opinion: pandemic pets bring comfort and companionship

what the globe and mail later coined the “ year of the dog ” originated with so many people finding themselves stuck at home with so much time on their hands.

as the first wave lockdown began, i read an article about how dogs, social animals by nature, were delighted to have their humans around. (less enthused were cats, who apparently miss their solitude ). i also read that in the countries with the strictest confinement measures, citizens with dogs were still allowed out for walks.

animal shelters saw a surge in adoption requests that emptied their facilities. competition was fierce for accredited breeders’ forthcoming litters. on kijiji and other online marketplaces, puppies and kittens were in hot demand and short supply.

the dark side of the pandemic-driven pet pandemonium is scams , price-gouging and fraud. unscrupulous puppy mill operators have been trying to make a quick buck at the expense of animal welfare. and dastardly thieves are reportedly dog-napping other people’s pets  to cash in on an insatiable appetite that has not abated.

the desire for a puppy may be well intentioned and genuine, but fulfilling it can lead to ugliness and greed. many rescue groups fear pandemic pets will get dumped on them when life after covid-19 goes back to normal.

they force us out of the house multiple times a day , rain or shine, heat wave or deep freeze, to run, walk, exercise and enjoy nature. they provide affection in a world devoid of human contact when they nuzzle us for attention or keep our feet warm while they sleep. they shower us with love, loyalty, comfort and joy, bolstering both our physical and mental health .