COVID-19 has impacted the OHS and most shelters in North America. For a variety of pandemic-related reasons, most of us are admitting fewer animals than we did pre-pandemic. But this was becoming a trend in most shelters years before any of us had heard of COVID-19. The question is why. I believe most animal welfare professionals would agree there are multiple reasons, but that the biggest factor is a shift in our relationship with our pets.
I’ve been writing a lot lately about people acquiring pets during the pandemic. While I am still not terribly concerned about some aspects of this phenomenon, I’m increasingly alarmed about the soaring demand for pets and the effects of this demand.
Earlier in the month, I wrote about the increased demand for pets during the health crisis and concerns that the demand is fueling international importation, largely unenforced by government, and is leading to the death and suffering of animals during transport or in their country of origin.
As an essential worker, I come to work each day and have throughout the health crisis. I feel safe doing so as my workplace has taken all the recommended steps and beyond for my and my co-worker’s safety. Moreover, when I leave work, I go to a home that is safe both emotionally and physically.
He was only a cat but he was human enough to be a great comfort in hours of loneliness and pain.
Most of you with pets will likely have experienced this: you are lying on the couch, covered in a blanket, a box of Kleenex and various medications scattered near you.
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!”
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