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Mild Weekend Could Mean It's Yard Cleaning Time For Dog Owners

CHICAGO (CBS) -- This weekend's warmer weather means many people will rediscover their yards - which for many means cleaning up after their dogs.

That's why this time of year is the busy season for "Have Doggie We'll Doo," a canine waste removal service that's been serving Chicago and the suburbs since 1990.

Owner Diane Rossi said this is their busiest time of year.

"When they (dog owners) can start seeing their yards, then they start calling," she said.

Husband and co-owner Ivan Bilic said it hasn't been bad lately, since we didn't have much snow.

Ivan Bilic
Ivan Bilic, co-owner of canine waste removal service "Have Doggie We'll Doo," stands in the back yard of a home in Albany Park, with two of his canine clients.

Spring Cleaning Time For Dog Owners

Bilic cleans about 30 yards on an average busy day. That's about 3,000 pieces of dog waste a week, according to Bilic.

Rossi said customers usually have to call four days in advance, at minimum.

Using a reinforced dust pan and special scooper, Bilic was chiseling and picking up dog poop off of large rocks and pea gravel in an Albany Park back yard on Wednesday.

"The ones you buy in the pet store are okay to pick up one or two pieces here and there," he said.

He said the dog scooping service is no more of a luxury than other service jobs.

"Babysitters, dog walkers; we live in a time that service is the future," he said.

Bilic carries treats, making him very popular with his canine clients.

"I'm just the best friend of the best friend," he said.

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