Maintaining Sanity During COVID
Dear Frankie,
I am really stressed over this Covid thing. At first, I thought everyone in the family was at home because it was school vacation. But after they didn’t go back to school or work for over a month, I knew something was up. When I asked them why they were not leaving the house, they told me there are germs outside, carried by people that don’t live with us, so they had to stay home to stay safe.
I still go out a couple of times a day, and never once have I seen a germ, all I ever see are people wearing masks. Maybe it’s me. Vision has never been my strong suit. That aside, I haven’t had a peaceful day for almost a year. You can’t believe the constant bickering between my parents and the kids about schoolwork. Then there are the threats they make if anyone makes noise when they have to talk to the Zoom on the computer.
Do you have any suggestions for how I can feel better about living with my family during Covid?
Cordially, Victoria
Dear Victoria,
I would be lying if I told you living with humans during Covid is a walk in the park. Whenever I get upset about my life, I wonder how dogs cope when they are given up by their “forever families” and left at a shelter or by the side of the road?
If these aren’t sobering thoughts to snap you back to being grateful for the life you live, I don’t know what is. However, if thinking like I do doesn’t offer you any consolation, keeping in mind that Covid isn’t going to last forever might help. Pretty soon, the weather will be warmer, and you’ll be able to spend more time outside by yourself and away from the fray.
In the meantime, I would suggest you reframe the way you think about living with your family 24/7. Focus on the perks they provide, like; the extra walks, company during the day, and the treats you’ll get from the food they inevitably will drop on the couch and the floor. In sum, hang in there Victoria, this too shall pass.
Best, Frankie
© 2021, Geneva Woodruff
Frankie is an eight-year-old schnauzer poodle and a rescue. She is a certified emotional support animal for a single retired educator.
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