2009 Extreme Mutt Makeover

Just look what Annie has done with Jingo for the Extreme Mutt Makeover competition in just six weeks!

Austin Woman Magazine: August 2009

You might recognize the name Leann "Annie" Phenix from the public relations realm, or you may happen to know her as a dog trainer. She lives by the advice given to her by a friend: "Life is not a dress rehearsal." She has taken command of her life and now plays the leading role in her job as a dog trainer.

(Continue reading at AustinWomanMagazine.com ... )

MUSTANGS AND MUTTS TAKE THE STAGE IN FORT WORTH

Local Dog Trainer Selected for the Extreme Mutt Makeover Competition

The nation's most unique equine competition, The Extreme Mustang Makeover, will return to Fort Worth's Will Rogers Memorial Center for a third year but with an added twist; the Extreme Mutt Makeover. Professional Dog Trainer Annie Phenix of Bertram was one of only 10 trainers selected nationwide to compete in this event.

Extreme Mutt Jingo

Phenix owns Phenix Dogs (www.PhenixDogs.com), an all dog-friendly dog training company. She trains privately with owners and teaches group classes as well. She specializes on working with aggressive dogs and she often employs the help of her own 5 rescued dogs in rehabilitating aggressive dogs.

Phenix was assigned a dog from the shelter she has named Jingo. "Jingo is a high-energy, darling and quite brilliant dog who just needed some kind human guidance. Within a week, she has learned nearly 10 new skills. She is ready, willing and able to be trained as a great canine companion, just like every shelter dog."

Known for its ability to transform wild horses into willing partners, the Extreme Mustang Makeover is bringing this new dimension to the animal adoption world to highlight the time-honored partnership of man with dogs and horses.

"Everyone knows that most horse people are also dog people and that most dog people have an affinity for horses," says Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) Executive Director and competition visionary Patti Colbert. "Both species face similar problems; a struggling economy that has forced pet owners to abandon or give away their animals and a need to find compassionate animal lovers who are willing to give these animals good homes.

The Extreme Mustang Makeover management is working in partnership with the Humane Society of North Texas to produce the Extreme Mutt Makeover. The event will be held in conjunction with the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Ft. Worth, Texas, September 18-20, 2009 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

While the Extreme Mustang Makeover will return with its famous lineup of amazing performances and transformations of 125 formerly wild horses, a total of 10 shelter dogs selected from the Humane Society of North Texas will show off their training abilities with the 10 dog trainers. Dog trainers will compete for prizes on Friday and Saturday during the Extreme Mustang Makeover. Following the dog competition, the dogs will be available for adoption through the Humane Society of North Texas.

The purpose of the competition is to showcase that most dogs in shelters are loving and bright dogs just lacking a human home to share their lives with. All of the animals involved in the "Makeover" competition will be available for adoption at the Fort Worth event in September.

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