Online shopping has greatly risen over the past weeks as we all resort to the comfort/confines of our homes. What better way to pass the time than shop for things that will optimise your at-home experience without having to move off the couch? We have already compiled countless lists of ways to keep yourself busy during isolation, and even written about how to be at peace with doing nothing at all. But what about the idea of using all the time on your hands to improve the quality of someone else’s life? That someone else, being a dog.
My girlfriend and I sat on the couch on Thursday night and put in an adoption application for a mastiff puppy we’d been pining over for a week. We’d always resolved not to adopt a dog until we were absolutely and completely settled (with constant plans of moving to the US getting pushed to accommodate real life), but couldn’t resist the serendipitous scenario we were in. We are both working primarily, if not entirely from home, we need something to distract ourselves from ourselves, so our relationship doesn’t end up in the toilet, and how great is a puppy for mental wellbeing? Very great, IMO. Sadly, our application was rejected because the borders are closed and our precious mastiff angel was located in QLD, but this hasn’t stopped our search.
With the COVID-19 crisis affecting almost all industries, the pet shelter industry is taking hits of their own. The good news is that adoptions have surged in the past months due to the pandemic, which makes sense. People who have always wanted a dog or puppy but have been worried about the amount of time they are home to care for them no longer have to think about it as an issue, meaning ample training/adjustment time for a new family member, especially considering we have no idea how long this will last. If there is any good to come out of such a devastating pandemic (we know how preferable it is this wasn’t happening, but trying to find silver linings) it’s the unprecedented amount of time dogs are able to spend with their humans, which is really the gift that keeps on giving.
If adopting a dog in need of a forever home sounds like an endearing option, make sure aspects of life outside of the coronavirus outbreak are being considered. When we all go back to work, what will happen to the pup? Will it cope with being alone most days of the week? Financially, are vet bills and potential insurance something you’ll be able to afford? If adopting a puppy, they often require much more time put into training, and there might be an increased level of pee on your floor than usual. In all seriousness, this isn’t just a quarantine decision, but a large chunk of your foreseeable future decision (up to 17 years) so be sure you’re making an informed decision before bringing a fluffy pal home.
