Bergin University of Canine Studies

Alumni

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE Class of 2010

The Bergin University of Canine Studies, Home of the Assistance Dog Institute, is pleased to introduce our Associate of Science degree class of 2010. We are honored to bring great talent to the your attention and to provide networking and employment opportunities for Assistance Dog International members and our graduates. Please take a moment to read about our graduates’ backgrounds and interests and contact them when you’re seeking special talents.


	Kim Chew & Olssen San Bruno, California AS in ADE	I intend to pursue a career training dogs in diverse areas, from scent detection, diabetic alerting, to hearing dog work both indoors and outdoors. I am interested in an internship as well as a position with an organization working in these areas. In addition to Bergin University studies, I completed 12 weeks of scent detection work, a novice title in agility, and a 26-year career in finance at the US Postal Service.

	Hannah Knapp & Chrissy Maple Falls, Washington AS in ADE	I am looking for a paid apprentice dog trainer position, but am open to grooming and environmental management work as well. I have had extensive training in service dogs and a small taste of many other dog activities and training methods. I have even completed the beginner and intermediate classes at K9 Nose Works, which is a scent detection class. With this knowledge I am willing to enter any dog related field of work. I can even help with public relations and marketing. I am willing to relocate.

	Lesley Liddle & Nora Eastsound, Washington AS in ADE	In the past eight months I have developed a program called “Canine Safety Companions” which specifically helps the elderly. I rigorously select and train small shelter dogs for obedience, for sound alerting, retrieval and tugging skills, and to go for help. Then I match the dog with a senior who could use a little help maintaining independence at home. My own small shelter dog “Lulu” has been trained as a “demo” dog so that I can make realistic presentations to senior centers, charitable organizations, and potential clients.

	Michelle Perry & Neely Santa Rosa, California AS in ADE	My ideal job and goal is to train assistance dogs for programs, businesses, or organizations. I would also like to teach people how to train assistance dogs and to help those who can be helped by dogs, such as disabled people. I am a person who enjoys working with dogs and I also enjoy the creative aspects of training dogs with different personalities. I am also interested in doing some internships and seminars to increase my knowledge and skills. Bergin University has given me a great opportunity to work with and train different types of dogs, like service dogs, balance dogs, mobility dogs and dogs to assist people with PTSD. The school has also given me the opportunity to work with clients with disabilities, teaching them commands and how to manage their service dogs. I am very excited to start my career.