Pets and Pandemic
Writing and Visual Art with Pets
2022-23 Submissions Below
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Learning Targets and Directions
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Ariel Houghton shows far and above expression and meaning on her Pets and Pandemic Visual Story here
Juan Solorzano Guzman
Mr. Manzarek is a curious and inquisitive cat. He would often lay down near the large French door that connects our backyard to the house and would watch the other cats in the neighborhood quite excitedly. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we always made sure to take him out to the backyard of our house …However, this changed with the arrival of winter. In the winter, we only took Mr. Manzarek out on sunny days because my mom thought the cat might get sick (something my dad and I thought was pretty stupid). That is why as the days went by, Mr. Manzarek would try to get our attention so that we would let him out, and sometimes he even took advantage of the fact that we opened the main door and tried to escape. When my father found out about this, he tried to teach the cat to behave and not get in the way of people when the door was opened, but Mr. Manzarek kept doing it because... well... cats don't understand English. After a couple of weeks of Mr. Manzarek’s rude behavior, my brother and I talked with my mother about the possibility of letting Mr. Manzarek out on the porch of our house for at least 5 minutes on Fridays, but my mother refused as she feared he would run away … One Saturday night, my father and I decided to go buy some fast food in his car for dinner. As soon as Mr. Manzarek noticed that I was tying my shoes to go out, he tried to get my attention. I decided that Mr. Manzarek would be part of the trip. When we got home and parked, I took him in my arms, opened the car door, grabbed the pizza we had bought, and I got out of the car. Once I was out, I put the pizza on the roof of the car and before I could close the car door, Mr. Manzarek struggled to free himself from my arms. I desperately tried to regain control by grabbing him again, but he started biting me and squirming until he finally broke free. I thought I saw how Mr. Manzarek ran into a bush that was in front of the entrance of my house, so I called my dad to help me catch him. The attempts were in vain because the only lights that were there were those of a lightbulb at the entrance of the house and the lights inside the other houses in the neighborhood. My father said he would go into the house to look for a lantern and asked me to stay near the bush to see if Mr. Manzarek would come out. After about 10 seconds, I thought I heard something, so I opened my arms and I listened carefully to see if he would come out. However, Mr. Manzarek would never come out and when my dad brought the flashlight, he was no longer there. The days went by, and whenever I came home from school, I tried to look for him around the house, in the workshop, in the bush, and I even asked a neighbor who had a Pit Bull to help me look for it. where I found it. However, all was in vain.
Jack Beers
My dog Cisco is a very fun and playful dog. He has made me feel not alone and I always have enjoyed time with him. He once went to get a shot and we stayed there for a while. And we saw him get shot and he didn’t really like it. When I came back home from summer vacation he wasn’t there and then I said where’s Cisco I said to my dad he said he’s still at the dog hotel. I kind of laughed because I look for little to find him. And when he came back I pet him and he licked me and I will not forget my dog Cisco.
Ariel Houghton
One night my mom said the next day we were getting a huge surprise I had no idea what it could be and so I went to bed wondering what the surprise could be. The next morning I woke up and went downstairs. I could not believe my eyes we had gotten a new pitbull puppy. I was so so so happy. she was a rescue from the streets. my dad took her to get her shots and then we had to come up with a name for her, her original name was marshmallow but we thought we would name her something else. we thought long and hard about a name for her and decided to name her chica. my dad went to the store to get her some toys, treats, and even a dog bed.we played and played with chica.we even took her outside and played ball, frisbee, and chase. we realized our other dogs were getting jealous and chica was getting tired so we put chica to bed and gave our other dogs lots of love.COVID-19 has definitely affected many things in our lives good and bad.
Lucy Pruitt
During the pandemic, a snake got into our house and we didn’t know-how. My dad had to come home from work so he could get it out of our house. We were not okay with snakes AT ALL so, we ended up getting a cat named Miley to keep them away.
