Hello! My name is Erica, and I‘m all about providing informed, comprehensive care that celebrates your dog. I grew up watching Animal Planet, idolizing Steve Irwin and preferring the Puppy Bowl to the Super Bowl. I’m studying conservation biology and wildlife management at Michigan State, and I’d love to become a certified dog trainer one day. I’ve always been this passionate about animals. In third grade, I began an email campaign in which I spammed my parent’s inbox with subject titles like “reasons we should get a dog” and “I will be such a great dog owner.” It took some time, but after a year and a half of harassment, they finally gave in (yes, I still have the emails, and they’re hilarious). I spent my summers helping my uncle care for his two Labrador Retrievers, Hobey, and Logan — but I didn’t stop there. I began knocking on neighbors' doors to see if I could play with their dogs. Two permitted daily walks. Those that declined my offer had a habit of leaving their dogs outside. I’m sure you can see where this is going. Every day after school, I’d hop off the bus and rush to say hello to my neighbor’s Irish Setter. I’d hang out on the porch, petting the dog till they got home from work. Anyways, I cherished my dog, Cooper -- we were inseparable! When she neared the end of her life, I began administering insulin twice a day and being intentional in accommodating her special needs. Lately, I’ve been helping my best friend take care of their Vizsla puppy. This high-energy dog requires multiple daily walks and extensive mental stimulation, which I’m happy to provide. Winnie loves taking 2-6 mile hikes, swimming, and learning new tricks! I’m currently working part-time in the service industry, and I’m eager to spend my free time around animals! I am available in the mornings and afternoons every day of the week. To me, safety is paramount when caring for any pet. I follow Rover 101's safety protocols religiously, and I never take unnecessary risks. I have two cats at home who are full of personality, and I love to spoil them. I erected a 6-foot-tall cat tree in their honor. I splurge on nutritious food, scoop their luxury litter 2x a day, and make sure to get a toy and play with them directly for at least 20 minutes a day. Recently, I’ve decided to try my hand at leash training them. It’s….. a work in progress.