Recently, it seems as if someone really needs to search to find something positive during these hard times. One thing that appears to be running low this year is pets. The people that live in the cities that have been hit the hardest by coronavirus are fostering or adopting pets relatively quicker than before the pandemic. 

Animal shelters and advocacy organizations have been completely shocked at how much support they have been receiving. With there being a 70 percent rise in animals being fostered nationwide, employees, families and even the pets are adding something positive and joyful to their year.

One specific shelter in California has completely emptied their cages. A non-profit organization, Muttville, is owned by Sherri Franklin. She rescues elderly dogs who are scheduled to be euthanized at other shelters. Franklin’s goal is to find these older dogs a loving and fun family for their last bit of life. After deciding to close down her facility for health safety reasons, she and other employees moved all the dogs into their own homes. Surprisingly, this raised awareness within the community and made its way through social media.

California citizens have really upheld this program and dogs began making their way to their new homes. If pets were not adopted, they were fostered and then, out of adoration, most likely adopted. Applications to do so came into the organization just as fast as they were handed out. There were over 100 applications submitted, with 135 dogs eventually being adopted. 

A concern that not only rose with Franklin’s organization but with the people themselves, was the safety risk. When the virus started to escalate, shelters and adoption centers began looking after their customers and their animals. They would bathe the animals very well and anything that was provided to the new household was deep cleaned. Each business followed social distancing to the best of their ability and kept cages, food bowls, water bowls and leashes cleaned. In addition to these safety measures, the new owners would get to meet their pets via Zoom. This way they are able to see a little bit of their personality without breaking any guidelines.  

The dogs and cats that are being adopted or fostered out provide a certain sense of comfort and continuity. The cheerful new additions to these people’s homes take the focus away from the negative news happening in the world, creating a happier life for everyone.