Santa Clarita, Calif., July 16, 2015—Why do dogs make life better? This was the subject of Animal Behavior College’s (ABC) 2015 Coastal Pet Products Scholarship essay contest. The scholarship, which is sponsored by Coastal Pet Products Inc., a pet collar and leash manufacturer, provided two ABC Dog Obedience Program (DOP) students with full scholarships. The recipients, Julie McCallum-Allen of Seattle, Wash., and Tracy Severino of Genoa, Ill., were selected for how they explained the many ways dogs enrich people’s lives and for their steadfast commitment to canines. Using the same selection criteria, ABC also awarded a full scholarship to Eric Smith of Cañon City, Colo.
“Coastal Pet Products is pleased to continue to support educational opportunities such as this one,” said Diane Thomas, marketing manager.
“We appreciate Coastal Pet Products’ continuous support of professional dog trainer education,” said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO of Animal Behavior College. “We congratulate the scholarship winners for their willingness to embark on a career that helps owners and their canine companions have a stronger and more harmonious relationship.”
Since 1968, Coastal Pet Products has been a pet industry leader producing quality products that support healthy and safe interactions between pets and their owners. Based in Alliance, Ohio, the family-owned American manufacturer specializes in collars, leashes and harnesses, retractable leashes, tie outs, grooming tools and toys for dogs and cats.
The purpose of the essay contest was to provide financial assistance and support for future student pet professionals enrolled in ABC’s dog training curriculum. To qualify, applicants needed to demonstrate a financial need and submit a 500-word essay on how dogs make life better. ABC received 70 essay submissions. Judges reviewed each entry and selected applicants who had the best- written essays in terms of content and style.
“I have been working in dog day care and volunteering for WAMAL (Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League) for almost two years,” said Julie McCallum-Allen. “ABC’s Dog Obedience Program will provide me with knowledge and skills necessary to help rescue dogs. These dogs are in urgent need of professional training to increase their chances for adoption. If I can be instrumental in helping them find good forever homes, then my studies will be worth it.”
“I was thrilled and surprised when I received the phone call that I won,” said Tracy Severino. “I researched several schools for information about becoming a certified trainer and really liked what ABC had to offer. I have always loved animals and look forward to making a difference in their lives.”
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to do something I love,” said Eric Smith. “I volunteer at a shelter and am amazed at how many owners surrender their dogs for behavior problems. I plan to use the skills I learn to help them, so they’re better equipped to handle these challenges and less likely to abandon their dogs at shelters out of frustration.
To learn more about Coastal Pet Products, Inc., visit the website or Facebook page at www.coastalpet.com or www.facebook.com/CoastalPetProducts, respectively. To become a dog trainer or learn about Animal Behavior College’s Grooming Instruction and Veterinary Assistant Program, visit the website at www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com/info or call 1-800-795-3294.
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About Animal Behavior College
Animal Behavior College is the largest school for professional dog trainers in the U.S. To date, the college has certified and graduated more than 12,100 professional dog trainers through the Dog Obedience Program, 4,900 veterinary assistants through the Veterinary Assistant Program and 1,400 groomers from the grooming instruction program. The college also offers six relevant continuing education programs.
