"Isolation is the worst adviser."
– Miguel de Unamuno
COVID-19 provides a unique opportunity to return home to previously external professions such as education and employment. This is often doubly true for counselors and students, as both instruction and clinical practice are offered through virtual formats.
This transition was not without its challenges. Whether it's a cloakroom mistake caught on camera or a cat scattered over the keyboard, the virtual classroom and telehealth have blurred the boundaries of our privacy. Classmates, teachers, and clients now have access to aspects of our domestic life. Virtual backgrounds can create the appearance of an office-like environment that obscures the reality of the basement, guest room, or even closet. However, household noises are not so easy to silence if they are not muted, and meetings often pick up the bark or purr of a household member of a dog or cat.
In addition, the virtual world is a reminder of the distance required during this pandemic. Water cooler talks and happy hours are now hosted through chats, emails, and Zoom meetings. The physical connection is directed to those who are believed to be safe enough to be in a "bubble," such as immediate family members and close friends.
This bubble contains the family's pets. Brian Fagan, researcher and professor of anthropology, said in his book The Intimate Bond, How Animals Shaped Human History: “More than fifteen thousand years ago, intimate and respectful relationships resulted in collaboration and camaraderie between humans and wolves, the ancestors of the first animals, who became members of human families. "
The human-animal connection has resulted in a reciprocal relationship that offers physical and emotional satisfaction and support to both human and non-human companions.
Pets motivate movement
Sitting in front of the computer for hours contributes to the exhaustion of the zoom and an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. Animals motivate movement, encourage play, and encourage outdoor walks. For example, my own standard poodle indicates when it's time for my work break by staring at me. If I don't answer, she grips my shoulder gently (but firmly and repeatedly). If I still disagree with her request to go outside, she will burst into a barrage of noises that begin as low wails of discontent and escalate into angry barks.
One of my counselors in training described how her pets coped with the pandemic and the motivated family walks and mutual support.
“We have two dogs, a Whodle (Wheaton Terrier / Poodle Cross) named Buffy and a Coyote, a rescue that is a kind of terrier mix. Buffy looks like a teddy bear and when she's not with my two boys she hunts rodents and rattlesnakes. She really lives up to the name Buffy. What can I say about coyote? Well he's a chicken. He's afraid of his own shadow. The best thing that has ever happened to him is this damn pandemic because we are all at home where he can keep an eye on us. The pandemic has forced us to spend much more time together as families (for better or for worse!), And that includes our dogs. The only thing we started as a family is taking the dogs for a walk. I'm not sure why it took a pandemic to make this a family event, but I am not going to complain, and I know the dogs won't either. "
Pets alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression
The stressors that have accompanied the pandemic are numerous. Animals are also sensitive to the stress their humans are experiencing and make an effort to convey the challenges. According to Stephanie Borns-Weil, director of behavioral services at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, the animals also adapt to anyone who is at home trying to control the increase in activity. However, routine pet care appears to lower the stress hormone cortisol and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in humans and animals. For example, a client told this story about her German Shepherd:
“After the lockdown I was sad and isolated. He [the dog] began to see that I was in bed a lot. After a while he would pull me out of bed. Then he moved me off the couch and showed me that he was getting as fat as me. So the next morning he pulled me out of bed and off the couch. I changed and started walking. We only walked 40 minutes just to be outside and get some fresh air. It started for me to change my habits, diet, routine and even conversation. "
Pets offer companionship without luggage
Pets help reduce loneliness by giving and seeking companionship without the complex emotional conditions of many human relationships. This is not just an emotional connection, but a neurological bond created by increased levels of the neurotransmitter oxytocin in both humans and animals. During the pandemic, people's increasing need for companionship has led to an increase in the care and adoption of rescue animals. People are looking for that straightforward and fulfilling connection. For one client family, the pit bull mix they saved during lockdown was a calming presence and a constant companion for their kids.
“She [the dog] gave the children unconditional love and a calming presence and gave us meaning during those eight months that we were at home. During the kids' break from distance learning, we take them for walks in the park and play ball. It forces us to go outside to play and laugh! It keeps us in the present moment. She cuddles you, kisses you and is really a light on darker days! We are so grateful for your camaraderie in these challenging times. "
For many people, pets are not just companions. As this colleague's story shows, the connection and concern we feel marks them as part of our families.
“My dog was also my pandemic friend, who sat next to me through zoom calls and virtual therapy sessions. We went for walks every day and snuggled on the couch while I was taking my notes. Unfortunately, he had a spinal injury in the past four months and it was getting worse. We've worked with our vet and he's getting stronger and I can't imagine what the long days from home would be like without him. "
Pets and humans have a long history together. From predator and prey to companions, the relationship is both complex and primal. The pandemic has also created greater awareness of how we coexist with many species. Coyotes have been spotted in San Francisco, bears have been spotted in the streets of Los Angeles, and a peacock has even adopted a London elementary school and the surrounding neighborhood. Many attributed the decrease in human activity caused by pandemics to these increased sightings of wildlife in urban settings.
The human-animal connection is an interdependent relationship that can be particularly beneficial in difficult times. When the time comes (and will) when we begin to return to our classrooms and offices, it's important to remember that our pets will need time to adapt to the changes too. While some may be relieved by the silence, others may be sad to lose their day friends.
However, never fear. Our pets are loyal and will let us know that deep down they will always be forgiven us and always ready to rub their ears in luxury or take a brisk walk in the park. Perhaps it was just when Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, one of the first Westerners to live with the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert and record her relationships with animals and the author of The Hidden Life of Dogs, remarked, “Nobody is too old or ugly or poor or disabled in order to gain the love of a pet – they love us uncritically and without reservation. "
This is dedicated to my co-therapist Max, the 12 year old Golden Doodle who died suddenly in July. Your friendship and guidance will be sorely missed.
****
Cheryl Fisher
Cheryl Fisher is a licensed private practice clinical professional advisor based in Annapolis, Maryland. She is the director and assistant professor for the online MA in Clinical Counseling at Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology. Her research interests include the study of sexuality and spirituality in young women with advanced breast cancer; nature-informed therapy; and geek therapy. She can be contacted at [email protected].
****
It should not be assumed that opinions or statements in articles appearing on CT Online represent the opinions of the editors or guidelines of the American Counseling Association.