We had Miley for a few weeks and started noticing how scared she was of everything and how she shook her head a lot. We took her to the vet when her ear started swelling and she kept rubbing it against the wall. It turns out, she has anxiety and when she shakes her head, blood gets into her ear. She ended up getting her ear pumped twice. Now, she has a scrunched-up ear but is much more playful.
Miley was extremely comforting to have during the pandemic. In a way, I’m glad a snake came into our house; without it, we wouldn’t have gotten a cat. The best part of virtual school was being able to sit and pet Miley while I’m
Addison Connaker 1
Riley Frey
Addison Connaker 2
Olivia Creswell
During the pandemic, we didn't have a dog. our dog died over the pandemic. our neighbor had a dog that they couldn't have. they were allergic to the dog's fur, so, we told them we could take the dog in for them. So they let us have her for a few weeks and she fit right in. So now we have a 7-year-old wirehaired terrier mixed breed named Bella. Bella is a little skittish cause she was abused as a puppy, and my neighbor's mom found her. when my neighbor's mom passed away they couldn't take the dog in cause they were allergic to her so we took her in and now we’ve had her for 2 years now. It is much more comfortable to have a pet you can be with. she is comforting sweet and playful and she's the best pet ever.
Paula Benavides Ladino
WHITE FLAKE
In this pandemic, some friends of my father bought a puppy they had to go on a trip and they had no one to leave the puppy with so they gave it to me to take care of it, it was a baby and it was a little small, my house is he always got into small places, what was more complicated for me was that he had a lot of energy and at 5:00 am I had to take him out to do hid needs but it was fun and he taught me the responsibility he carries.
Ava Fennell
Graham Thompson
This story is about my dog, Toby. I have 2 dogs, but Toby is older than Emma. Toby is currently 13 in human years. He has had a hard time originally, but COVID hasn’t helped. He struggles to get up, ( which is partially his fault since he won’t let us cut his super long toenails), and he loses a lot of hair easily but somehow is still covered in it. He doesn't eat a lot, but he is a great comfort to be with. He loves belly and head scratches and will listen to anything he tells you. He will put his head in your lap and stay there for a while. But he can’t get up to high places, like in my bed or in the back of the car. But that’s ok.
I love Toby.
Ransom Fisher
Aubrey Stillwell
Gavin Nobles showing detail and soft color here
Lilian Hankinson
The most unprecedented and trying times in our present history can be influenced for the better by the unselfish offering of love and friendship from our pets; What's Your Story?
Eva and Chicken Little
My pet chicken is also known as chicken little came into my life over the break. He lives a coop with ducks so he acts like a duck more than a chicken.
He loves to be held so we like to go outside and play with him. He always is there for everyone.
From personal experience is that a chicken provides comfort and laughter?
My neighbor always talks about how she loves to listen to my chickens and ducks in the morning.
I got my chicken at tractor supplies about a year ago. I got him when he was just a baby and know she is all grown up.
Maddy and Gracie
During quarantine my cat, Graycie basically only ate and slept. Occasionally when I come home from school or I finish virtual school at home I play a game we call “Get ya.” It’s a fun game where I hide around the corner and she creeps up on you until she’s ready to pounce. We have had Graycie for 2 years now and we love her. Graycie at this time definitely relieves some stress you may have, which helps us with what’s going on. When we aren’t feeling the best Graycie would come and sit by you. Recently I heard from a friend that her dog passed away. I tried to comfort her the best I could. COVID-19 has definitely affected many things in our lives.
Julianna and Oreo
The new story then. My dog Oreo, who is very energetic got very tired and wouldn’t eat. We took him to the vet and they said he had parvo. It was lucky we got him there when we did because it was still early and still possible to beat. Two days later my mom went to go pick him up and he jumped out of the swattle the nurses had him in and hugged my mom like a human all the way home.
