Pets of the Month

it is important that people don’t change their minds once things begin returning to normal conditions. Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment, not checking out a library book to return when you’re done with it.

A new concern appears as we humans gain cautious optimism about the end of the COVID-19 era. As our companion beasts adapted to our changed behavior, so they must adapt to the next shift when we return to those destinations we have been denied for the last year. Chiefly that means the eight hours or more (plus commute) spent away from home will return, and it is quite possible your pet will be unhappy about it.

Most experts expect more problems with dogs when we return to the world-that-was. The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers guidance on addressing canine separation anxiety when their people go back to splitting their time between home and work. Essentially, guardians will need to revisit the training their dogs first received as newcomers to the house. AKC’s advice includes increasing the time your dogs spend by themselves while you are there; gradually increasing your time away from home; slowly restarting your normal routine several days before going back to work; providing extra exercise to help tire your pooch out; and furnishing extra toys – especially challenging, mentally stimulating ones – to provide distractions. Cratetrained dogs may need a refresher course.

ABC Everyday notes that cats are certainly not immune to separation anxiety, although they may express it differently, and that, in general, pets previously displaying separation anxiety are the ones most likely to have the condition return. You are the best judge of how concerned you should be for your pet, and how much support your pet will need. You will need the same patience you showed in the beginning, and to remember they do not understand why things are changing again.

The COVID-19 crisis reminds me of the love and support we all receive from our pets every day. Helping them readjust to our changing world is the least we can do to thank them for all they have done to get us through a difficult time that hopefully seems to be ending soon.

K.R. Byrer lives in Alexandria with his redheaded wife, Eugenia, and their Flame Point Siamese, Loki.

Bath & Primp • Nail Trim & le • Full Haircut Deshed • Theraclean Treatment • Teeth Brushing Hair Coloring • Exotic Grooming Gianna Schjang, Gabriella Brown • Paw Spa LLC 315 South Washington Street, Alexandria 22314 703-517-4428 • www.thepawspava.com Love. Brush. Groom. Repeat.

PETS

OF THE MONTH

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm Closed Wed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm

COLA

Adult, Female, Yellow-Bellied Slider

Looking for a best friend who loves to explore? A best friend who loves working on target training and is always ready to earn a treat? Meet Cola the turtle! Yes, turtle! This sweet slider is ready to steal your heart with her silly personality, sense of adventure and love she has for her friends. Cola photo courtesy of Dirty Paw Photography

SABRINA

2 Year Old, Female, Black Domestic Short Hair

In case you can’t tell, Sabrina is one funny feline! She can’t wait to make you laugh with her spunky play style and wow you with her pounces and purrs. In her two years so far, Sabrina is yet to meet a toy she hasn’t loved. Wand toys, jingle toys, toys that bounce, toys that roll. Every toy is a joy for Sabrina, and she can’t wait to play with you!

COOKIE AND CHISPIN

Senior, Female, Tan and Black and Brown and White Hound Mixes

Cookie and Chispin are best friends! They finish each other’s sentences and each other’s snacks, share their beds and love cuddling up side by side. Currently staying with one of the AWLA’s foster families, they are described as the sweetest, most well-behaved gals you could ever meet. Are they the pair of pups for you?

Adopt by appointment at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-By-Appointment.