Stay-At-Home Orders Affect Pets
There’s that saying, “You don’t really know someone until you travel.” (From personal experience, I have found this to be true.) Flip “travel” with its opposing counterpart, and the following can be equally true: “You don’t really know someone until you’ve experienced extended stay-at-home orders together.” These experiences, however, need not be negative—and need not be exclusive to humans. In fact, a new survey by Banfield Pet Hospital found that 84 percent of pet owners feel more attuned to their pet’s health after spending more time at home due to stay-at-home orders. This suggests, according to company officials, that staying home with our cats and dogs is about more than extra playtime and treats, it may have lasting effects on how people approach pet ownership.
“The human-animal bond now, more than ever, plays an integral role in people’s lives,” said Molly McAllister, chief medical officer at Banfield Pet Hospital. “At Banfield, we are firm believers that regular preventive veterinary care is key to helping our pets live happy, healthy lives. This survey shows that pets are always here for us—even, and especially, during the most difficult of times—and we’re encouraged that as a result of spending more time together, people are committed to finding new ways to better be there for their pets.”
As people are spending more time at home than ever before, 20 percent of respondents said that they prefer working alongside their pets over their co-workers. With some states easing stay-at-home orders, 73 percent of people are concerned about going back to the office and spending time away from their pets, with 59 percent worried their dog or cat may suffer from separation anxiety once their new work schedule begins.
As pet owners adjust to their new normal, 67 percent expect to make changes in how they care for their pet once they’re not home as often. In addition, 47 percent said that they are committed to spending more quality time with their pets when they are home, 21 percent will adjust their schedule to be at home with their pets more often and 10 percent plan to adopt another pet to help keep their dog or cat company.
Pet owners attested that their pets continue to bring joy and comfort, especially during the stay-at-home orders. For example, 45 percent said that their household’s happiness increased while spending more time with their pet at home, and 39 percent revealed that their pet helped lower their anxiety and uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
The survey also revealed that 47 percent of millennials found increased emotional support from their pets, compared to 43 percent of gen Zers and 43 percent of gen Xers.
Pets are happier, too, according to the survey. About one-third of owners believed their pets appeared to be happier (38 percent) and more playful (35 percent) during this time. Pets are also receiving extra “TLC,” with 65 percent of owners showing them increased affection. They might be getting extra treats as well, as 33 percent of owners said that their pet has gained weight during the stay-at-home orders, according to the survey.
Communication, although one-way so to speak, has also increased. Take, for example, the number of pet owners who admitted to talking to their pets more than ever before the pandemic, with cat owners (51 percent) being chattier than dog owners (47 percent). The survey also revealed that women (50 percent) talked to their pets more than men (44 percent), and boomers / gen Xers (each at 49 percent) talked to their pets more than gen Zers (46 percent) and millennials (45 percent).
Spending more time with their pets may have made people more confident owners: 44 percent of people felt they are more responsible and attentive towards their dog or cat, 37 percent are paying more attention to their pet’s personal care such as dental health and 42 percent are exercising their pets more than before the pandemic.
Owners are even learning new things about their pets, according to the survey, with 46 percent of pet owners saying their pet is more active than they imagined before spending the additional time at home with them during the day.
Further, as company officials noted, people are being forward-thinking about their pets’ health, as 20 percent are committed to taking their pets to the veterinarian for preventive care check-ups more often than before, and 41 percent contacted their veterinarian during stay-at-home orders, whether in person, via phone or through telehealth service.
Banfield Pet Hospital has seen this first hand through its Vet Chat, which provides their Optimum Wellness Plan clients access to one-on-one chat with a veterinarian anytime. The Portland, Ore.-based company reported a nearly 90 percent increase in Vet Chat activity since the beginning of March, when stay-at-home orders began.
The survey was conducted May 11-15 by Wakefield Research among 1,000 U.S. dog and cat owners.
Raising Money For A Service Dog
Last year we introduced you to Mason Bowling and his family. They were asking the community to help them raise money for a cause close their hearts: an autism service dog to help Mason with every aspect of daily life.
Now 6 years old, Mason proudly graduated from kindergarten this year, alongside his new best friend, Kevin.
Mason is autistic and also has a genetic chromosome disorder.
At a cost of $25,000 the Bowling family needed help from the community so Mason could get his service dog. This included organizing a basketball tournament with the help of Damon Johnson, a former University of Tennessee and professional basketball player.
After raising money, the Bowling family finally met their goal and were able to then start the process of getting the dog for Mason.
