5 minute read
COVER STORY
PANDEMIC PETS + By Connie Rhoades Hinds
IT’S NOT ONLY BEEN HARD ON THE HUMANS!
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COVID-19 has been a constant topic of conversation for over a year now. We may be only beginning to understand the impacts locally, nationally and the world at large. But what about pets? Dependent upon us for their every need, our pets have no doubt been affected by such a significant change in the lives of their human counterparts. THE BIG CHANGE. In the spring of 2020, the world as we knew it changed. Businesses shut down, schools closed, and families stayed home. This first phase of what would precede months of uncertainty, actually saw some positive side effects.
Adoption Rates Soared. Many people decided it was a good
time to adopt. With the entire family sheltering in place, those who had been considering a pet, decided to take the plunge. Several reports point to nearly one million dogs and cats having found a forever home by the end of 2020. Other less common pets also saw an increase in adoption rates. In addition, many families opened their homes to foster, which certainly helped the adoption boost.
Pet owners bonded. Being stuck at home, people spent more time with their fur-kids. Many pet parents took time to work on training that had previously been put off or ignored. Social media responded to this change in everyday life with hilarious memes depicting how the stayat-home recommendation was a dream come true for dogs, while cats were said to be put out by the abrupt shift in their daily routines.
THE NEW NORMAL. A “new normal” settled in after initial shutdowns concluded. Businesses and schools began to reopen, but with significant changes, like masking and social distancing requirements. This meant that some parents and kids went back to the office and school, or began working and learning at home. Warmer weather also meant families were somewhat able to resume familiar activities, like visiting parks and outdoor dining. However, adapting
to what life had become was not without stress and anxiety for many.
Pet Parents Worry. As the months dragged on without any indication of things returning to normal soon, the uncertainty began taking a toll. News of layoffs quit becoming shocking. Some pet parents found relief in unemployment benefits and stimulus money or found ways to supplement incomes. Side hustles, like food delivery, grew exponentially. Those working from home made the best of it and everyone had to get more accustomed to virtual contact.
Pets help us cope. It has long been reported that pet companions are beneficial to the physical and mental health of their owners. No other time in recent history has this benefit come more into play. Pets were the encouragement needed to get outdoors for walks and other socially distanced recreation. Indoors, they provided comfort by way of snuggles and entertainment.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT. The vaccine release, businesses settling into routines of online staffing, and policies becoming more widely accepted, resulted in many being able to resume some semblance of normal daily life. Others, however, have been unable to find steady employment. Both situations have had serious effects on fur-kids.
Pets and Separation. While some of the feline population may have been unmoved by parents leaving the house more again, many dogs, on the other hand, took it harder. Owners had to find creative ways to comfort lonely pets by medicinal or supplemental means, technological assistance or by exploring daycare and pet sitting options. Some found it necessary to make more trips back home, gradual separation training, and extra attention upon return.
Pets Surrendered. If the adoption boom was a welcome surprise in early 2020, the flip side in later months was not. Loss of jobs and income affect everyone in the family – including pets. When many families hit harder times, pets needing to be rehomed became a real concern. As time goes on, more pet parents may be forced to move to find work or less expensive housing. It can be difficult to find places that allow pets.
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This, combined with unsteady income, may mean less money for food and veterinary care.
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. If your passion is pets, both yours and less fortunate ones, the coming months are a time to look for ways to help.
Assist charitable organizations. Consider fostering, adopting, and/or financially contributing if you are able. Many already volunteer tirelessly and are in dire need of support. Get involved if you can. If you are unable to physically help, consider financial contributions. Donations make it possible for organizations to provide for needy animals in our community.
Support other Pet parents. Ideally, families would not need to be separated. Pets and their families need each other. If you can assist a struggling family, open your heart and do so. We all hope to see things stabilize soon. Until we are there though, we must do our best to help and care for others.
If we can learn anything from our pets, it is their optimism and resilience. Take a page from their book on how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. They are also perfect examples of how to show loved ones how much they mean to us and how to take each day as it comes.
