When pets help us cope
MANY of us, especially the kids, missed many Easter activities because of the current health crisis that confronts us and continues to baffle the world. No colorful eggs, no bunnies, none of those sweet treats we have been used to savoring. Most of us are inside our homes, getting used to this period of peace, quiet, prayer, meditation, and a lot of time with whoever we are locked down with.
I spoke to some friends who have shared that they are lucky to have their pets with them. “The kids have our dogs to play with, and I’m happy that they are not just focused on what to eat, what to watch and what to play. They even learn about being responsible—they walk the dogs, they help tidy them, and even assist in bathing them,” shared a single mother friend of mine.
Another colleague told me that he has included his pet dog as part of his exercise routine. “I walk Bettina, a Cocker Spaniel, every morning inside our village. We both catch the morning sun, something which Bettina and I do not get to do during normal work days when I have to leave home early to avoid the morning rush traffic going to the office.”
Some of our celebrities and friends in the industry have also discovered the joys of being with their pets during this quarantine period which has been extended to almost three more weeks. Many have realized that their pets are helping them cope with their day to day lives during this crisis.
Award-winning actor and family man Nonie Buencamino loves dogs. In his home in Bulacan, the thespian and his family have Amelie, a Bichon Frise, and two Belgian Malinois, Trina and her son Bakal.
Buencamino is particularly fond of Bakal, who is also an award-winning dog. “I have been part of Bakal’s training since he was a pup. During this period, I get to spend a lot of time with Bakal and continue to hone him to be a champion dog. He is truly special.” Another pet lover and animal advocate is beauty queen turned host turned actress Joyce Ann Burton-titular. She and her husband Ron have a lot of dogs—some huge standard poodles, an aspin, an epileptic mixed breed and a chihuahua. “We get to spend a lot more time with them now that everything is at a halt. And we love it! They keep us amused and sane and happy!”
Another animal advocate is model-actress Marina Benipayo, who is known among her peers as a goodhearted cat woman. For many years now, Benipayo has been drawn to abandoned cats. She saves them, brings them to the vet and finds new homes for these stray cats and kittens. Benipayo and her longtime companion Richard Cepeda continue to feed and care for so many cats especially during this lockdown period. Concert producer Calvin Chua is also a dog lover. He has eight—two Alaskan Malamutes and 6 Pomeranians. In between quietly helping the frontliners, Chua spends a lot of time with his dogs. “They definitely help reduce the stress levels and anxiety that we are experiencing right now. They lift our moods and continue to spark joy in our homes.”
Perhaps one popular dog on social media is Ollie, an Old English Sheepdog owned by media colleague and friend Ivy Mendoza. Ollie recently turned nine and he has been a loyal companion of Mendoza for many years now. Recently, Mendoza shared photos of how Ollie is such a behaved pet during bathing time. “I think he relishes my extra attention these days.”
Our pets provide more than just companionship during these extraordinary times. They remind us that love and loyalty can be consistent, and oftentimes just being there is enough. ■