There continues to be a regular flood of media concern about the “pandemic puppy” phenomenon. If you haven’t followed the story, it boils down to this: thousands of people who are bored and lonely during the lockdown are rushing out to buy or adopt puppies, and when the health crisis is over, all these puppies and dogs are going to be dumped in animal shelters.
Like most people, I am looking forward to 2021 and the likelihood that over the year, our lives will return to something that at least resembles normal. Moreover, I am looking forward to saying goodbye to the wretched year that was 2020.
At just 26, the great Joni Mitchell wrote the words “…something’s lost, but something’s gained in living every day.” I have been thinking about that line a lot lately and its basic truth. In the past year, so much has happened. So much has changed.
I have seen posts on social media proposing we look at Christmas differently this year. The suggestion is that this is the year, rather than to ask for what we want, we be grateful for what we have.
The sentiment seems appropriate for Christmas in 2020.
“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. Maybe Christmas, he thought… doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps… means a little bit more!”
Two weeks ago, I shared Dr. Scott Weese’s insights into the research on COVID-19 in dogs and cats. Now I would like to share what you need to know about the virus in other species.
Many of you know that five years ago, I decided I was ready for a new pet. My last pet had been a dog and though I knew that I had the advantage of being able to take a dog to work, long hours and periodic travel did not mesh well with adopting another dog — at least not for me. A cat, more forgiving in her care needs, was the better option for that stage of my life. So I began my search.
Ottawa pet owners impacted financially by the public health crisis can look forward to more available dates for picking up essential pet supplies at the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS).
Did you know, one of the world’s top experts in infectious disease in animals lives in Ontario? Dr. Scott Weese is the former Canada Research Chair in Zoonotic Diseases at the University of Guelph and a veterinary internal-medicine specialist and chief of infection control at the Ontario Veterinary College. He writes an outstanding blog, called Worms and Germs that I follow regularly. He is a great friend of the Ottawa Humane Society and has always made himself available for any information we need.
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