I grew up around farm animals like cows, goats, horses, and pigs. Our family also had dogs who served as my best friends and protectors from a young age. My mom would always say that old family dog Jasmine used to sleep by my crib or play with me.
Even when I became an adult and lived on my own, I did not outgrow my love for animals. I looked for an apartment that would allow me to bring pets at home. Then, I adopted a couple of rescue dogs who I connected with as soon as I saw them.
Because of my out-of-town business trips, though, I did not have much spare time to spend with my pets. I always felt so guilty about it, especially when I would live them to the same shelter where they came from. I had no choice; I lived alone, and no one could look after them while I was away.
But I honestly felt mixed emotions when I found out one day that the governor placed the state under quarantine. Of course, I was terrified about getting coronavirus and dying before even getting married. I also felt sad due to the growing number of individuals who got COVID-19.
Admittedly, I was somewhat happy about the quarantine, too, because it meant that I could be with my animals for weeks. And this new regulation was beneficial not only for humans but also for pets. Here’s why.
More Animals Got Adopted
When the pandemic broke out, I did not feel too scared about my safety. I thought that as long as I stayed at home, I would be safe. At the time, however, I was more worried about the high number of abandoned or abused dogs that kept on piling up in shelters. That’s especially true when I Iearned that they could have coronavirus, too.
While this fact kept me up for a few nights, the silver lining was that the shelters had been emptied by people who wanted to adopt a pet. Some of them might have been lonely and needed company. Others might have felt the same way that I did, and so they went on to adopt animals. Either way, it meant that the dogs could live in a safe environment.
Owners Could Bond With The Pets
The quarantine guaranteed that people would have time to bond with their pets. I knew that from experience, given that I could not even go next door to visit my best friend. I would only get in my car and drive whenever I’d pick up the groceries and then come back a few minutes later. The rest of the day was spent hanging out with my four-legged friends.
During this quarantine, I managed to get to know my pets more, and vice versa. We would play fetch at the backyard every afternoon and then have dinner under the stars. I also taught the dogs a few basic tricks, such as rolling over and playing dead.
Lonely Animals Finally Had A Home
Despite the care that volunteers give to animals at the shelter, it is still nothing compared to having an owner. They don’t need to stay in cages 24/7, for one. They can stretch their muscles without fearing other dogs. Of course, their owner gets to pamper them.
This sense of stability is essential, especially for abandoned animals. They need to be in a peaceful space where there aren’t 20 or so dogs barking from all sides. This way, it becomes effortless for them to stop feeling lonely.
Final Thoughts
I salute all those people who have thought of fostering or adopting animals during the coronavirus outbreak. Whether you have a dog, cat, or any other animal, your affection can do wonders for their well-being. Cheers!