Although I’m a bit more of a homebody, I still like to get out and about. However, like many people, I’ve been feeling a little more lonely during self-isolation during the C*********s outbreak. It seems like time is going a lot slower with less things to do and fewer places to go.
If you’re in a similar situation as I am, there’s something you might consider doing during this time to help you feel less lonely: introducing a new animal into your life.
From fostering an animal to adopting a forever pet, many people in the United States are choosing to extend their fur family right now. Not only does this help them get an extra dose of socialization into their daily lives, but they find both comfort and joy in animals. And, many of the adoptees and foster families are now able to dedicate more time to any animal they bring into their home while they remain sheltered in place.
While the idea of adopting and fostering animals is crossing many people’s minds right now, many animals are also consistently being put into shelters each day.
“In other times of economic downturn, we have increased intake [of animals], and we are expecting the same here. A lot of our intake is due to people who need to move because of economic reasons, or consolidate into their family’s home, or can’t afford basic necessities for their animal,” shared Ashley Valm, Director of Adoptions at Washington D.C.’s Humane Rescue Alliance.
With many of our sources of entertainment being put on hold, now more than ever is the best time to bring home an animal in need.
“[Right now], all the new things are bad things. So it’s kind of nice to have something new in your life that’s good,” said Ted Van Houten, a resident at Capitol Hill in D.C. “There are no new sports games to watch, there’s no new things your friends are doing, there is no new restaurant you can eat at. So just the fact of having something new that’s positive is a good thing.”
And if you’re working for home, Valm has a great suggestion that could ensure you’re able to concentrate on work while still being a good dog or cat mom.
“Maybe if you’re working from home, keep them in their crate while you work from your desk. Get them used to being alone for longer and longer periods of time,” she said.
Many, however, still concern that caring for a new animal will be too big of a task, especially during a time like this. But a volunteer at DC Paws and a long-time feline and canine foster mom named Lizzy Dawahare says it’s all worth it.
“It’s so worth it, it’s so rewarding. The amount of work you have to do doesn’t feel like a burden at all. Even the activities you have to carve out time for, you forget about it as a burden … it feels like something that you get to do,” Dawahare said.
Even if you’re not able to adopt or foster a pet right now, no worries; you can still help! Simply share this post on Facebook to encourage others to bring a new furry friend home soon.
