GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Jill Hendrickson's new business model to keep her local parks clean includes an unlikely partner.
Hendrickson, 22, of Grand Rapids started her business 'Webs and Paws' right out of college. She's since teamed up with her dog Grace—a two and half year old border collie—who had already undergone specialized training.
Contracted by local parks around the Grand Rapids area, one of which is John Collins Park in East Grand Rapids, Hendrickson said she uses specialized commands to guide Grace around the park where she then chases birds and other small animals off the property.
Hendrickson said over time the birds learn to avoid the parks, decreasing the amount of animal waste in the area. Dogs are supposed to be on a leash in John Collins Park, but they've made a special exception for Grace, enabling her to do her job.
While Hendrickson says Grace is allowed to have plenty of playtime at home, once at the park it's all business. Hendrickson said she encourages people to not call Grace or try to pet her, because if she's at the park she will be hard at work.
You can find more information on the Webs and Paws Facebook page here.
