NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio — Businesses across the state of Ohio are feeling the squeeze during this coronavirus outbreak. Since Gov. Mike DeWine issued the stay at home order, many have had to close their doors and wait until its safe to open.
Meanwhile, establishments deemed essential can continue business, with some limitations.
In North Ridgeville, the Grateful Dog Bakery, located on Center Ridge Road is one of those businesses with its doors open. Grateful Dog Bakery is a pet food store, which sells dog and cat food, treats and toys.
The state has deemed pet food stores essential, so store owner Jennifer Baker said they're doing all they can to keep their store, employees and customers safe, including our four-legged friends.
"We need people to know that we're here, we're being careful. We will make sure you get your dog with minimal risk to your health," Baker said.
Since the outbreak, Baker said they've stepped up their cleaning practices inside the store. They're using germicidal wipes to clean contact points including counters, credit card readers, door handles and basically anything the customer could touch while in the store. She said they're also mopping in intervals throughout the day.
"We want everyone to be safe. This is a very scary time," she said.
Baker worked in emergency health care for 25 years, so she knows what it takes to keep people safe.
“This is how we cleaned at the hospital and that's what we need to do now."
The pet store is also doing its own version of curbside pick up. Baker said customers can call ahead or from the parking lot and tell the employees what they need. Then the employees will bring it to their car and load it, minimizing contact as much as possible.
“So to have that absolute no contact whatsoever is much safer for them and truthfully for us," she explained.
Employees of the store are also checking their temperature every morning before work to make sure they're healthy so they can keep your pets healthy.
"I do not want to be responsible for causing anybody harm. So we are taking every step that the governor and health department is recommending," Baker said.
Grateful Dog Bakery is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tell us about a business or group of businesses that are finding ways (responsibly, of course) to serve their communities during Ohio's "stay at home" order. Fill out the form on News5Cleveland.com/Open.
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