In Middletown, Ohio, many residents of JD Vance's hometown are bursting with pride at their native son’s accomplishments.

Willen was preparing to open a dog boarding business when the pandemic hit. Willen sensed the virus outbreak wouldn't end quickly, which meant dog owners wouldn't be traveling and many would keep working at home, eliminating the need for his services. He decided to restart a business he'd shelved in favor of boarding, dog treats. Willen sensed the virus outbreak wouldn’t end quickly, which meant dog owners wouldn’t be traveling and many would keep working at home, eliminating the need for his services. “It was looking like COVID was not going away by November or December, and those are huge months for dog boarding,” says Willen.