Page 22 - Harnett Life Fall 2021

Puppy Love in the Time of COVID

By Samantha Bennett,
Director SGDRRC
Data shows that animals were adopted
during the pandemic. In fact, so many
were adopted that many shelters were
running out. Seems like a good thing,
right? Yes and no. Now that many things
are going back to prior pandemic status
and workers are returning to their places
of work instead of a home office setting,
some are supposedly finding their new
furry friend more of a challenge and those
first butterflies of puppy love have faded.
Some articles say that pets are being re-
turned or surrendered to those same shel-
ters. That is disheartening. It also speaks
to a deeper issue.

People have always had pets. Hieroglyph-
ics show that today’s keeping of dog and
cat companions likely became a trend in
ancient Egypt. Some scientists go even
further and say cavepeople kept pets too.
For generations people have held jobs,
babies…and pets. That has not changed.
What does seem to have changed is
commitment and sacrifice. A pet is not
something you should get on a whim or
impulse. Most live a minimum of 10-12
years and need food, shelter, and medical
care. Much like a child, they depend on
their owner for everything.

During the uncertainty of Covid people
wanted comfort, entertainment, and com-
panionship. Everything pets have provid-
ed for centuries. That has not changed.
What may have changed is humanity’s
attitude and moral core. A what’s easiest
for me mentality. There are exceptions
of course. A loss of home or income is
an understandable reason to surrender a
pet. The idea that you think your return
to normal life is more important and re-
quires a sacrifice you aren’t so eager to
make now that you are “free”, is not.
Frankly, I don’t think normalcy will truly
return anytime soon. Rethink your crush.
Find (and keep) your puppy love in the
time of Covid. That applies to the kitties
as well.

Page 22 Harnett Life ~ Fall 2021