Santa Clarita, Calif., November 6, 2014 — Animal Behavior College (ABC) today announced the beginning of a campaign to honor military veterans and strengthen the school’s commitment to them and their spouses who work in the pet-services industry. The campaign, “Champions of Freedom Who Sacrifice for All,” will award dog-training scholarships to veteran volunteers of a nonprofit organization that trains medical-alert service dogs for veterans. The campaign will also spotlight unemployment and underemployment challenges facing many military spouses and share success stories from those who are enjoying rewarding careers in the flourishing pet-services industry.
In addition, ABC is commemorating Veteran’s Day with video tributes. One video features ABC employees thanking veterans, active military and their families for their commitment and service. A second video pays homage to canine veterans and their handlers. The campaign will conclude in December with an employee fundraiser for a charity that provides an online network of volunteers who offer pet care for military during their deployment and a thank-you-letter-writing and holiday-card drive for deployed troops.
“Animal Behavior College appreciates our veterans, active military and their families for their dedication and sacrifices for our freedom,” said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO for Animal Behavior College. “It is an honor to provide scholarships, help military spouses pursue viable and sustainable careers in the pet industry and initiate several activities that demonstrate our gratitude to those who serve.”
First, ABC will award two Dog Obedience Program (DOP) scholarships to the nonprofit organization, Train A Dog Save A Warrior (TADSAW). TADSAW provides free medical-alert service dog training to active military and veterans with medical conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The DOP scholarships will provide dog training instruction to veterans, which is a prerequisite for those who want to pursue a medical-service dog-training career helping other veterans.
ABC’s other activities include:
Veteran’s Day Video Salute: This video features a Happy Veteran’s Day message to veterans and their families from ABC staff and honors them for their dedication and service. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH9HxE9mBU4
Canine Veteran Champions of Freedom: With more than 2,500 military working dogs currently in service, this video is a sober reminder of the sacrifice many canines and their handlers have made for freedom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdIp-NB4wmA
Employee Donation Drive for Dogs on Deployment: When active military are deployed, many rely on friends or family to care for their pets. If care is not available, some surrender their pets to animal shelters or rescue groups. Dogs on Deployment (DoD) is a nonprofit, veteran- operated organization that provides a central, online database for service members to search for foster families to care for their dog, cat or other pet during the duration of their deployment. The organization also offers programs and services that educate and provide resources for active-military pet owners.
Expressions of Gratitude: ABC employees will share holiday greetings and write letters of appreciation and encouragement to deployed military through Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization that sends care packages, cards and letters to active duty and veteran communities.
Animal Behavior College offers certifications and continuing education programs. To become a dog trainer, obtain dog-training certification, enroll in the Dog Obedience Program (DOP), Veterinary Assistant Program (VAP) or the Grooming Instruction Program (GIP), visit our 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 premier international vocational school specializing in certified animal career training programs. ABC has created a powerful team of skilled advocates who are devoted to nurturing the human-animal bond The founders of ABC have spent years developing and perfecting affordable career programs, many of which combine home learning with hands-on training externships with professional mentors. To date, more than 28,000 students have enrolled in ABC programs including more than 4,000 military spouses.