In April, they welcomed Kevin into their home. The dog is still training to work with Mason on controlling meltdowns and aggression, social interactions, search and rescue, and medication if that is needed one day. They expect the dog to be a best friend for Mason, who has a hard time making them.
“I hope that he is understood better, by the dog calming him,” Mason’s mom Danielle Bowling told News Channel 11 in an interview last year. “We’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work. We’re in hopes that this will be it.”
Danielle confirmed that now the dog is adjusting well with the family, and he and Mason have already bonded.
Vermont’s Police Dog
The Williston Police Department has a new addition to the force and he’s definitely a rookie.
Meet Duke– an 8-week-old English lab. He will be trained as a therapy dog.
His new partner, Ofc. Matthew Cohen, says when Duke is trained, he will be the first of his kind for a police department in Vermont.
“But his job is going to be helping people who go through traumatic events or people who go through high-stress situations. His job– pretty much now what he’s doing now, snuggling into them,” Cohen said.
Duke was donated along with his training, food and health care.
The kids in town named him and Duke will visit schools when students return.
Cohen says the pup is bonding with him and his family and Duke likes people.
Canine Companions
Right now, we’re all looking to find as much good news as possible. All the better if that good news comes in the form of sweet, adorable puppies. Well, dear readers, today’s your lucky day if you’re looking for some adorable puppy photos and to learn some inspiring news about man and woman’s best friend. Recently, the nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence, which works to help the lives of people with disabilities by giving them highly trained assistance dogs, shared on social media, “Yesterday, volunteer pilots flew 29 adorable canine puppies to their volunteer puppy raisers around the country to start their journey to become assistance dogs for people with disabilities.”
Since then, the news has bubbled over into the mainstream media eliciting smiles and “awwws” from all who learn of the organizations efforts. Below, check out a few of our favorite photos that CCI shared with Southern Living from their recent initiative. Needless to say, we’re also grateful for all the volunteer pilots who gave their time to get these dogs into the homes of people who would raise them to become assistance dogs for those in need. Could these four-legged friends be any cuter? We are going to go with a loud and affirmative, “no way!” Well, we salute these amazing volunteer pilots and these fine pups from CCI and have immense gratitude for all that they do for communities across the country. Puppy cuddles make everything better.
This Dog Is A Lifesaver
Craig Hodgkins and his medical service dog Foxy have been together just a few days, but the Pittsburgh man said he already feels like it’s been a life-changing experience.
And a life-saving one. “This was my last hope … She looks in my eyes and I feel relief,” he said.
On Thursday at Memorial Park in Grove City, Foxy, a long-haired German shepherd, leaned up against Hodgkins. The dog studied the man’s face, and sensed emotion.
That’s what Foxy was trained to do.
Hodgkins was one of five people who received a service dog this week through Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, a nonprofit agency based in Williston, Fla.
The organization, founded about 10 years ago, has paired more than 350 dogs with veterans, first responders, and people with disabilities.
Service dogs are sponsored by businesses and other organizations, so there is no cost to the recipients, said Joanne Werner, a traveling trainer.
The trainers had planned to bring the dogs and their new humans together in March in Florida, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to make other arrangements, so the group came to Mercer County.
The trainers introduced the dogs to their humans this week at the Avenue of 444 Flags in Hermitage and the pairs have been together ever since.
Over the past several days, the dogs and their recipients have undergone training, learned about each other, and visited businesses so they both could get a feel for what it’s like to be in public together.
The recipients said their dogs are great matches and they couldn’t wait to to head home with their new best friends.
“He’s a lot like me … I’m very, very happy,” said Ryan Yoder of Harrisburg about Rikki, his service dog.
He’s been calling the 1-year-old German shepherd “Rik,” and said he feels like they already share a special bond.
Yoder, who served in the Marine Corps for four years, is veterans coordinator for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
He learned about Guardian Angels through his state post and learned that medical service dogs can provide assistance to veterans, especially those living with disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Yoder said he was excited to meet his new buddy, and looks forward to bringing Rik home to meet his wife and kids.
Rik is trained to help with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Yoder credited the organization and Carol Borden, Guardian Angels founder and chief executive officer, for its work.
Guardian Angels is sending the recipients home with supplies, including dog food, and prevention treatments for fleas, ticks and heartworm.
Hodgkins served 21 years in the Marines. He said 5-year-old Foxy is calm and reassuring, which helps with balance and anxiety issues.
