Meet Selah Marting | Service Dog Trainer and Program Instructor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Selah Marting and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Selah, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, animals were always a big part of my life and definitely influenced why I chose the career I have today. When I began looking into colleges, every degree option I saw was of zero interest to me. The thought of another 4 years of school studying something I didn’t care about was very discouraging. That’s when I found Bergin University of Canine Studies and it changed my life!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
On average, only 1 out of 3 Service Dogs in Training get placed as a working Service Dog. It’s a job that requires very specific skills that are not easy to come by or train. However, at Paws for Purple Hearts, even the other 2 out 3 dogs in training impact multiple Veterans’ lives. We hold Canine-Assisted Warrior Therapy where Veterans and active duty help train Service Dogs for fellow Veterans in need.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite part of San Diego is definitely Ocean Beach. Not only do they have great breweries and vegan restaurants, but also one of the best dog beaches of all time! I’m pretty sure to go to OB you are required to love dogs and have a relaxed attitude. A close second is Fiesta Island. It’s a great walk to go all the way around the “island” and partway through you can let your dogs run in the huge off leash dog area. There’s so much space that you never have the crowded dog park feel and it is in the bay so there’s lots of wave-less ocean for the dogs to swim in.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Paws for Purple Hearts has allowed me learn so much more about training Service Dogs and working with Veterans. In 2016 I graduated from Bergin University and started the San Diego branch of PPH with a fellow former classmate. We started with 2 dogs in training and working out of our apartment. Now we have a large facility, a team of 5, and between 6 and 8 dogs. I am very grateful to PPH for helping me continue working on my training skills and bring a smile to hundreds of Veterans’ faces.
Website: pawsforpurplehearts.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paws4ph/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/paws4ph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paws4ph
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzhucwDqRIsmPuEwwKf2zxQ
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
