Now more than ever, people are searching for ways to cope with their emotions. During a time when we are required to stay inside more, with human contact being scarce, many are either clinging more to their pets or welcoming new pets into their home. According to an article in Patch.com, 70% of dog owners prefer to spend time with their pets over people and 39% of women prefer spending time with their animal over dating. Shelter Animals Count says that within the community of sheltered animals, adoptions went from 64% to 73% the first 7 months of 2020. There is a fine line between finding therapeutic ways to cope and being codependent on your pet or your pet being codependent on you. A healthy balance is pertinent.

 Our pets were probably a bit shocked to have us home so much when shelter in place was first established. Believe it or not they enjoy their alone time too. Over time, they started to adjust while we leaned on them more for companionship. Now regulations have lifted and we can leave the house, our pets have to readjust and may not be enjoying the process. Eventually things will go back to some form of normalcy. A majority of us will have to ultimately return to work and separation anxiety could be an issue for us as well as our pets. As humans we understand what’s going on, but our pets may not.

Here’s how you can help them adjust:

·  Encourage them to settle into their safe space while you are home.

·  When you leave, leave them with an interactive toy in their safe space.

·  Associate your absence with a positive reward.

·  Ignore wayward behaviors – this can be unwanted new behavior.

·  Leave the tv or an audiobook on – this keeps them from enduring long hours of total silence.

 It will take a little while for you and your pet to adjust. That is totally understandable. Our animals have been a resource for comfort during an unusually difficult time. They have gotten acclimated to having all the extra time with their family. Just as we all adjusted to being home, we will readjust with love and patience.