Pandemic Brings Quality Time with Pets
November 9, 2020
Meet Dr. Fauci, the cat, a pandemic adoptee. (Courtesy of Julie Charles)
There is one silver lining of the pandemic: the surge in pet adoptions. As more people work from home to prevent transmission of the virus, they have more time to take care of and bond with their pets.
The mutual relationship that animals and humans form, benefits both animals and humans alike. Animals benefit because their owners give them love and affection in the form of treats, walks, toys, kisses, and petting.
Humans benefit because they become more active when they fill food bowls, clean the litter box, and take their pets on walks. They also derive comfort from their animal companions, who help prevent loneliness at a time of emotional upheaval.
Here are a few stories from https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/zevely-zone/favorite-pandemic-pet-stories/509-27086df4-6b12-4b36-b7d6-5b96f9e319b5 and https://www.seattletimes.com/life/pets/pandemic-pets-readers-share-stories-about-the-new-furry-friends-theyve-adopted/ of just how people have benefitted from adopting a pet during the pandemic.
“Dr. Fauci is the cat I adopted during the pandemic. It’s wonderful having company, and he can’t jump up on my counters! He likes to wear a bowtie.” — Julie
“My daughter’s chihuahua mix has come home to live with us during this pandemic, and Charlotte (her Golden Retriever) has become very territorial. She likes to get in the way, she’s got one move called the ‘Drive-by,’ where she just walks in between you. And then one thing I’ve learned about them is that they can be very forgiving. They can be fighting like crazy over a sock one minute, and the next minute they are best friends again.”
“We searched for months and filled out about 50 applications — no kidding. We adopted Chula in mid-June, and she has been a complete joy. She is smart, quiet, playful, and my only child—a 9-year-old son, now has an interactive friend that is only slightly a notch below a human.” — Gabriela
“My partner and I adopted a chiweenie in late March, right when lockdown got really serious. All of the Seattle-area shelters were so inundated with pet adoption applications; our dog came from a rescue organization in Laredo, Texas. This organization partners with foster families to get dogs from kill shelters in Texas to homes in the Pacific Northwest. His name is Jepsen, named after the artist Carly Rae Jepsen. He has brought so much joy into our lives during an otherwise very dark time. Jepsen is a companion for me when I’d otherwise be alone working from home, and taking care of him helps to take my mind off of the seeming constant bad news around us. He is a very sweet, cuddly lap dog who has brought so much joy and love into our home. It is definitely a bright spot in this pandemic.” — Ryan
“My daughter has always wanted a puppy, but we instead have always rescued senior dogs from shelters (nine to be exact) because they have the hardest time getting adopted. During COVID, I told my daughter we could get a puppy as long as he/she was a rescue dog. Two days later I was looking at the PAWS Companion Animal Shelter volunteer website (as I volunteer there,) and there was a video of four male lab mixes who were owner surrendered to PAWS. My eye went directly to the little brown one and I called the next day, and was accepted to adopt him. His name is Greydon, and he has brought so much more laughter into our house. Our senior dog, Griffy, plays with him all the time. When we take him on our daily walks, our neighbors always smile at his goofiness and ask about him. This warms our hearts as most people need something to smile about during these difficult times.” — Jenn
“I adopted Mortimer at the start of July this year. He’s the best co-worker I could ask for. His bed is right next to my desk. He spends most of the day napping by my side. He’s brought me joy, peace and the occasional dead mouse.” — LeRoux
Have you adopted a pet or spent more time with your pet during the pandemic? Let us know! Send us a few sentences about your pet along with a picture to [email protected].
