My name is Cipriana Costello and I’m from Saugerties, NY. I’m excited to get to join the intern team here at Vom Kugelblitz! I received my BS in Entrepreneurial Studies from Rider University in 2017 and I’m currently working on my AAS in Veterinary Technology at SUNY Ulster.
My goal is to one day become a certified trainer/behaviorist and open my own animal rescue. When I’m not studying or running my pet care business you’ll likely find me cuddled up with my doggies and kitties at home, hiking the Catskills, at the nearest cidery or winery, or trying every vegetarian option on the menu at a local restaurant. My other passions include travel, music/vocal performance, and animal rescue!
As a child I found my passion for animals almost immediately. I was often found reading dog breed books, playing vet with my childhood dog, and pretending my grandparents labs were wild wolves running in the woods with us.
Throughout the following years I worked at shelters, doggie daycares, a farm hand at a local barn, did dog bathing, vet work, and pet sitting. As well as working as a daycare assistant teacher throughout high school and once graduated a head toddler teacher at a preschool. Although I valued my time and experience at each of these jobs I knew my true passion was for dog training. I am currently enrolled in Catch Canine Training Academy and working towards obtaining my CCPDT certification.
When I’m not working I spend my time at our farm where I live with my childhood friends. We are starting our own hobby farm with chickens, horses, goats, cows, and my Australian Cattle dog, Hero. I’d like to get into dock diving, lure coursing, SAR, and protection with my personal dog(s).
My dream is to take my love for both educating people and experience as a dog trainer to develop a program that teaches other people to became successful trainers, allows owners to communicate with their canine companions more clearly and effectively. A program that will help better canine and handler relationships in both working dog homes as well as pet homes. While keeping the mindset that we can always learn and improve our skills as teachers, trainers, and handlers.
My name is Abbie Sweeney, and I am currently a senior at SUNY Cobleskill majoring in Canine Training and Management, BT. Before I receive my diploma, I have to complete an internship and I am so excited to be completing mine at Vom Kugelblitz Kennels and Training Academy! Taking classes such as Canine Training, Canine Aggression, Area Search, and Detection helped prepare me for some of the work that I will be doing here. When I’m home, I volunteer at a local animal shelter. I also work at a doggy day and do basic training there, however, may be doing more specific training such as agility once I graduate. In the future, I hope to own my own training and boarding facility as well as work with either service or search and rescue dogs. I am most excited to get more hands-on training with German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. I can’t wait to learn about everything Vom Kugelblitz has to offer!