IMPOSED lockdowns, job turnovers, online classes, and social isolation are a few among the many hallmarks of 2020. This pandemic tightened its grip on the world, not only infecting millions of people but also restricting humans’ most basic sense – touch. We can’t deny that during this pandemic, our actions are limited. Trips are restricted, you can’t visit relatives, we can’t go to the beach during summer, we can't have samgyeopsal dates with friends, we can't have a cup of coffee at Starbucks while studying. We're all under the new normal and we are all required to stay at home.

In the absence of face-to-face contact, pets have stepped into the gap for many people in millions of households by providing much-needed comforts such as cuddles, pats, belly rubbing, and their constant physical presence. They help their owners ease pandemic blues, as they serve as their loyal companions.

Pawsitivity

Pets give people so much in terms of love, happiness, and emotional support. During the start of the pandemic, we have been through many uncertainties. All of us have experienced stumbling in terms of physical, emotional, and mental health. Despite the self-isolation at home, they became the source of our happiness and joy, provided comfort, companionship, and a sense of self-worth; they were the ones who helped us to look on the brighter side of life and make the lockdown more bearable.

A Fur-parent’s Responsibility

Owning a pet requires a lot of things such as love, patience, and attention. Spending time with our pets has also helped us enhance our sense of responsibility. From what they should eat, monthly vet consultation check-ups, to booking their grooming appointment. And of course, your Shopee carts are full of their essential needs and sometimes, their luho like trendy clothes, toys, and treats. 

Furbaby-Furparent Relationship

Pets are the only ones on earth that love you more than they love themselves. Anyone who has ever owned a pet knows they have the capacity for the kind of unconditional love that is seen only between a human and its offspring. Imagine waking up in the morning with our fur-babies smiling at us, wagging its tail excitedly –  eager to walk with you outside and be our cuddle buddies at night. They may occasionally break your chargers and chew your slippers, but they will never break your heart and will always be there to listen without even judging you. When we leave them at home, they will still greet you at the door and jump on you once you come back. These are the simple actions of your pet which shows how much they value and love you.

Pawprints to our Heart

The saddest part of being a pet owner is the fact that dogs and cats only live for a short period of time, compared to the lifespan of humans. Cats usually live for two to 16 years, while dogs live for an average of 10-13 years. Most of us wish that our pets could live as long as we do, especially that we see them as our loving companions, but we can’t avoid situations where they have to go to cross the rainbow bridge and run with the other angels up there. As they live for a short period of time, we just have to be ready to take on the role of providing love, care, and attention in order for them to live happily. 

Our pets enrich our lives through the relationship that we build and the activities we do together. We provide them with care and love, and in return, they give their genuine, pure, and unconditional love. They may be in our lives for a short period of time, but to them, we are their lives. So, as much as possible, make them feel that they are valued and loved, just like how they value and love us.