Meet Pet Care Expert, Gina Marie Esoldi

In 2014, with children raised and moving into a new chapter of her life, Gina was blessed with meeting Sally Montrucchio, the founder of Next Step Service Dogs. This chance meeting in a dog park changed Gina’s life; she discovered her life’s calling — selecting and training Assistance Dogs for Veterans primarily with PTSD and/or TBI and providing 24/7 support for the life of the dog. In 2017, Gina received her Certification as a Professional Dog Trainer from the CCPDT.

Having the opportunity to work with, not only amazing dogs but also, the men and women that have served our country, is more than she had hoped or planned. Gina is truly passionate about her work and beyond grateful to the men and women that continue to provide purpose for her each day.
Subsequently, Gina founded Companion Dog Training to teach Puppy Classes for Veteran-owned puppies and adolescent dogs. CDT also employees Veterans that have graduated the NSSD program.