Mundelein resident Anna LaRocco Masi experienced a sense of isolation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

The 29-year-old wanted to socialize with other pet owners, specifically those who have huskies just like her pet, 5-year-old Helsinki. But she found it difficult to connect.

That’s when she decided it was time for an idea that had been percolating in her mind to finally become reality.

“I had this vision to create an app where like-minded individuals can connect,” LaRocco Masi said. “A forum to reduce the social isolation of people and pets.”

So, with the help of her friend Samar Shah, a software engineer from Kane County, the two confounded Petwrk.

Available on both iOS and Android, the app aims to enable users to find nearby playdates by breed, size, and location, a

See Full Page