Page 40 - North Haven Magazine Issue 39 Summer 2025

A Day in the Life of
A D a y in the L if e o f by Mike Proto
Bethany Caroleo

Veterinary Technician at Ridgehill Animal Hospital and

Certified Dog Trainer at Partner with Us, LLC

eing a senior in high school is an exciting time. There are
so many celebrations as the end of the year approaches
Band everyone appears to be in good spirits. And then, after
all of the celebrating, everything culminates with the gradua-
tion ceremony. Many young people view these days as some of
the best times of their lives. Nevertheless, faced with the pros-
pect of deciding their future path, many seniors also experience
a certain amount of trepidation and uncertainty as their high
school days are coming to an end. Like so many of her peers,
Bethany Caroleo had many unanswered questions regarding her
future at this time in her life. Although she displayed a love of
animals, and dogs in particular, from a very early age, it never
entered her mind that she could take that love and carve out a
meaningful career for herself. Then, one day prior to the end of
her senior year, she was approached by her mother, Ginny who
suggested that she enroll in the National K9 School for Dog Train-
ers located in Columbus, Ohio. Her mom could see that she was
passionate about dogs. She had observed how well Bethany had
interacted with them when she volunteered, and then worked,
at a Doggy Daycare facility, and she firmly believed that becom-
ing a dog trainer was a perfect fit for her daughter. While Beth-
any was initially reluctant to pursue this avenue, she eventually
decided to follow her mom’s advice. In April of 2013 with her
beloved Golden doodle, Jaymo by her side, she entered into and
completed the two-month program at the National K9 School.
She graduated on May 17th, 2013 and was awarded certification
as a Professional Trainer. Bethany was quick to point out during
our interview how important Jaymo’s presence was to her at
this time, and how he has continued to inspire her in the work
she does. As she stated, “He is a big reason why I love what I do. Bethany with her dog Jaymo
Even now, he comes to work with me every single day.”
Upon receiving her degree, Bethany re- In the years that have followed, Betha- ends at approximately 5:00pm. In addi-
turned to Connecticut, and it was not ny has taken on more responsibility at tion, she will see her dog training clients
long before she put the training she had Ridgehill. In 2020, she began working at “Partner with Us” during her break
received to good use. She began work- full-time there. Today she handles the time at Ridgehill or during the evening
ing part-time as a Veterinary Technician majority of clients who do not need to hours. In all, she works a total of about
at Ridgehill Animal Hospital and also see the Doctor during their visit. She 60 hours a week. While this may seem
began training dogs in the area of New also works closely and collaborates with like a very cumbersome schedule, Beth-
Haven, North Haven, and Hamden. Her the Doctors at Ridgehill if any unfore- any does not see it that way. She loves
success was immediate as her clients seen circumstances should arise. what she is doing and views it all as a
saw firsthand her love and expertise labor of love. Each day is different and
in working with their pets, whether at Between her full-time duties at Ridgehill on any given day she may be required
Ridgehill or in the Dog Training Busi- and her thriving Dog Training Business, to work collaboratively with various dog
ness, “Partner with Us” which she had it makes for a very busy schedule. Her owners who may need assistance in
founded. day at Ridgehill begins at 7:00am and eradicating their dog’s undesirable be-

40 North Haven Magazine - Summer 2025