Hodgkins said he has always loved dogs – he’s had several Great Danes. But after a doctor recommended a service dog, he said Foxy came into his life at just the right time.
He was in a “low place,” and having Foxy has made him feel comfortable for the first time in many years.
Jim Grossman of Hermitage, who served in the Marines, heard about the organization from his counselor.
He said he was a little uncertain about the idea at first, but he’s now glad he decided to apply.
“He’s very calming to me. We just seem to click,” said Grossman, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286 in Farrell, as he looked at 4-year-old Judd.
Grossman said Judd is already helping him sleep better.
Alexis Taggart of Philadelphia, who served in the Army from 2011 to 2016, spent quite a bit of time researching service dogs.
The Guardian Angels application process is long and includes a background check, but she said the wait was worth it.
“I cried my eyes out,” she said of her first meeting with Doc, a female German shepherd who is almost 2.
They have a really strong bond, and Doc helps her with panic attacks – like she has a sixth sense, said Taggart, who is studying to earn a doctorate degree in psychology.
Jay Cox of Charlotte, N.C., is retired, having worked in diplomatic security for the U.S. Department of State and as a police officer in Maryland.
Cox worked in special weapons and tactics, and as a detective, investigating homicides, kidnapping and serial murder – what he called “the absolute worst of society.”
And it affected him, he said.
Cox was seriously injured in the line of duty. During a hostage situation, another officer detonated a flash-bang grenade near Cox’s head, which left him with a traumatic brain injury.
Someone recommended a service dog, and his daughter Carly Cox, whom he calls a “hero,” helped him with the application. Cox said he prospect of getting a dog gave him something to look forward to.
“This is the first thing I’ve been excited about,” he said.
He’s excited to go home to his wife with Whaler, a German shepherd who helps him with PTSD.
The dog is intense and strong-willed, and he has already helped Cox deal with nightmares by jumping into bed at night and redirecting his attention.
“He broke that loop. I couldn’t believe it,” Cox said.
Sponsors of the dog were PNC for Whaler, Yellow Ribbon Fund for Rik, Armstrong for Judd, and the Colcom Foundation for Foxy and Doc.
Training a medical service dog can take up to two years, and the organization looks for dogs with low or medium energy and are willing to learn and work, Werner said.
The organization itself owns the dogs, and the recipients sign a contract that imposes conditions including getting the dog established with a veterinarian and securing pet insurance.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs checks in on the dogs to make sure things are going well. The organization plans to open a second facility, in Moon Township, Werner said.
She also works with inmates at the State Correctional Institution at Mercer in Findley Township. The inmates are veterans, and she teaches them how to train the service dogs.
A lot of thought goes into pairing dogs with recipients, and that first meeting is always a tearjerker.
“It’s amazing … It’s very humbling and rewarding,” Werner said of her job.
Visit A Dog Virtually
Jagger, a floppy-haired goldendoodle who lives in Half Moon Bay, typically spends his days meeting new people.
As a member of the SFO airport’s Wag Brigade, a friendly crew of volunteer therapy dogs (and one pig), Jagger’s job depends on delighting large crowds with his adorable antics. But when the coronavirus hit, his job became impossible – just when a stressed-out population could use the sight of a perky goldendoodle the most.
Despite this, Jagger and his human, Cat Torrejón-Nisbet, aren’t taking a break from therapy duties. Instead, like many people across the world right now, this pup’s job has gone remote.
With the help of the San Francisco SPCA, Jagger and other therapy dogs have begun offering virtual therapy visits via Zoom.
Service Dog Training
In the service dog world, Odin, a 5-year-old Siberian Husky, is an outlier.
Perceptive, intelligent, social and the foundation of Above the Clouds Siberian Service Dogs, Odin is trained to quash the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.
“We had no idea he was going to be a good service dog,” said Barrett T. Leary-Stensgaard who, with her husband, Tim Stensgaard, breeds and trains the dogs in Woodland Park. “Our trainers were just flabbergasted because Siberians have a bad reputation.”
Most service dogs, she added, are Labradors, German shepherds or Golden retrievers. “We got passionate about Siberians when we found that Odin has superior genetics – his line goes back 400 years to Siberia,” she said. “They are working dogs.”
The couple opened the business with Siberian rescue dogs but changed focus when results were disappointing. “We decided to start breeding, to take control of the genetics and the temperament,” she said.
