b'Surfaceswereconstantlycleaned.Everyonewascognizantofsocialdistancing.Theyexpandedtheirpersonal delivery service to customers. On any given day,one would find Patrick making deliveries with his co-pilot,Lucky, a rescue dog from Florida Little Dog Rescue.Our own dogs, Riptide, Lucky and Penny, reallyhelped us get through this, said Patrick. The stress wasunbelievable. It was like being in the batters box for 12straight hours a day with no break. The dogs helped us tode-stress once we were home. Coming home, though, didnt mean their workdayhad ended. Each new day brought new obstacles. Lyingin bed at night, they thought out loud about that daysseries of events, and wondered what to expect the follow-ing day. The worrying was never-ending, and what littlesleep they found came only after complete exhaustion.Their staff never flinched. I was so proud of ourteam and all that they had endured for Leo & Luckys,saidPatrick.Attheendof2020,PatrickandRachelagreed to give each employee a bonus. Full time employ-ees received $1,000, and part time employees received$500. They are our heroes, said Patrick. I can onlycontrol what I can control to keep the ship afloat. Wecamethroughtheworstimaginablethingabusinesscould face, stronger than before.And about those franchise plans?We now realize,werelookingforaspecialkindofpersonforourfranchises. Good-hearted people who arent afraid of hardwork. Someone, say, who is willing to help unload thedeliverytruckandstockshelveswhenyouremployeesarent available. We want people who are passionate abouthelpingpetsandtheircommunities.Peoplewhoarealready successful. When I find someone like that, Illprobably try and talk them out of buying the franchise.RachelandIwanttodorightbypeopleandwillbecompletely transparent. This past year has taught us somuch about ourselves, the business and our community.ThepetbusinesshasbeengoodtoPatrickandRachel; the reward for sweat equity, dedication, and goodold-fashioned hard work.Youve got to have an open mind as an entrepre-neur, Patrick said. "Remember that, nothing is ever asgood or as bad as it seems Youre not going to make a lotof money, but youre going to make a difference. UFor more information on franchise opportunities, go towww.LeoandLuckysFranchise.com or emailcorporate@LeoAndLuckys.comLeo & Luckys8943 US Highway 301 N., Parrish, Florida941.776.0770 - www.LeoAndLuckys.com66THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'