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2008 OUTSTANDING VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
PRESENTED BY COMFORT ZONE WITH D.A.P.
AT THE AMERICAN PET DOG TRAINERS AWARDS CEREMONY

Click here to view a photo: Gayle DiMenna

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - October 15, 2008 - Gayle DiMenna was selected as winner of the 2008 Outstanding Veterinary Technician of the Year Award, sponsored by Comfort Zone with D.A.P. The award was presented today during an awards ceremony at the American Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

The 2008 Outstanding Veterinary Technician of the Year Award, presented by Comfort Zone with D.A.P., recognizes a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers who exemplifies the APDT spirit by demonstrating empathy for animals and humans and by meeting a variety of requirements set forth by the APDT Awards Committee.

DiMenna is a certified veterinary technician in Connecticut with Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and in Veterinary Technology. As the lead veterinary technician at Country Companions Veterinary Service, DiMenna specializes in working as a behavior liaison between doctors and clients. In addition, she is the Connecticut State Representative of the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians and a dog training instructor intern.

"My goal is to bring veterinary technicians and dog trainers together to work toward common behavior goals," said Gayle DiMenna, winner of the 2008 Outstanding Veterinary Technician of the Year Award, sponsored by Comfort Zone with D.A.P.

In her winning essay, The First Line of Defense, DiMenna says, "Veterinary Technicians are the first line of defense for dog behavior problems because we see the clients three to four times as puppies, then one to two times a year thereafter. Veterinary technicians need to be properly educated on dog body language and behavior, and convey appropriate concerns to owners. Veterinary technicians need to be able to coach owners on how to choose a trainer that is based on positive reinforcement as well as mutual trust and respect."

DiMenna currently shares her home with Nina, a 3-year-old lab/beagle mix and 5-feline friends: Oliver, Phoenix, Drake, Ivy and Sarina. Nina was adopted as a 9-month-old, at which time she was extremely shy and fearful. Although Nina still has a few fear issues, she has progressed enough to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizens Test.

Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the natural appeasing pheromone released by the lactating female to reassure her puppies. The pheromone therapy helps to reduce symptoms of fear that include: barking, house soiling, whining, whimpering and destructive behaviors. It also helps comfort dogs that are newly adopted, moving to new homes, adjusting to new pets, visitors and environments, or those frightened of thunderstorms and fireworks.

For information about Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® for dogs or Comfort Zone® with Feliway® for cats visit www.petcomfortzone.com or in the U.S., call toll free at (800) 234-2269.

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