Football player finds puppy love

Lineman funds tuition by working with dogs

Roundup Reporter

For most students who come to Pierce College from out of state it’s a struggle financially, but one student athlete is able to pay for his higher priced tuition and living expenses by selling teacup puppies.

Tzion Wayden, a 21-year-old offensive lineman for the Pierce football team, moved to Los Angeles from Philadelphia, Pa. all on his own last year in hopes of continuing his football career.

“I needed to go to a school to play football and it had to be a community college because I’m not qualified,” Wayden said. “I did some research online and found Pierce, which seemed like a great place.”

Around the time of arrival he immediately searched everywhere for a job but didn’t find anything that sparked his interest.

He stumbled upon a business owner named Ben Ashel, who offered him a job working at his Kennel where teacup puppies are legally bred and sold.

“After three months of already living in Los Angeles, I started working at Star Yorkie Kennel with the puppies in Sept. 2012,” Wayden said.

He explained that this job wasn’t just any job like working at McDonalds because he gets a lot of experience from this opportunity.

“This job is more productive and helps me for my future because I learn more about the business aspect,” Wayden said. “I don’t only work with the puppies, but I work with the shop and customers.”

The player is grateful for this job because the work environment has a positive vibe and really helps pay for the tuition fee at Pierce, according to the football player.

“Two words that would describe my job would be cute and fun,” Wayden said. “It is a fun job because I get to care for these adorable, little puppies and I get to see people leave with a smile on their face which makes me feel great knowing I did a good job.”

Ben Ashel, owner of Star Yorkie Kennel in Reseda, Calif., explains that when he first met Wayden he knew he would be a trustworthy employee that he can rely on.

“Tzion is awesome. He is the