Nathan and Luna
he animal I chose is our family dog, Luna. When we got her, she was no bigger than a small cat. The workers at the animal shelter said that she would not get too much bigger than what she was at the time. It turns out she great much more than double her original size, and so did her heart. She has the sweetest, loving, attention-seeking, personality that I have ever seen. She will do anything within her power to make sure she gets the biggest treat, dinner first, the most attention out of the 2 dogs we own, the list really does go on. All in all, she is one of the best dogs I have ever encountered, and I wouldn't trade her for the world. She is a perfect comfort because she always wants to cuddle. Pets can provide a sense of normality, in stressful times, and the love they provide.
John
During the quarantine, we spent a lot more time at home. This meant that our dog got a lot more attention and was a lot less bored. Now that our dog had more energy, he was willing to more mischievous things. One morning, our mom brought home a box of 12 donuts. I went downstairs that morning to go get one. Strangely, I noticed that only 5 donuts were in the box. I had been the first person to come downstairs so I wondered what happened to the other 7. It turns out that our dog jumped up on the table and ate 7 whole donuts. For the rest of the day, our dog was acting noticeably less active. He may look like a nice dog, but he’s a criminal mastermind.
Megan and Hannah
So this story is about my dog Hannah, may she rest in doggy heaven. So my dad got her before I was born and before he got married, so he was buying a dog cage for my aunt and he told himself not to get any animals in the shelter and he came across Hannah and he couldn't resist after he was told they found her in a puddle with some other puppies and that the mother had abandoned them. So he got Hannah and ever since then Hannah has been with me until she sadly passed away 4 years ago she lived to 14 years old, she has helped me thru the pandemic because when I think about her she makes me smile.
Ta"Naje and Riley
My sister's pet's name is Ryley and he has to stay inside a lot. But he has more people around to pet him.her pet is so soft to touch and hug. I haven't really heard from my friends.
Rory and Smokey
My family owns four animals altogether, but one of the animals that we own that adores me the most would be one of the cats named Smokey. Smokey is a great comfort during a pandemic because he likes to cuddle and he also likes to play so it keeps me entertained. Smoky does enjoy running around my house when he’s bored or he's looking for attention. When we first found Smokey he was really little and skinny because he was originally abandoned when he was really young. Inevitably he came to our cat and he took a very intensive liking to my sister and my mother. When my family moved SMokey was still pretty young so he didn't really mind the move, but after we had gotten to our new house he thought that it would be a good idea to run around screaming. When the pandemic started Smokey would paw at my door all the time because he wanted attention scene we were home all the time, and when he would throw himself at things my siblings and I all found it very funny.
Will and Pepper
My dog loves attention. She always wants attention and loves to be pet and she is very playful. Her name is pepper and she loves to play outside in the yard. She loves the game fetch except she doesn't like to give the ball back though but it's ok. She loves to run but she gets tired pretty quickly. She loves people's food out of everything, especially chicken. But her favorite person is definitely my mom because she always wants to be with my mom no matter where we are. My dog's favorite thing in the world though is definitely getting a lot of attention. She loves to have people pet her and snuggle with her. We all love her so much and she has made quarantine better than it started.
Elliot and Chelsea
My dogs Sophie and Chelsea were with me during the pandemic and kept me company in my room while also eagerly wanting to just leave and sleep on the couch. Chelsea was 13 years old and gladfully slept on the beanbag beside me while I finished my homework - and Sophie just came in once in a while and tried to annoy her. They were never the best of friends. Chelsea wasn’t a real player because of her age - and all Sophie wanted to do was have fun. Luckily for me, their stare-fights were very entertaining. They would give each other a side-eye once in a while - and furrow their tiny eyebrows. Sophie has big “eyebrows”, and would constantly raise one in confusion to me. It was amazingly funny and cute… and sometimes Sophie would even run around Chelsea and try to get her to play. In all, their company was very intriguing.
