MAUREEN ERICKSON

My lifelong dream? A dog. It was a constant whisper in my heart, but life—with its twists and turns from childhood to adulthood—always seemed to put it just out of reach. Then, the world changed. The pandemic shuttered the theatres and events that had defined my career, forcing me to pivot. For the first time, I found myself in a “safe” job, and with that stability, the door finally opened. We welcomed a corgi puppy, Daisy, into our family.

Daisy was a whirlwind: sassy, mouthy (with a penchant for nipping), and overflowing with playful energy. I instantly knew I wanted to give her the best life possible. Coincidentally, the pandemic also brought dog food shortages, a challenge that sparked a deep dive into canine nutrition. I became obsessed with learning everything I could about feeding dogs properly. This newfound passion led me to pursue and complete my Certification in Companion Animal Nutrition through Southern Illinois University- Carbondale.

But nutrition was only one piece of the puzzle. Daisy’s spirited personality made me realize I needed to understand dog behavior and training better. So, I embarked on my journey as a dog trainer. Online learning provided a solid foundation, but I craved the hands-on experience of a classroom setting. I had been watching QnB for about a year, practically “stalking” their work, when the opportunity arose. Lisa and Wendy put out a call for interns.

It wasn’t long before I found myself in the thick of it, assisting with classes and absorbing every bit of knowledge I could. The experience solidified my passion for making dog training fun and engaging. Now, I specialize in helping owners create enriching experiences for their pets, weaving those activities seamlessly into their daily routines. From nutrition to training, it all started with a lifelong dream and a sassy little dog named Daisy.