This coronavirus is stressing our pets because it’s stressing us. I know my pets feel the stress – some from me, some from my husband, and a lot from the community. Being an animal communicator is a big help but I still need to deal with me. I always thought that I could happily spend weeks indoors without ever seeing any other human – the introvert’s dream – but seven days of cancelled social plans, cancelled volunteer work, cancelled errands, and I’m feeling some pressure – never thought I would ever say that! Even the dreaded grocery shopping sounds like fun. The only consistent in my life is taking my dog for a walk, and he thinks this is all great. I’m home all day with him or I’m taking him for a wall. And my bearded dragon, who is still having health issues (see my Bearded Dragon Eggs post) , is getting even more attention that usual.
Our animals are reading our emotions and communicating with each other so they all know that somethin’s up. They know that life is not as usual. And they know that some of us are not doing as well as others. You can help them by not trying to hide your stress from them. The worst thing you can do to your pet is to fake a happy feeling because they know it’s a lie and that just makes it worse. So acknowledge the stress you feel, and acknowledge the stress that’s in the community right now. Do everything you can to minimize your own stress – meditate, pray, take a walk, drink some water, sit outdoors, whatever works for you. And remember your animal is looking to you for comfort, and is looking to give you comfort.