Sydney and Ziggy
This quarantine, my grandma's dog Ziggy was so fun to play with. We both ran around the yard and played with her toys. One time I took her to the dog park where she played with the other pups. We also made homemade dog treats together and went to Petsmart where we let Molly pick out her own toys. The times there were thunderstorms, Ziggy would run into my bed because she is terrified of them. Quarantine was very fun with Molly.
Cassidy and Carver
Carver was 8 years old around when the pandemic started. We had had him for a very long time. He was very sweet. When the pandemic happened we weren’t allowed to see people, so it got pretty lonely. I would sometimes talk to him when no one was around and it felt like he could understand me. He helped a lot and made me feel like I had someone to talk too. Overtimes, we didn’t realize but he wasn’t feeling good. We took him to the vet. I was worried. He had gotten sick and we couldn’t do anything to stop it. He was the best dog ever and made the pandemic a lot less lonely! We will never forget him!
Cori
Pets are important because when most people are upset they something to come down and that what pets are for and they are the reason that everyone is getting one because they are cute cuddly and lovers when they want to be. also, people are happy now that they get to spend a lot more time with their pets during the quarantine. now that makes them happier and happier I know I don’t have a pet but my grandma does and every time that I go to her house he always runs and starts jumping on me because he is happy and that makes me happy. I really hope this good enough for all the pet lovers out there. One question what kind of pet do you have?
Jocelyn and Willow
My family pet was very comforting because I taught them a lot of tricks such as jumping, cone bending, etc. A story from our pets is we went to Pet Smart and got them a TON of treats and toys. They make me feel safe and happy when I go to bed and they crawl on me, they are the sweetest funniest dogs I ever knew! :)
Dylan and Bandit
Hey, my name is Dylan and the pet that I’m talking about is my cat Bandit. We got him in July of 2015. We’ve had him since he was an itty bitty baby. When we adopted him, he was only a few weeks old. He had a tip-off his ear, he had a cut on his face and he was never loved at all. The first time I touched him, it was love at first sight, and we gave him “LOL” or (lots of love). He’s also my reading buddy, my cheer up bud’ and he’s always been there for me. Like when my Oma (German for grandma) passed when I’d lay on my bed and look at my Oma’s picture he’d always come up and cuddle with me. And bandit is always doing something funny. If it’s to chasing his tail, to cuddling with you, he’s always doing something...
Joshua and Schultz
So over the pandemic, we got a new full bred German Shepherd puppy named Schultz. So we were going to pick him up from the breeders' house and we were having a good time. At first, he was a little shy but then the next thing we knew he was fast asleep and drooling on my legs. When we got home we played outside and then came in. Schultz was very intrigued by the air vents. He just sat there and found his new favorite spot. I was impressed by how smart he was. Next, we all just sat around and loved on Schulz he was very happy. Now we are just one big happy family and he is huge now.
Aubrey and Nacho
During the pandemic, my Lizard Nacho was behaving strangely so we took her to see a doctor. Fun Fact! Her doctor is right across from mine! We dropped her off and it took a long time. It was crazy because we thought something was wrong with her. So of course she had all kinds of tests. She even had x-rays! It cost a lot of money. After more than one doctor visit/ pickup, all kinds of tests, and us being generally worried about her……..We realized nothing was wrong at all! She was just a picky eater. Total relief. That was the story of Nacho the Lizard's first doctor visit! To answer the prompts…... A family pet would be a comfort during this time because they are adorable and loving. All they want is love and care in return. During these uncertain times, pets would provide a source of calmness. Pets act like they don't have a care in the world and we love that! I heard a story about a cat my parents used to have called dippy. Dippy would attack his cat sitter. NOT GOOD AT ALL. He was crazy.
