Bloomingdale Library Goes to the Dogs

In what proved to be one of the Bloomingdale Regional Library's most popular programs of the summer, more than 115 children packed into the library's meeting room July 18 to see dogs skateboard, climb ladders and negotiate obstacle courses during the Tricky Dogs Show.

"This is definitely one of our most popular programs," said Kim Eversole, children's librarian. "The kids have been asking about this all summer."

Ricky Martin, owner of the Clearwater-based Tricky Dogs Show, didn't disappoint.

With seven of his dogs in tow, Martin amazed the children with assorted dog tricks intermixed with humorous pranks and lessons on the care and handling of his canine companions.

Martin and his pack of canines travel around the state entertaining at fairs, church functions, schools, summer camps and recreation centers.

"All of my dogs are pound doggies that I've trained to do tricks," said Martin.

He said he began his circus-style dog act when he rescued Chico, a mixed breed he adopted in 1999. "He looks like a Corgi, but claims to be a mutant strain of giant Chihauhua," joked Martin.

Chico, now 15 years old, convinced Martin he can teach an old dog new tricks. A few months after adopting Chico, he adopted Twinkie, a rat terrier.

Since then, Martin added five other dogs to his show that he trained to do various tricks. The newest addition to the menagerie is Cricket, "a genuine pedigreed ring-tailed fudgiepup."

Martin and his tricky dog are available offer their 45-minute show at a variety of venuess. For more information, visit the Tricky Dogs Show website or call 727-734-0983.

Eversole noted that the program was funded by the Friends of the Bloomingdale Regional Library.

The Tricky Dogs Show is among a number of programs for children offered at the library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, this summer.