By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
PLAINVILLE — Taylor Ayers wanted to find a part-time job in his hometown of Plainville, but, at 13, no would hire him.
With COVID looming, he couldn't even find somewhere to volunteer.
Ayers created his own job and business in May and, in less than a year, has donated $1,600 to the USD 270 Plainville special education department.
Ayers founded Ayers Buddies, a pet sitting business in Plainville.
For $20 per day, Taylor will visit your pet at its own home, feed, water and potty it, as well as take it for a walk, weather permitting.
The bulk of Taylor's business is dogs and cats, but he has also cared for rabbits, fish and chickens.
He said he loves animals, including his own three pets, Ghost, an American shorthair cat; Mittens, a calico cat; and Lolly, a golden retriever.
"I like happy dogs. I like happy cats. I like walking them," he said.
After a profitable summer, Taylor donated 25 percent of his profits — $200 — to USD 270 Plainville special education department. He followed that up with a Ayers Buddies drinking tumbler raffle, which raised an additional $1,400 for the department.
Taylor's younger sister Trissan, 12, has a rare chromosome disorder, which has left her in a wheelchair. She is largely non-verbal and is served by the USD 270 special education department.
"I wanted to donate to make their year better for her and everybody else," Taylor said.
Ayers Buddies also sponsored the Plainville Turkey Trot in 2021.
Taylor's mother Chantel Ayers, said Taylor and his sister are very close. She added she and her husband, Dustin, are extremely proud of Taylor for taking on the responsibility of the business and being generous with his earnings.
Taylor said he was assisted in building his business by the Vision Leadership program out of Stockton.
Taylor will also compete in a youth entrepreneurship competition in March with his Ayers Buddies business.
Taylor, a freshman at Plainville Junior-Senior High School, wants to study law after he graduates.
However, he said he would like to hand his business off to another Plainville youth so they could continue donations to the special education department and use the rest of the proceeds for college.
He's not exactly sure what they might look like yet.
Taylor only offers services in Plainville. At 14, he doesn't drive and rides his bike to clients' homes.
However, if you live in Plainville and would like to hire Ayers Buddies, you can reach Taylor through his business Facebook page.