Ava; her Auntie and Bella
My aunt’s dog kept her comfort during this Pandemic. My aunt lives by herself and has to work from home so her dog (Bella) has kept her comfort while in the Pandemic. With her dog, she was able to continue exercising by walking her dog. Another way Bella comforted her was by having a friend and a companion when no one was there. Bella is also very sweet and likes to get loved on. Bella additionally comforted my aunt by sleeping by my aunt and staying by her while my aunt is working. Bella is an old dog so she and my aunt do small activities while at-home quarantine. Also at my aunt's house, it’s very quiet so my aunt puts on some soft low music for her and Bella. My aunt is hoping to get a new dog soon for more comfort.
Maryam and Bob
I had a little turtle his name was Tiny Bob after a few weeks we got him he ran away but we couldn't find him
Avery and Scrappy
My story is about my dog named ‘Scrappy.”
Scrappy is a cocker spaniel mix but we don't know what he is mixed with. He is 14 and I have had him my whole life. He is named after snoopy doos nephew “ scrappy doo.”
He has been such a great pet during this pandemic he loves on you and wants to play, and he's just so cute. But during this quarantine we have noticed scrappy has been breathing heavier and has been getting more fatty bumps on his stomach, he's ok he's just old and we have to monitor him.
I have to be quarantined again for 10 days due to a test being positive on my cheer team so I cant touch scrappy or my other dog and her name is lucy. So I already know this is going to be really hard because I love them so much and they are like my little babies. So I don't know what I'm going to do
Sophia and Lucy
My story about Lucy during the pandemic is Lucy is 9 years old she is a German Shepherd mix and she's very fluffy and provided the comfort to my whole family during the pandemic because she is a really nice and happy and fluffy dog that Comforts my family every day Lucy also provided happiness and joy for my family during the tough times, she also releases stress in my family and she's just a really good dog and something I've heard about a friend or relative from a pandemic is during the pandemic my friend Lauren her dog has developed arthritis and he was struggling for a while but then he got over it and he's doing much better now
Wyman and Poppy
Our dog Poppy is a story about trials and tribulations. Poppy was about 97 when events occurred and a lot happened. So back in June, we found out about one of the previous caretakers did not need Poppy or my Uncle to be with them. Poppy was not ours at the time but there were three people in the house my uncle, my aunt (caretaker), and a friend of ours (uncle caretaker). As June wound down we knew that Poppy was coming home with us along with my uncle. Things needed to change for the better for my uncle and Poppy. And then later our grandmother called and asked if we wanted to take in poppy and of course, I said yes and that's how we got poppy in our lives.
Dormes and Bella
My story is about the pet fish that I recently got. They are very special because these are our first and only pets that my family has had. They are comforting because when we have something on our minds we can just go to our fish tank and the fish will instantly follow whoever is at the tank. They provide my family with joy and fun. My godmother has a dog named Bella. She is fun and has been really excited lately since everyone has been home. She has to be frequently walked now.
Victoria and Anima Puer
While I have no pets of my own, I do have a made-up pet that came from an original character concept. This little “pet” is not an animal, but it is a doll. A little doll belonging to one of the original characters that I created, they are called Anima Puer, their owner the Spirit of a little girl who died being murdered by Vampires, angry at her powerful government family for their laws and rules against them. Anima Puer is that of a doll created as a toy for the little girl, whose human name is Minetal. I sometimes see Anima as a pillow or some other object form, the doll concept bringing me comfort and the will to live in a time of brutal chaos and uncertainty. Though they are only a made-up concept story. Anima is with me, though they are not present, they do always come out on paper when I want them to, by a pencil, pen, then marker.
Veronica and Rufo
Rufo was the sweetest thing I remember he used to get a blue colored metal vase. He would grab it so carefully and gracefully then he would put it on “his table” with other things on it. Like he used to be a “messenger” dog and what I mean when I say that is that he would grab the mail give it to my grandma then when she's done he keeps it under his dog bed it the funniest thing! Oh, one more small story I wasn't born when this happened When he was about a year-ish old let's say my dad told me there was one time he found a happy face sticker pack and my dad put a smiley sticker on his cooler he had it on threw all of his dog life!
