Those of us not having significant others, children or other family sheltering with us are probably finding this time lonely and quite strange. Sure, you could do home projects, use Zoom, Skype and other social media to connect with friends and family, but nothing beats the value of having a warm body there with you. I probably should say that even birds, pocket pets (hamsters etc.) and cold blooded pets can fill that place in our hearts, that need to not be alone and that need to nurture and love. It doesn’t have to be a warm blooded pet. All pets are such great buddies and can make this time much less of a bother and much less annoying or lonely. They provide attention, love, someone to whom to talk, someone with whom to exercise (walking is great exercise) and someone for whom you need to care. Yes, someone! No, I’m not equating pets with people, well, at least not definitively. Pets are family. They love us, are delighted to be with us (not always true of family) and are a being with whom we can interact.
Funny thing, during this unusual time, people are coming forward and adopting or fostering homeless pets. Shelters are emptying and homeless critters are benefiting. But it’s not only the critters benefiting. The adopters/”fosterers” are benefiting as well. It’s a shame it took this unprecedented period in our history to effect this surge in adoptions/fosters but I want to applaud those who have stepped up and joined the ranks of pet owners, foster persons etc. Some already have pets and are adding to their “pack” because they simply feel the need to do a good deed and help. Others had only given fleeting thoughts to taking in a critter but are doing that good deed now and helping to secure that critter that will give them the love and presence in their lives and home to ward off the pain of their isolation. Some are doing it because they have thought about it for so long and are finally doing it because the situation seemed right. No matter, KUDOS to you all. I applaud this adoption/foster the critters movement. This is something good happening from this entire virus induced situation.
I do hope this trend continues. The critters and those adopters/”fosterers” all benefit, no matter the motivation or reasons. Clear the shelters. Clear the rescue groups. Give all those deserving critters the love and home they need. You will truly be happy you did.
Finally, let me say, in addition to taking care of those critters, let’s be good to each other. Let’s take care of each other. Watch out for your neighbors, friends and family. Watch out for those that are on the front lines and help them stay safe. We are indeed in this together. We will get through it together.