Columbus business offers free dog boarding for doctors, first responders amid coronavirus

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Just like every other small business, Leanna Rocheleau’s has felt the pain during the coronavirus crisis. She took a hit when dog-owners canceled Spring Break trips — and canceled boarding reservations at her business, Barks and Rec.

“We took a huge hit losing all of our spring break boarders,” she said.

Along with the empty kennels, Rocheleau heard from nervous clients, many of whom work at local hospitals.

“We had a lot of hospital employees approach us, wondering what happens if they get quarantined at work,” she said.

So she’s offered free boarding and doggy daycare for hospital workers and first responders. It’s an effort to provide them with some peace of mind “while the doctors and the first responders are out there saving the world,” she said.

Rocheleau said that when the news updates about coronavirus and its spread become too stressful, there’s no better therapy than a little time with her four-legged clients.

“There’s a reason why there’s therapy animals out there,” she said. “It does provide a sense of happiness when you’re around them.”

“If everybody can find one small way to help, then we’d all be a little better for it,” she said.