( he's also blind in one eye from an epic battle that sorta left a scar on his face: C but he was fine other than that )
Divine and Kingston
Kingston Carter
I woke up this morning very startled by what I was hearing. Could it be? A paralysis demon with long, thick nails coming to haunt me in my dreams for the rest of my life!? I’m just kidding. I scared you didn’t I? It was my dog Kingston scratching on my door. He’s my daily alarm clock. He’s a different type of alarm clock though. He’s the type of alarm clock that loves you and wants to keep you company. I got up to open the door, he immediately jumped on my bed greeting me with whimpers of missing and disgusting wet kisses. I looked over at my phone, it was still the middle of March and the somewhat beginning of this global pandemic.
Margaret and Moxy
My dog's name is Moxy and he is a German Shepherd Whippet mix. He is eight I think and we got him when he was about two. When we got him we were actually looking for a dog to live with my Granny in her last years and I picked him out for her since I thought he would be perfect. He was the only one in the shelter that wasn’t barking and I thought he was the cutest thing. He ended up being the perfect fit since Granny didn’t have any fences his German Shepherd side kept him from running away and he is a major couch potato that loves pets and attention. He gets jealous easily and that is part of the reason I got Hazel on the meet since I knew Moxy would get jealous and come on camera, it worked. When my Granny died he ended up coming home with us and I have spoiled him ever since.
Paige and her Labridor
She is a black lab mix and she is the best dog in the whole world and she helped me through the hard times. She makes us happy and she goes camping with us and she just makes things better. She comforts me because she hangs out with me and plays during these times because I can't hang out with my friends. A pet provides a friend and snuggles bud and comfort. Just think they don't have many friends and they wait to get home and so you can wait for the COVID to be over. My friend has a dog and she was feeling alone and her dog just came over to her with a ball wanting her to play. She told me even when your feeling alone your not alone. Your pets may not be able to talk but they can still give their love.
Kennedy and Henry
My cat that we got a year ago named Henry is so cute. He has been keeping me company while I do my school work, or while I'm just bored. He is very playful and he loves biting for fun, and he even sometimes if he can, but I don’t let him in my room because of this, will open my drawers that are connected to the bottom side of my bed, and will crawl into it, close it, and go under my bed which he won’t be able to get out and I have to pull him out because the only way he could get back out is through a tiny door on the side of my bed that is like 1.5 feet tall. A pet is a comfort during this time because they can keep us not bored, and they are just fun in general. They give you something to look after and play with. A pet can provide less boredom, being happier when they are around, and responsibility. My friend Juliana has a dog named Archie and she has had him since 1st grade, and he used to be tiny. This pandemic I think he has kept her company, and I know that because she really loves him.
Genesis and Thor
What I heard over the pandemic was one of my friends found kittens. When she was out with her mom they found some crying kittens in a box. So they took them home and took care of them. There were two boys and one girl they were black and gray and very cute. When she told me about she thought why would someone abandon such cute animals? Then when she took them home and held them close to her she felt so happy that they were healthy and safe. She realized that she wanted to keep and take care of them until they're a lot older. The reason I think they helped her during the pandemic is she found something that made her feel so happy, happier than she's ever been I think and that’s something very touching.
Emily-Claire and Phantom
My cat Phantom is mostly an indoor cat, but she likes to go outside sometimes. Phantom was outside one day, and our neighbors' dog got off his leash and chased her up a tall oak tree in our backyard. We tried everything to get her down: cat treats, cat toys, we even rented a 20ft ladder and tried to climb up and get her, but she was so far up, it didn't reach. She was up in that tree for 3 days until she finally got low enough for my sister to go up and get her. When she got down everyone was so relieved! At first, she did not want to go back outside, but as the months went on she started to go out more and more, and now it's like nothing ever happened. I do worry that she might get treed again, but she's a smart cat, and I don’t think she liked being up in that tree
London and her Dog
When the pandemic started me and my dog clue we just had fun and spent a lot more time together. I think he was much happier because I didn’t have to go to school or dance and everyone was home to spent time with him. We jumped on the trampoline and played outside in the backyard. The one thing we couldn’t do with him was walking him because we didn’t want to go around people. But I think he was still really happy without the walks.
