By Jane Sobel Klonsky, Co-Founder, Project Unconditional
COMFORT ZONE How your Animals can Help During Challenging Times Covid-19 is affecting all of us, isolating us and unleashing emotions like fear, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, and boredom. How we can keep ourselves and our families safe? Will we be able to survive financially? Our dogs have no idea that we are in the midst of a pandemic, but they do pick up on our moods and feelings. Social isolation can take its toll on us. Our dogs can provide welcomed emotional support during self-quarantine periods. Our dogs, in particular, give us companionship and security and help brighten our days. They give us a reason to focus on positive energy, getting out in the fresh air and exercising (keeping in mind social distancing), and playing with our dog or maybe teaching our dog a new trick. These are all great stress reducers. Life is slower now. We have more time at home with our dogs. If we let them, our dogs can help us become stronger, more patient, and more compassionate individuals. And what if a dog owner gets ill with the virus? Who will care for the dog? It’s a time to help our local shelters and senior dog rescue organizations that have seen an influx of dogs in this crisis. Whether you have a dog, young or old, or are thinking about getting a dog, we all know that our dogs give us a tremendous amount of the unconditional love we so desperately need, especially now. Our relationship with dogs and other pets can help us find peace and comfort.
Charlie, The Klonsky’s beloved Goldendoodle, outside his home in Vermont. Photo © Jane Sobel Klonsky 34
TALES AND TREATS
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ~ Anatole France