Yet Odin is the star Siberian for Stensgaard, a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret, who served in six combat tours of duty. Only recently did he acknowledge his PTSD. “I just ignored it as a possibility,” he said. “Even now I’m reluctant to talk about my PTSD — most vets are; it takes a lot to come to grips with that.”
When Stensgaard starts feeling anxious, Odin goes to work. “He’ll start getting on me, distracting me,” Stensgaard said. “He reacts to anxiety before I pick it up.”
Dogs that graduate from Above the Clouds Siberian Service Dogs help those with PTSD, mobility/stability issues, blindness, seizures or autism, for instance. “We have different training methods for different issues,” Leary-Stensgaard.
For people with mobility issues in addition to those with special needs such as autism, the couple relies on Cindy Pixler of Grand Junction, a home health-care nurse.
Each dog is certified as a Canine Good Citizen by Lisa Lima, a dog trainer and animal-assisted therapist and owner of My Life Unleashed in Woodland Park, or her business partner Eric Rice. “I can’t certify my own dogs,” Leary-Stensgaard said.
Once purchased and trained, the Siberians head out to destinations around the nation. For instance, at a year old, Raven is trained and ready to be picked up by the new owner, Nahkee Augusta, who is driving in from Wisconsin to pick up the dog.
“The research is that dogs bond better when they go home in a year,” she said. “I’m pretty good at matching the right dog with the right person.”
Blind Therapy Dog
Baby, an 8-year-old therapy dog, is blind and had her eyes removed long ago. She doesn’t hear well, either. She has heart issues and survived cancer. But her gentleness offers warmth. Baby has become a beloved guest at Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids, Mich., a small town about 20 miles from Lansing. After six years of weekly visits, she is a familiar face, even if residents can only peer through the glass. Sometimes they’re already waiting.
When the novel coronavirus pandemic upended everyday life in the United States, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities prohibited visitors to protect their residents, who are part of the most vulnerable age group. For about a month, Baby’s visits were on hold.
A few residents asked Kelly Klassen, the director of activities, when they could see Baby again. Klassen told them: “I’m really sorry, but I don’t know.”
Ward then had the idea to visit through the windows. She and Baby would never step inside the facility, and they could adhere to physical distancing guidelines as they walked around the perimeter. Residents can open their windows a bit, and Ward stands a few steps away while wearing a mask.
“We really needed to do something, because they missed her,” Ward said. “And we missed them.”
Baby’s usual visits are included on the community’s activities calendar. But now the times vary depending on weather. Baby, a brown and white Brittany with floppy ears, roams on a long leash. Ward brings her closer to the window, even though the residents can’t reach down to her fur.
“But they’re able to still talk to her and love her,” Ward said. “And they still smile about it.”
Ward pets Baby, so maybe, she said, it feels as though the resident provided that affection.
Since March 11, Island City hasn’t allowed outside groups, families or friends into their facility. Chief executive Sheryl James said the community of 38 residents hasn’t had any coronavirus cases, which remains the top priority.
Before the pandemic, musicians performed for the community about eight times per month. Residents gathered in the living room or in the 1950s-themed diner with checkered floors and red counters. Families now communicate with their loved ones virtually or through the windows.
Even with the creative alternatives, the past 2½ months have been different and unfamiliar. Baby’s weekly visits resemble the usual routine, and that provides comfort.
Ward, a retired sales manager, began working with therapy dogs 14 years ago. She had a friend who lived in a nursing home, and sometimes when she visited, she watched a therapy dog interact with the seniors. Ward kept her eyes on the residents’ faces, rather than the dog. She noticed their genuine happiness and how a dog could have a positive impact on their days.
“Once you’re with a therapy dog, it makes me feel like I could do something for the dog,” Ward said. “And then, of course, the dog does so much for the other people.”
This 7-year-old goes online to ‘spread my hope’ to children with medical issues during pandemic
Ward named her second therapy dog with her future work in mind. When dogs visit seniors, Ward noticed they frequently call male dogs “Buddy” and female dogs “Baby.”
Baby passed the tests to become a therapy dog, but she hardly needed to be trained. She is naturally gentle and has what Ward describes as a “simple, sweet soul.” She moves at a slow pace, and if she bumps into a wall, she continues unfazed.
Because of Baby’s health issues, human resource director Stephanie Hall said she is a “perfect fit for this community because she shares some of the same challenges.”
At Island City, residents hold Baby’s head and talk like they’re old friends. Her nose lifts toward their faces. Many tell stories about their childhood pets. The window visits have kept that connection intact.