Shay-leesya and her Dog
Pets provide a lot of comfort during a pandemic. They’re there for you when you’re sad. When you’re lonely you can just have a pet near you. My cat likes to rub all over you and she is tiny so she can sleep on your bed. My dog is very friendly and loves to jump around. She accepts everyone and she’s a lot of fun to play with. During this pandemic, my dog has just been a very hyperactive, friendly dog. She plays with everyone all the time and she is loyal, she will just follow you around. She’s just an overall great pet.
Kyle and Gracie
Sinaiya and Tyger
His name is Tyger and he would always like to play around when he goes outside. He makes quarantine fun because you should be sitting doing nothing and he would jump on you and start to lick you. I heard that their pet would always take something for them to chase after him to get it back. A pet would provide the needed comfort of a friend or companion to play around with.
Madeline and Captian
My dog is named Captain, he is a Saluki. We have had him for a few years now, he was a Christmas present. During this pandemic, he has been with us the whole time. He is lazy and he loves to stay home, so he's the perfect dog for these times. He follows you around and takes naps next to you. He is so sweet. I also have Pj, who is a snake, and Felix, who is a fish. They are both very low-maintenance and chill.
Norah and Carmen
When the pandemic hit, a dog named Carmen was very affected. Before the pandemic, Carmen’s owners had to go to work or school. When the US went on lockdown, Carmen noticed that her owners were at home more than usual. But Carmen was happy about it. Sometimes her owners are sad that they can’t travel or even have gatherings. Carmen was always there to cheer them up. This made her owners really happy that she’s always there.
Ryan and Mia
Mia is a comfort because she is so cute and so snuggly. She is also a comfort for an online school. Because I can be in a zoom can and pet her at the same time. She also gets to just sleep on the couch all day long. She loves attention and because we have all been home during the pandemic she has been spoiled. Even though I love to cuddle with my dog I dislike this quarantine.
Adisyn and Gelato
On June 16, 2020, we adopted a kitten from a shelter. He was black with white patches and green eyes. We named him gelato. When we got him he was only 3 months old. He was really shy when we first got him. Eventually, he started getting used to us and became really playful. He loved to cuddle. Overall he made quarantine so much better.
A Story about "Casey Dog"
Casey's Story
Read his story below the student stories
"Casey"
It was devastating, at 72 years old, to have to close my business due to the March 2020 contagious COVID 19 Pandemic. I had just lost my husband of 54 years of marriage the year before and I was still feeling the letdown, grief, and the loneliness that had crept in. Now I had added stress and fear had settled in my heart.
As I write this, I remember looking out the large double-paned windows of my Sewing Shop as it was a daily occurrence especially when customers pulled in for service.
My Shop was located on the very front of a 20 unit complex with Attorneys, Accountants, Hair Stylists, and was on a busy cut-through street from one main highway to another.
A small but rather unique ten or twelve spot trailer home park was just across the way and to our left was a cookie baking company. There was a Church nestled on a slight hill across the street and needless to say, It was a very busy Commercial area and not a good location for animals of any kind.
I was constantly seeing this little cream-colored shaggy male dog, that looked to be skin and bone running back and forth, across the street in front of our parking lot.
I began to notice that some of the trailer-home occupants across the street would occasionally put out, on the ground, leftover food from their lunch or supper and the little dog would eat it, dirt and all.
I once saw him carry an empty bowl around as if begging for food or water to drink. I wondered if this little dog ever had a kind and loving family, home, or was he always a stray, abandoned, abused, and unloved. I finally concluded that this little dog was clearly alone, on his own, neglected, and needed intervention.
