VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Dog walking is one of the remaining pleasures during the pandemic. More of us are working from home, which means we are at the ready for when Fido needs his afternoon walk.
"I started doing this as a fun activity to earn a little extra income as well as help out with community," said Jennifer Ramones, who runsA 757 Dog's Best Friend Pet Service.
Lately, her business has hit a rough patch.
"All of a sudden two years into the business, March comes, and along with that, COVID," she said.
Normally, she’d be walking four to six pups a day.
"Now, it is maybe that many in one week; it's been a huge decline," said Ramones. "My clients are business people or military, and they are spending time at home and more time with their pets then ever before."
Another bite out of her business is pet sitting. Her clients aren't traveling, and she doesn't feel safe going over to a home to stay, either.
"I don't know if it is clean or sanitized, and then I don't want to bring something in, either," she said.
For now, Ramones is lapping up whatever she can get – staying positive amid the pandemic.
"I am just taking on more side jobs, but I love this so much - making dogs smile and getting exercise... and the dog kisses are a nice bonus," she said.
