Lisa Eckelbecker of the Worcester Telegram reports that NEFA Member DoodyCalls business is picking up.

There’s just no easy way around it. This story is about, ahem, what pets leave behind and the people who want to clean it up. Jack Sheehy, engineer by day, DoodyCalls business operator by night, has launched the first DoodyCalls franchise in the Worcester area, and while some may twitter about his job, he has no qualms about it.

“Some people get rich doing what they love,” said Mr. Sheehy, a former Navy submariner who lives in Sterling. “I’m hoping to do well doing what people hate.”

DoodyCalls Franchising LLC, which is based in Charlottesville, Va., and has about 10 franchises across the country that are not owned by the company, offers to scoop poop from yards, kennels, dog runs, litter boxes, parks and just about any other place it might accumulate. It’s part of a pet waste removal industry that is filled with franchised chains and independent entrepreneurs.

In the Boston area, pet owners tired of picking up after their animals can turn to Pet Butler of Frisco, Texas, a national franchiser, or Dog-Gone-It Inc. of Newton. In the Pioneer Valley, Doggy Doody Disposal serves Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties.

DoodyCalls workers travel in lime green trucks emblazoned with smiling cartoon dogs.

If it seems like a strange business, consider that pet owners indulge their furry friends. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that U.S. pet owners will spend $43.4 billion on their pets this year, including $3.2 billion on pet services.

Mr. Sheehy acquired the DoodyCalls franchise for a territory stretching from suburban Boston to Central Massachusetts and started the business in December 2006. Now serving about 100 customers, Mr. Sheehy recently hired his first full-time employee. He hopes to leave his day job and focus full time on DoodyCalls by June 2009.

Customers include senior citizens, busy families, apartment complexes and people who just don’t like to clean up after their pets.

“It’s a wonderful service, especially for a senior citizen,” said Peggy Bisson of Northboro, Mr. Sheehy’s first customer and the owner of two dogs that barked and shimmied when Mr. Sheehy and an employee arrived to clean their yard. “I saw them online and couldn’t wait to sign up.”

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