waterfall at Hillsboroughonly go for so longas long as our bodies will allow. she told us. County Pet Resource Center with Scout, who has since beenContinued on following page g adopted. ABOVE: Avery poses with Cody, who is still avail-able. (ID# A2260770)www.TheNewBarker.com THE25THE NEW NEW BBARKERARKER'