in Humboldt Park, small business ownership is a family affair.
“When I first started, the doggy day care industry was very new,” Ayala said. “So skyrocket high and then eventually, throughout the years, it was still high, but then the pandemic hit and we kind of hit rock bottom. People were working from home, people stopped traveling. Day care was more like a luxury, because if I’m at home, why do I need to send my dog to day care?”
“I was referred to the Verizon Small Digital Grant, and it kind of was one of my first attempts, and I was like, ‘Well, what are the odds of me getting awarded?’” Ayala said. “And long story short, I did get awarded.”Ayala said the $10,000 grant allowed her to add services like grooming, as well as boost her. And her clients said those kinds of touches make Furry Paws stand out in a crowded field.