ABC Dog Training Program Student of the Month – USA – February 2015
Charlotte Rice
Charlotte Rice of Hill, New Hampshire, always knew she wanted to be a helper. She is a certified personal trainer who specializes in helping people who are recovering from surgeries with their health and nutritional goals. Prior to this career, Charlotte worked as a residential youth counselor and ran the fitness program for teens with anxiety disorders. When asked which dog breed describes her best, Charlotte answered, “An American Pit Bull Terrier—determined, driven and passionate.”
- What prompted you to become a dog trainer? Was there a specific event, circumstance or person who inspired you to pursue this career?
I rescued a Pit Bull from Pibbles & More Animal Rescue (PMAR) because I had just lost my Pit Bull of 15 years, and this dog literally changed our lives. As a result, my husband and I decided to foster for the rescue and I started doing home visits for them. I then decided that I wanted to have a career saving animals. I took the ABC veterinary assistant courses and dog obedience courses, and, in March, I looked for a job in the veterinary field. I found a job as a kennel technician at VCA Lakes Region veterinary hospital. I figured I needed to start somewhere.
When I went to the animal shelter to perform my volunteer hours for the dog obedience program, I was told the position of shelter manager was available. With the knowledge and experience I had obtained at VCA, I applied and was offered the position.
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What was/is the biggest challenge you faced during your externship and how did you overcome it?
Finding the time to do everything. Full-time work and the externship.
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What has been your most rewarding moment during your externship?
Probably being offered a full-time position as the manager of the Franklin Animal Shelter.
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What has your experience been like in the ABC Dog Obedience Program?
I am having so much fun and I have learned so much. I tell people all the time about ABC.
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Have you started training professionally yet? If yes, are you training full- or part-time?
I have started training the animals at the shelter while working as the manager, and volunteer my time with family members’ animals (e.g., my son’s black-mouthed cur puppy).