ELYRIA, Ohio — Well, here we all are, stuck in our homes, exclusively with each other, for an indefinite period of time.
And we’ve already done a jigsaw puzzle and watched everything that watchable on Netflix, and to be quite candid it’s already gotten to the point where we’re starting to wear on each other and it kind of feels like the walls are beginning to close in on us a little bit and I’m sorry to cut you off but if I could just stop you right there I know what you’re going to say and YOU’VE ALREADY TOLD ME THAT SAME STORY TEN TIMES AND I LOVE YOU BUT I JUST CAN’T LISTEN TO IT AGAIN AND GOOD LORD WHEN WILL THIS NIGHTMARE END?!!?
Sorry about that everybody. Trying times.
But perhaps that frustration sounded a bit familiar? If it doesn’t yet, it might soon. Being cooped up with the same people for an extended period of time is bound to eventually start to take its toll on all of us.
Maybe you could use a distraction. Perhaps a distraction that really needs you right now? Hey, I know! Have you considered fostering a pet?
There are so many things to think about during this crisis and obviously our priority is taking care of our families and ourselves. But shelter animals are particularly vulnerable right now. Many animal shelters have been forced to temporarily close and the ones that remain open are strained for space and supplies.
But The Friendship Animal Protective League in Elyria has a swell program that could use some support right now. They’re looking for volunteers to foster (and hopefully, adopt) some of their animals until we get through this. It’s a good way for them to free up space and resources for what is sure to soon become a very full house.
And it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement because introducing a new dog or cat to a home is tremendous distraction. You and the humans you’re trapped with can all spend time competing for the animal’s love and making sure that it likes you best. You can talk to them endlessly without fearing the dreaded reciprocity of having to listen to them talk in return.
Plus it’s just a really nice thing to do.
I visited Friendship APL to learn more about the program and meet some new animal pals. You can watch my adventure in the player above.
Click here for our special coronavirus section.