With so many people isolating at home and maintaining social distancing, they have turned to pets for companionship and comfort. I don’t know many people who don’t have a pet; they are a rarity in my circles. A pet will not allow you to be lonely. They are like little circus acts filled with joy that nurture our spirits and make us laugh. They are our furry buddies we can hang out with all day who rarely complain. (Cats might be an exception since it must be in their job description to display distain, but even their persnickety and grumpy opinions amuse us.)
We already know that some dogs have been specially
trained to help people with physical or emotions issues. But even untrained
dogs can bring us the comfort and love we all need. Children who may not have
friends ordinarily have taken their pet as a friend, confidant, and companion.
I imagine it is particularly difficult for kids in this pandemic who don’t even
have the friendships from their classmates. Having been raised in a family
where pets were always welcome, I know how important it is for a kid to have a
dog or a cat. I’m certain there are those who prefer fish, or birds, or gerbils
(or whatever) as their tiny companions, but the result is the same—unconditional
love.
Shelter animals are finding homes in unprecedented numbers
these days. That’s a really good thing in my book. Every shelter pet deserves a
loving home and this is a time when they are most needed. My greatest hope is
that, when the pandemic is over, that these pets will remain in those homes.
They’ve done an outstanding job of keeping us happy and somewhat sane; it would
be a betrayal to return them to a shelter. My wish is for people to discover
the joy of having a pet and what a difference it makes to have a fur buddy who
will stay at our side through thick and thin. Pets are our heroes and better
antidepressants than any pill could ever provide.
Sarah J. McNeal
Author
of Heartwarming Stories
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