Pandemic Paws

The Wisconsin rain poured down in sheets on Clara de Pablo and her surroundings as she approached the makeshift meeting spot in the parking lot of a car dealership. A simple meeting with a Portuguese Water Dog breeder who had promised to introduce her to a puppy from the newest litter.

 

As De Pablo approached the vehicle without a raincoat and umbrella, the breeder introduced her to a puppy thought to be a perfect fit. Her heart quickened as she caught sight of the little black-and-white ball of fluff. There, in the breeder's arms, was Pablo—a small and excited two-month-old puppy.

 

The cool droplets soaked through her clothes but the damp discomfort melted away as the breeder placed Pablo into her arms. His dark eyes met hers, and at that moment, De Pablo knew she had found her companion for the journey ahead.

 

With a decisive nod, she decided to take Pablo home that very day. He was wrapped in a vibrant orange blanket adorned with paw prints, a burst of warmth against the gray backdrop of the day. 

 

They headed to De Pablo’s car where her brother, seated in the backseat, shared the space with the new addition to the family. The trio found themselves in the heart of a family Zoom meeting, a ritual they had adopted during the pandemic. She proudly introduced Pablo to the virtual gathering.

 

The relationship between humans and animals has undergone profound transformations in our ever-changing world, shaping our emotions and identities. 

 

To explore the emotional connections and shared experiences in human-animal relationships, we must delve into the depth of feelings, empathy, and companionship that enrich those bonds. Regardless of a pet not being certified or trained, their presence in a person’s life can be impactful.

 

A universal experience of the COVID-19 pandemic was social isolation and loneliness, which led to an increased demand for acquiring or fostering a pet. De Pablo is an individual who sought out animal companionship during this uncertain time in May 2020.

 

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over 23 million households in the United States, constituting nearly 1 in 5 nationwide, welcomed a new pet into their homes amid the pandemic.

 

“I was home with my parents at the time,” said De Pablo.  

 

She felt frozen and yearned to find something joyful in her time home. 

 

In a 2021 survey by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), 76% of individuals with pets indicated an enhancement in their overall health due to pet ownership, a notable increase from the 71% reported in 2016. Additionally, 87% of pet owners note improvements in their mental health as a result of having a pet, showing a significant rise from the 74% reported in 2016.

 

“Being around them tends to be soothing because animals tend to regulate their emotions better. So it causes us to need to regulate our emotions better,” said Danielle Pientka, a licensed social worker and therapist who specializes in animal-assisted therapy models. 

 

Engaging with animals has been proven to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, and also to decrease blood pressure. 

 

“Sitting with their dog and just breathing with him or her, having the dog on their lap and petting them, you have a lot of relationship stuff in there that we don’t always get from people, Pientka continued. 

 

Even though obtaining a dog or cat was a challenge for some during the pandemic, a study by the Frontiers in Veterinary Science concluded that “while some reports have suggested that pet ownership increased, findings from this study reflect that pet ownership numbers are slightly below what they were before March 2020.”

 

“I did not realize that getting puppies was so competitive. Shelters were selling out,” said De Pablo.

 

The evolution of human-animal bonds has now become more of an emotional and companionship connection rather than a bond of service. 

 

“I was crying over the summer over something that happened to a close friend. The one place Pablo isn’t allowed is on our beds. He knows that, but when I was in my bed crying, he got in my bed and snuggled up. It’s amazing how he can recognize a human's emotions and dedicate himself to emotional support,” De Pablo commented.

 

Curious about whether dogs genuinely exhibit empathy when their owners are emotionally distressed, psychologists Deborah Custance and Jennifer Mayer from Goldsmiths College in London adapted a method proven effective in measuring empathy in human toddlers. The study involved 18 dogs tested in their owners' homes, with a simple setup: the dog's owner and a stranger sitting approximately 6 feet apart, engaging in various activities while being filmed. 

 

Each person alternately spoke or hummed in an unusual staccato manner or simulated crying.

 

The pivotal aspect of the study was the crying scenario. The study's findings revealed that dogs not only approached and comforted their owners during distress but also approached strangers displaying unhappiness, suggesting a display of sympathy akin to human empathy.

 

“It’s so nice coming home and having someone so excited to see me. At times I get depressed, particularly in the winter,” De Pablo said in a small alcove of her apartment surrounded by greenery. 

 

“Having to take care of another being helps me regulate myself,” she continued.

 

By being responsible for Pablo, his needs and well-being have established a routine in her life. The lifestyle changes have not only kept her busy but benefited her mental health. Having to get out of bed, get dressed, and walk him outside, can help De Pablo better manage her seasonal depression. 

 

“There’s the soothing piece to having someone to take care of. During the pandemic, even if it was a hard day, you had to get up to feed your animals,” Pientka said. 
 

As per the Mental Health Foundation in the UK, pets offer companionship by providing a sense of security and a daily companion. Taking care of them can instill a feeling of being wanted and needed, a precious aspect for older individuals or those living alone, thereby reducing anxiety.

 

Furthermore, having a pet can facilitate social interactions and help in meeting new people. Dog owners often engage in conversations during walks, and various other pets provide opportunities to connect, whether in pet shops, training classes, or online groups.

 

“It was so helpful for me to have casual interactions with people. For me, that was the biggest pandemic moment. The emotional support in times of crisis is new, something that has come out in the past year,” said De Pablo.

 

Just like with any person, she talks to him daily. Sometimes her roommate walks into the space and thinks she’s having a conversation with a person. Through his sounds, Pablo attempts to join in the conversation.

 

“You’ve really dedicated yourself to something new. You gave yourself a job. Everyone’s mental health rests on your tiny shoulders…I love you so much. You don’t even know…When I do things you hate, it’s to take care of you. I’m not trying to brush your teeth to torture you,” De Pablo conversed with Pablo.

 

Her travel experiences have changed since Pablo. She did not realize the freedom she had before him. 

 

“It’s changed my perspective a little bit. It’s a balance. I lost that freedom by having a dog…I have to make sure someone is here to take care of him…It’s made me think how important freedom is to me but it’s made me feel rooted. I start to feel very untethered if I'm bopping around all the time. He’s made my life feel permanent in a way. Especially in a city like D.C., that can be so transient,” she stated.

 

Washington, D.C. has earned the dubious distinction of being named the loneliest city in the country.

 

Adding to the concern, the city seems to be experiencing an increase in loneliness. On average, the number of individuals living alone has seen a 5.9% year-over-year rise since 2016.

 

“So many call it home for a long time but people also come here for two or three years in their twenties. But there is a sense of impermanence about it. Of people not wanting to invest in fixing up their apartment because they don’t know how long they’ll be here,” said De Pablo. 

 

“I feel more connected to my neighborhood. I’ve realized that feeling rooted and investing in a home and a community feels more important to me right now than having the freedom,” she continued. 

 
Aware that Pablo is not a person, but loving and being responsible for him has opened her up to a new kind of love. “It’s a different way of loving another being. I hadn’t yet experienced this until I got my own dog.” 

 

When seeking to include a pet in your life, it’s imperative to consider all aspects of integrating them into your day-to-day before committing. 

 

“The flip side of unconditional love is unconditional responsibility,” said De Pablo.