3 Things My Pets Have Taught ME During a Global Pandemic

1. Routine is everything:

Between my fish and roommate's dog, I always have at least 4 things that are absolutely required of me once a day. Every day, I wake up, feed my fish, clean the dog bowl, feed the dog, and check the fish heater. These four core things are what my life has centered around for the past 6 months. They're my lifeline. With the responsibility of a pet and the empathy required to care for something else, I feel like I can be a happy and responsible adult.

2. There's always time for a walk:

Every day. You can go on a walk at least once every day. Before quarantine started, I never wanted to take the time out of my day to take the dogs on a walk because I felt too busy. Being in quarantine, I've learned that you're actually never too busy. You need that walk, and you deserve that walk. No Assignment or job can ever be as important as the calm you feel when coming back from a walk.

3. The best thing to come home to is a wagging tail:

It doesn't matter how many Karen's I run into at the store or how many people were being mean because I can always come back home to my dogs or my fish swimming up to greet me. I know my pets are there for me and will always be my closest companions. They have taught me that comfort comes in all shapes and sizes.