Dogs Brought Comfort to Covid Isolation

Many dogs were adopted during the COVID pandemic as a source of company and love when they stayed at home for many months. 

People spent more time inside with their dogs than going out in public around people. 

During the pandemic, many kids and adults had to work or participate in school from home. 

As a result, many people were left with little to no social interactions and have been isolated alone for many months. 

Dogs helped replace face-to-face social interactions that people missed since they were no longer at the office or in a classroom. This helped reduce stress. 

Petting a dog, even during Zoom classes and meetings, helped reduce stress and worry. It also helped make classes and meetings more fun and engaging.

Retired Dimond teacher Dale Doxee shares about her dog’s loving personality.

 “He was always at my side and I knew his loyalty to me was genuine. We did lots of cuddling and still do.” 

Our furry friends helped everyone endure isolating at home, since many people, adults and children alike, didn’t see friends, family and colleagues for many months until Covid shots became available. 

Some adults were able to return to work after getting the shot. 

That means many teens and kids still had to stay at home, at least those who chose not to come to school until getting the Covid vaccine. Without parents, kids and teens were sometimes left by themselves with even less human interaction. 

Having a dog to spend time with all day while doing online school helped teens and kids endure lonely days alone in an empty house, especially when older siblings began returning to school. Another added benefit would be dogs helping us exercise. 

Because gyms are closed, more people are taking walks and exercising with their dogs. Especially people who are working and doing school from home get less exercise. 

Thankfully, a dog encourages people to get outside and be active. Even walking with your dog helps destress and get out of your house for fresh air and sun.

 Dimond assistant principal James Hancock shares how his dogs are his best friends and their important place in his life.

 “My dogs gave me a purpose to get outside and enjoy life especially during the pandemic. We would weave back and forth across the streets on our runs to avoid people. 

“Both dogs were always happy to be outside and it helped me not to just shelter in place at home. Oakley and Spencer became my best friends as we went on adventures on the trails around Anchorage.

“We ran into bears, moose and even a lynx. Life would have been miserable without my two friends to keep everything in perspective.” 

Both humans and dogs need daily exercise, which is a function both beings should take advantage of together to stay healthy. All dogs share different but good purposes in our lives. 

Dogs come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and personalities, but they will always be one of the best friends a person can look to for companionship.