Baby attends many of the community events, in addition to her visits. She dresses up for trick-or-treating when kids stop by for Halloween, and Island City holds a birthday party for her in August. A couple of weeks ago, an artist turned a photo of Baby into a sketched outline. Ward made copies for the residents to color. Anyone who participated will soon choose from an assortment of prizes, such as bracelets and wheelchair bags that Ward’s mother made.
The first time Baby visited during the pandemic, a staff member walked along the hallways to tell residents who waited for them outside their window. Still overwhelmed with excitement later in the day, a couple of residents said to Klassen: “Baby was here today! Did you see her?”
“For a little part of time,” Ward said, “it takes away the isolation and it takes away the pain.”
County Animal Services
Thanks to a partnership with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, pet food and microchips will be donated and distributed free to the public at 9 a.m. at the Animal Services headquarters at 1250 Indian Lake Road in Daytona Beach.
This is the first event of its kind in Volusia County.
“We’re committed to serving the needs of our citizens and their pets during this difficult time,” Animal Services Director Adam Leath said . “We want everyone to know that Animal Services is a resource for the community and we’re ready and willing to help.”
Nearly $10,000 worth of dog and cat food will be available while supplies last. Residents who bring their pet along may also have microchips implanted on the spot.
Residents will not need to exit their vehicles. Staff will load food into vehicles, and escort pets inside the clinic to complete the quick and painless procedure.
Microchips, about the size of a grain of rice, are implanted just beneath the skin of an animal. With the wave of a handheld wand over the pet’s back, the microchip’s identification code will lead to the owner’s name and contact information — significantly increasing the odds of a happy reunion with separated or lost pets.
“We applaud all those stepping up for pets in need, even in the midst of so much anxiety,” Leath said. “When this crisis ends, we will be stronger, wiser and more compassionate as a result of the courageous work being done by so many people right now.”
Adopting A Pet Can Be Comforting
As many across the country shelter at home during the coronavirus, it can be especially trying for those going it alone.
The challenges of living and working in isolation with little outside social contact begin to weigh heavily.
While businesses and organizations open back up, animal shelters too are resuming in-person adoptions for dogs and cats.
Each year, 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide, according to the ASPCA, while just over 3.2 million of those animals are adopted. For those grappling with depression or anxiety, a new pet can be a great companion to offer unconditional love and break the lonely cycle.
But there are new responsibilities that come with pet ownership to keep in mind, mental health professionals advise.
“It’s an excellent option to cope with loneliness and a loss of interactions, but it’s something you need to really think about when everything lifts and goes back to normal,” shares Prairie Conlon, a licensed mental health professional and animal- assisted therapist.
Conlon works with patients through her own practice while also working closely with Therapetics, a nationwide company which helps those in need of an Emotional Support Animal.
She says adopting a dog or cat is a great way to deal with anxiety and depression issues that may have developed during the coronavirus shutdown.
But before bringing a new furry friend into your home, Conlon says to consider that an animal is a long-term commitment which will continue long past the pandemic.
“It’s important to remember that relationship will be at least 10 to 15 years long,” Conlon advises. “It’s going to have it’s up and downs, but it can be very rewarding for animal lovers who need a healthy routine and a healthy distraction.”
And pets can certainly have many positive effects on the mental health of their owners. A 2014 study published by BioMed Central, an online medical journal publisher, found of more than 5,200 seniors surveyed, those who owned pets reported far less signs of loneliness.
Those benefits can add up to a more positive outlook, and longer, healthier lives. Conlon says pets can be a positive source of love and routine for those grappling with depression, which often manifests itself as lethargy or apathy.
“A lot of times, working with people with depression, one of the biggest hurdles is once they can get up and move around a little bit, it becomes easier, and that dog or cat is there needing to be fed and attended to which is a helpful first step,” she added.
For those suffering from anxiety, owning a pet can also be a great way to take your mind off excessive worrying, Conlon says.
“Animals are really good at interrupting that pattern,” she said. “They demand attention or they’ll do something funny or want to go outside for a walk – they can really help break up that viscous cycle of worry.”
Will you be able to provide doggie day care or return home at lunch to walk the dog? If those plans don’t come to fruition, that failure could actually exacerbate any mental health issues, Conlon cautions.
“It’s an exciting thought to get a new pet if you’ve been dealing with anxiety or depression, but you need to consider the animal too,” she advised. “As with any form of clinical treatment, weigh the pros and cons, and what’s it going to look like down the road.
