Susan Engelsman

Owner of Just Like Home Canine Bed & Breakfast Inc. has been a dog lover and owner all of her life. She has trained dogs and had her own dog grooming business for many years. 

The kennel was designed by Sue's late husband, Andy, and opened in May of 2011.  Since that time, Sue has been hard at work making her canine bed and breakfast the best it can be for the dogs in your life.                        

Experience Counts

• Business Owner
• Dog Trainer for 12+ years.
• Dog Groomer
• Raised/trained 10 puppies to completion for Can Do Canines Service Dogs, and fostered over 15 puppies for them 'short term'. 

Ann Sheehan

Ann has been on staff with Just Like Home since the fall of 2014.  She has been a great asset for us with her dog/animal knowledge.  Ann lives in Big Lake and is the proud mom to over a dozen dogs, 5 horses, 2 mini donkeys, 2 goats, 2 sheep, and 1 pot bellied pig!  Whew!  In the past, Ann and her horses have volunteered their time working with kids preparing for the Special Olympics. 

She is pictured her with two of her dogs, George and Jax.

Trina Ulven

Trina has been with our staff since the fall of 2019.  She lives in Big Lake with her husband, her 2 girls, her dog Mocha (pictured) and her cat. She is a real dog lover and has owned many dogs including 4 shelties, a beagle, an American Eskimo, a pekingese, a collie, and her current mini Aussie.  Trina says she feels a real connection with dogs and believes they are very therapeutic and calming.  She has had previous kennel experience working at a facility in Sabin, MN.  When not spending time with your dogs, she enjoys being outdoors, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.  

Katie Mullen

Katie works at Just Like Home every other Saturday, as she is busy with her full time job 5 days a week.  She says working at Just Like Home is literally fun and relaxing for her as it is a nice change of pace.  Katie has been a foster for Ruff Start Rescue since 2017 and has had many foster dogs come and go, as she helps them find their forever home.  She finds this work very rewarding.  She has 2 dogs and 2 cats of her own.  Katie has been married for 22 years and has 2 daughters.

Zoey Wirz

Zoey's love for animals is evident is the way she tenderly cares for them.  She joined our staff in September of 2022. Zoey lives in Nowthen and shares her home with her 2 dogs, 3 cats, 3 fish, and 1 leopard gecko.  She grew up around many farms and spent time with the farm animals, which fostered her love for animals.  She said she loves coming to work, where she makes sure all your dogs are happy and comfortable, and to ensure they have an awesome day!  Some of her hobbies include hiking, photography, and gardening.

Mindy Kichler

We were very excited to have Mindy join our team.  She has worked the last 32 years as a veterinary assistant (where she still continues to work) at a pet hospital in Brooklyn Park, so she comes to us with much pet experience and knowledge.  Mindy has one dog, a beautiful pointer named Nala.  She has always enjoyed working with animals and has a specific interest in educating clients regarding their pet's health.

Becky Thurber

Becky has been a great asset to our staff with her love of dogs and her hard working attitude.  She loves spending time with your dogs to make sure their day is full of fun!  She has two dogs of her own, five cats, and 19 chickens!  She and her family live in Zimmerman.  In her spare time, Becky and her family love spending time with friends and family, and doing outside activities.

Lex Halverson

Lex was thrilled when offered the chance to come work with animals and has been as Just Like Home since October 2024.  She grew up fostering dogs and cats in her home, in addition to her own household pets - labs, a frug (French bulldog/pug), and a Rottweiler.  She even had a pet mouse, whom she adored.  Lex says she loves coming to work every day and be able to love on all the dogs here. (I've heard her say many times that she wants to take them home with her : ) She and her son live in Nowthen, MN. 

Ellie Mullen

Ellie and her family have been fostering dogs since Ellie was 8 years old.  She has three dogs of her own - 2 'littles' and 1 Rottweiler who recently joined their family.  She also has two cats.  Ellie is very involved in sports and excels at hockey and tennis.  She says working at Just Like Home has been like a dream come true - instead of dreading to go to a job, she can't wait to get here and play with the dogs.  She finds it very rewarding building relationships with all of our guests and caring for your dogs while you're away.

Jaiden Fickling

Jaiden has worked at Just Like Home since January 2024.  She lives in Zimmerman with her family and two dogs, Piper - an 8 year old affectionate and intelligent Jack Russell, and Rosie - a 9 year old says but cuddly Shih Tzu.  She is currently studying to be a veterinary technician and earn her AA degree.  She says she has a passion for animals and enjoys getting to know their unique personalities.  In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, fishing, creating diamond painting pictures, and baking.

Hallie Selley 

Hallie says she has always had a passionate love for dogs, so she was very excited to find a job that she loves and enjoys.  She joined our staff in October of 2024.  Hallie lives in Otsego with her husband, one daughter, and her 2 dogs Rex and Blitz.  She says she loves coming to work to enjoy all the time spent with all of the dogs here, and getting know each one personally. When away from work, Hallie enjoys spending time with her family doing the things they love - hunting, fishing, being at the lake on a boat or jetski, shopping, and traveling.  Hallie has also been coaching high school softball for the last 4 years.