Bravo! Names new team members
For more information contact:
Priscilla Fraiegari
Phone: (727) 514-1528
E-mail:
Online: www.bravorawdiet.com
Houston-based Disc Dogs Named Newest Members of Team Bravo!
(Vernon, CT –) Bravo!, manufacturer of the Bravo! line of fresh frozen raw diet products, has signed a sponsorship agreement Pennie Mahon, owner of Houston-based Barks 5th Avenue, her team of five disc dog competitors, making them the newest members of Team Bravo! Among this group are three U.S. and world finalist and two Texas State Champions. Mahon and her team will represent Bravo! at competitions and demonstrations across the country over the next year.
Established last year, Team Bravo! is a specially-selected group of dogs-and-people who possess a “can do” attitude and community spirit in all aspects of life, family, work, sport and play.”
Mahon and her dogs participate in Freestyle Disc, a fast-paced sport including flips and multiple catches, which is said to be the highest level of competition in addition to a crowd pleaser. The owner and dog create personalized routines which are set to music. Teams are judged in areas including canine athleticism, degree of difficulty as well as showmanship.
Mahon’s high-energy group of herding dogs includes: Airbandita, a nine-year-old Blue Heeler; Spinner, a seven-year-old Australian Shepherd, Texas State Champion 2006 and regional winner of Purina Dog Challenge in 2007 and finalist in 2008; Gabriel (affectionately referred to as Gabe), a six-year-old Blue Heeler and Australian Border Collie mix and son of Airbandita who is also a 2008 Texas State champion, Gabe’s two-year-old son Psych; and the youngest and most promising of the group, ZZ, Australian Shepherd who will turn one this summer. Both Airbandita and Spinner are retired from competition, but take part in disc demonstrations across the country.
“In order to do well in this sport, a dog must have a good temperament, must be able to focus and multitask,” said Mahon. “They also need to have speed, agility, stamina and a good spirit, as their routines run for a solid two minutes.”
According to Mahon, aside from natural ability, diet is an essential part of the dogs performing well.
“I have been approached by other companies over the years, but I was never enthusiastic partnering with them. I thought if I was going to be sponsored by a dog food company it had to be one I could be proud of and a product I believed in, which is what I found with Bravo!,” Mahon said.
Mahon began feeding Bravo! about a year ago. “The biggest differences I noticed right away were that my dogs were more satisfied after eating. There was no licking the bowl for any scrap of what was left; they were completely satiated and full. I also noticed that the dogs had better endurance,” she said. “Their coats were more beautiful than ever and their breath improved too.”
Both Psych and Gabe have earned spots at the finals being held this September in Chattanooga, TN. Earning a place in the finals is a challenge in itself, as more than 27 teams completed from their region which included Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. There is only one chance a year to qualify and the team must finish top three overall to move to the finals. Both dogs are also qualified for the Ashley Whippet World Finals in Naperville, IL Labor Day weekend.
“We’re really proud and honored to be supporting Pennie and her team in not only their athletic endeavors, but in their commitment to promoting pet adoptions and activity. They are shining examples of the ‘can-do’ attitude we feel Team Bravo! represents,” said David Bogner, Bravo! owner and co-founder.
All of Mahon’s dogs will be participating in local and national events until the end of the year. In addition to competition, the group does between six and 12 demonstrations a year, as part of their membership in the Houston Frisbee Club, where they encourage pet adoptions and keeping pets active in order to keep them happy and out of shelters.
“Using a sport that my dogs and I love to promote a great product, pet adoptions and activity is a very cool thing,” says Mahon.
Both the Blue Heeler, more commonly referred to as Australian Cattle Dogs and the Australian Shepherd are high energy, intelligent breeds requiring a great deal of exercise on a daily basis to prevent them from becoming bored or frustrated leading to destructive habits. These traits, combined with their natural agility make them ideal disc dogs.
The beauty about Frisbee dogs is that they can be mixed breeds,” says Mahon. “Dogs with super high drive, high energy and who are very smart do well in this sport.”
For more information on Bravo!, contact Priscilla Fraiegari, , or (727)514-1528. For more information on Pennie Mahon or Barks 5th Avenue, contact Kristen Woodliff, , or (281)970-2284. Visit us online at www.bravorawdiet.com and www.barks5thave.com.
#####
About Bravo! – Based in Vernon, CT, Bravo’s heritage is firmly rooted in quality and family values. Its parent company began in the meat business in 1942, providing high quality meats for restaurant use. Entry in to the raw diet business was a natural outgrowth of its expertise in the purchase, processing, packaging and distribution of premium quality meat products. All Bravo! poultry products are made with the same high quality, USDA inspected and approved meats in Bravo!’s USDA-inspected facility, under the same processing regulations that apply to human food products.
About Barks 5th Avenue – Established in 2000, Barks 5th Avenue is Northwest Houston’s leading training facility, full-service pet salon and boarding facility. Services at the 8500 square-foot facility also include a doggie daycare.
Owner Pennie Mahon is a master trainer with more than 30 years experience. Mahon combines horse training and dog obedience methods in her training programs. A strong advocate for pet training and owner education, Mahon’s training methods also include special sessions for pet owners. Barks 5th Avenue’s mission is to “change people’s lives on dog at a time.”
Be the first to comment.