Pandemic puppies: a new type of therapy animal

The pandemic has made all aspects of life harder, especially a fulfilling social life, but many people have turned to their pets to make it better.

During the pandemic, pet adoption rates have soared, starting the enthusiasm around “pandemic puppies.” Pets have given many people the support they need to get through the pandemic. At UHS, many students have adopted “pandemic puppies,” and they say it has helped them through the hard year.

The Allison family recently adopted Pepper, a Bernese mountain dog puppy. Eli Allison, sophomore, says their family had always wanted a dog, but the pandemic gave them the time at home to take care of her.

Pepper has improved life for the Allisons. “She’s just a great thing to have in your life… it makes me excited to go home and see her,” said Allison.

Lucky, a retired racing greyhound, found his home with the Fairbanks family during the pandemic. Cameron Fairbanks said Lucky “makes people happier.”

Lucky enjoys going for long walks and cuddling with his favorite people. Fairbanks says “[Lucky is] a couch potato most of the time, but he runs out the door to go on a walk.”

The Wefel family adopted Remus, a cute and mischievous kitten, during the pandemic. Remus loves playing with his catnip toys and hiding in the couch.

Brianne Wefel, freshman, said “We have had much joy watching our little quarantine kitten grow into a large, handsome mischievous and energetic cat.”

For these students, their pets have improved life during a difficult year, and provided the support they needed to get through the pandemic.