Isabella
Owner and Trainer
Animals have always been part of my life, not just as companions, but as teachers. I grew up surrounded by Golden Retrievers, a Cocker Spaniel, cats, and horses. Being raised by parents who shared their deep respect for animals with me. I was the child happiest outdoors, finding calm beside the horses, listening and learning early that animals offer a kind of understanding words often can’t.
As a family, we attended training classes with the wonderful Rita Lynd, whose influence quietly shaped the path I would one day walk. Her guidance planted the first seed and one that would grow into a lifelong commitment to learning, ethics, and doing right by dogs and the people who love them.
My final years of school were marked by significant challenges. Bullying, and the loss of one of my closest friends to suicide deeply affected my mental health, leaving life feeling heavy and uncertain. It was during this time that Fly entered my world, and everything shifted.
Fly was never just a dog. She was my anchor, my safe place, and the quiet force that helped me keep moving forward. Through her, I came to understand the profound impact dogs can have on our nervous systems, our healing, and our sense of purpose. She showed me what becomes possible when dogs are met with patience, compassion, and understanding and when people are supported rather than judged.
Losing Fly in June 2024 broke my heart, but her legacy continues to guide every part of this work. A Bark Above exists because of her. Her influence lives on in every session, every conversation, and every dog and human we support as they find their footing.
Today, my work is grounded in recognised education, Fear Free and Reward Based practice, and an unwavering commitment to ethical, whole dog care. As Tasmania’s first Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant and Fear Free Certified Professional Animal Trainer, holding a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training, I am proud to offer support that blends science with empathy, and expertise with genuine care.
At A Bark Above, we don’t just work on behaviour. We create space for understanding, confidence, and meaningful change; for dogs, and for the people walking beside them.
Fly
Queen Bee
Fly came into my life at just four and a half weeks old, and from that moment, we embarked on an incredible journey together. I had dreams of training Fly to run alongside my horse, but after discovering at six months that she had joint issues, those plans shifted. Instead, we focused on creating a well-trained, well-mannered, and socially balanced dog. We attended classes, practiced tirelessly at home, and poured our hearts into becoming the best team we could be.
What started as a goal for a well behaved dog soon blossomed into something far deeper. Through the journey of training, I discovered a passion I hadn’t anticipated and the profound bond between us. Fly showed me love, loyalty, and hope in ways I never could have imagined, leading us down this exciting path together.
Before she passed, Fly had transitioned into full-time retirement, passing on the lead and treat pouch to her fellow pack members. Fly was not just the best girl by our side; she was a Delta Therapy Dog, a mentor and role model for our puppies, a Festival Friend Support Dog, a caravanning expert, and even a member of a musical production. There was little she didn’t experience, and her life was full of richness and purpose.
The ache of her absence is felt in every corner of our lives, yet we find comfort in knowing that her love and light continue to guide us. Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of who we are, her loyalty, her joy, and the lessons she taught us will never fade. We may no longer see her in the physical world, she remains in our hearts, and the whispers of memories left behind. Fly’s love was a gift we will carry with us always, and though she may have left this world, she will never truly leave us. Forever cherished, forever missed, and forever part of our souls.
Eric
Eric became part of our family in mid-2023 through what was meant to be a temporary foster placement. From the moment he arrived, he fit seamlessly into our lives, and it didn’t take long for us to fall completely in love with him.
Initially, he was a shy, reserved, and nervous boy, carrying the heavy weight of his past. But with time, patience, and love, he began to blossom. Within a few months, he started to embrace his new life, discovering the joys, opportunities, and security that surrounded him. As his confidence grew, so did his personality. Eric revealed himself to be a quirky, spirited, and endlessly entertaining companion.
He quickly became an integral part of our business, mentoring in our classes, charming crowds as a Festival Friend, supporting patients in hospital as a Delta Therapy Dog and showcasing skills as an Agfest demonstration dog. With his intelligence, intuition, and eagerness to learn, he has not only enriched our lives but also expanded our professional development at A Bark Above.
From a timid foster pup to an irreplaceable family member, mentor, and therapy dog, Eric’s transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. And for us, what began as a foster placement became one of the most beautiful and rewarding decisions we’ve ever made.
Aurora
Aurora is a whole year into her reign as the perfect blend of chaos and love here at A Bark Above. What began as a healing chapter after losing our beloved Fly has grown into something extraordinary. Aurora didn’t just fill a space, she lit up the whole room.
Her name still represents hope, new beginnings, and all the brilliance that follows darkness… but now she’s carved out her own legacy, one muddy pawprint and cheeky grin at a time.
Over the past 12 months, Aurora has become so much more than our heart healer. She’s our resident whirlwind, our mischief maker with a mission, and the soul stirring spark who keeps us laughing, learning, and leaning in. Her training, thriving. Her joy, contagious. Her presence, utterly unforgettable.
With a brown kiss on her cheek, a blessing passed on from the Queen Bee herself. Aurora reminds us daily of where we’ve been and the bright, bold road ahead.
Walking the puppyhood path beside her has given us fresh insight into the emotional rollercoaster that is raising a pup, and it’s made us even more passionate about guiding you through yours, with empathy, evidence, and excitement in equal measure.
Aurora, you are pure light, and we couldn’t imagine this journey without you.
Matty
Meet Matty, our totally toothless, pint-sized heart stealer and quiet iconic legend at A Bark Above.
While his role might be lower key these days, don’t be fooled Matty still brings the magic. As our Lesson One Welcomer, Snack Supervisor, and unapologetic Bed Hoppin’ Superstar, he sets the tone with charm, cuddles, and the occasional cheeky zoom.
He may be the smallest of the crew, but his presence is mighty. With a soft soul, endless warmth, and an expert eye for finding the best nap spots, person with the best treaties and warmest lap, Matty reminds us daily that being tiny doesn’t mean being any less legendary!
Darcy
Lastly meet Darcy, the first little lady that bought love into my life.
With her signature grace and vocal confidence, Darcy takes her dual roles as farm helper and HQ office supervisor very seriously. She keeps the routine ticking, the team grounded, and the vibes calm, all while maintaining the highest standards in foot warming and computer assistance.
Whether she’s overseeing paddock duties or nestled under the desk ensuring everything runs smoothly. Darcy doesn’t always need to bark to be heard but trust us, she absolutely will if needed. Fiercely loyal, wise, and deeply woven into the fabric of our team, she’s a steady soul at the centre of our chaos, keeping it all running with love and the occasional supervisory bark!