Santa Clarita, Calif., June 30, 2014—Animal Behavior College (ABC) today announced the winners of its first sponsor-supported scholarship essay contest. Coastal Pet Products Inc., a pet collar and leash manufacturer located in Alliance, Ohio, provided two ABC Dog Obedience Program (DOP) students scholarships of $500 each. The recipients, Ashlie Bonicelli of Aurora, Colo., and Paul D. Lopez of Homestead, Fla., were selected for their unwavering commitment to the dog training profession.
“Coastal Pet Products is pleased to have the opportunity to support educational opportunities such as this one,” said Diane Thomas, marketing manager. “We are dedicated to supporting programs that enrich the lives of pets and their owners.”
Committed to leading the pet industry with quality products that support healthy and safe interactions between pets and their owners since 1968, Coastal Pet Products is a family-owned American manufacturer. The company specializes in collars, leashes and harnesses, retractable leashes, tie outs, grooming tools and toys for dogs and cats.
“We commend Coastal Pet Products for providing scholarships and demonstrating a commitment to helping students become certified dog trainers,” said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO of Animal Behavior College. “This investment represents and reaffirms their dedication to supporting and advancing dog training education.”
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. The scholarship recipients had to convey a commitment to using their skills and expertise to help owners achieve a harmonious human-to-canine relationship. To qualify, applicants needed to demonstrate a financial need and submit a 500-word essay that clearly explained why they want to become a dog trainer. Judges reviewed each entry and selected applicants who communicated their objectives best.
“I am honored that my story and writing was worthy of this recognition and appreciate the assistance with my tuition,” said Ashlie Bonicelli. “I am very grateful for ABC and the opportunity to participate in the scholarship program.”
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity and plan to move forward full speed ahead,” said Paul Lopez. “I consider it a true blessing [and] the opportunity that ABC and Coastal Pet Products have given me, not only to assist with the financial load through this scholarship, but also in the manner that we had to acquire it.”
To learn more about Coastal Pet Products, Inc., visit the website or Facebook page at www.coastalpet.comor www.facebook.com/CoastalPetProducts, respectively. For information about Animal Behavior College and the certified Dog Training Program (DOP), Grooming Instruction Program (GIP) and Veterinary Assistant Program (VAP), please visit our website at www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.comor 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 through dog training, veterinary assisting and pet grooming. The founders of ABC have spent years developing and perfecting affordable career programs, which combine home learning with hands-on training externships with professional mentors. To date, more than 28,000 students have enrolled in ABC programs and the alumni group boasts the largest number of certified dog trainers in the United States.