Hearing screeching tires and brakes as he tried dodging cars to cross the street over to my side, I was fearful he would be hurt or worse. It was then I decided to take charge.
I hurried into the street, stopping a car in both lanes and just grabbed up this little dog and ran back across to my doorway. I was petting him and scolding him all at the same time.
After the door closed inside,
I sat him down and said, “now what do I do about solving your case, Casey Dog???” and thought to myself, that is what I will call you little man.
I knew I had to do the right thing tho’, so I put “Casey-Dog” in my car and drove him to the County Pound. They assured me there at the desk that they would check him for a “chip” to prove any ownership and keep him 3 days and if no one came to claim him, he would go on to his reward!
I left the pound crying. I pulled my car away from the parking lot and got about 2 miles away and turned around and went back.
I burst thru the door just as they were closing up for the day and told the lady there that if no one claimed my Casey-Dog to please call me—-I wanted him! The lady came from behind the counter with tears in her eyes and hugged me. They had just checked and Casey had never been chipped. After 3 long days of being at home alone and scared and fearful of what was to come with all this sickness and death brought on by this Virus, I received the call to come and get my Casey-Dog.
Hooray!!!
I felt like I was the one who had been rescued. Casey was wagging his tail and looking me in the eye and hearing my every word. He sat up in my passenger car seat as he had always belonged there. Once home, he ran around in my fenced in the back yard like it was always his and he followed me everywhere. He sleeps on the foot of my bed, he has learned to shake hands, to sit, to walk on a leash, and most of all, Casey-Dog has become my new Best Friend who has helped relieve my stress, loneliness, and grief and with whom, now, I could never part.
A Story about "Diego"
"Diego"
"Our Diego"
Our dog, Diego, has always been an important part of our family. He was rescued from the streets of the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts while our long-distance family was separated for Veterinary School. He has been a source of unconditional love, joy, and laughter for us and all of our friends and family ever since.
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept our nation, our lives were put on hold and our futures were very uncertain. He has never left our side, even as we were feeling anxious, upset, and vulnerable. Animals have an innate way of responding to our emotions, and being there for us when we’re not sure what to do next. I can tell that he has sensed that, and has snuggled up to us even more throughout this very trying time.
Just a few weeks ago, Diego was obviously in pain and discomfort one evening and was showing signs of abdominal distress. He could not get comfortable, was walking very funny, and we knew something was not right. Late at night, we rushed to the Emergency Room with him, not sure what to expect. He is more than just our pet; he is our son, and seeing him in pain was extremely distressing. We are happy to say that after some pain medication and a lower GI Natural Cleansing the following day, he is 100% recovered and feeling great. Our animals can teach us a lot about responsibility, empathy, and kindness. These values are important now more than ever if we can see through the fog of disruption, disrespect, and distress. If we want clues as to how we can move forward as a society, we need to look no further than our loving, sympathetic, and loyal pets.
"Marianne's Pugsley will Live in Our Hearts Forever"
The Adventures of our Little “Casey” Continue ( Late Breaking News )
Casey & the Copperhead
Yesterday, Saturday, 9/26/2020
about 4:30 PM,
I turned on the light and opened the door to the garage just off the laundry room and just happened to look down as Casey was going across the threshold. To my surprise, a SNAKE was all bowed up and shaking its tail and hissing at me. I thought Casey didn’t even notice it and had gotten by it without incident. I think I was in shock and as I stood there, I prayed that Casey would go “on” and not head back inside and see it and tried to figure out what to do next.
I didn’t want it to escape and maybe bite me or Casey at another time when I’d be out in the garage. So I leaned over as far as I could and knocked down the broom and the Swiffer mop hanging on the wall in the laundry room with my right leg. Still holding the door open with my left foot, I picked up the Swiffer Mop and jammed it down on the snake which pinned it down. However about 6” of its striking head and body were still in motion.
Casey’s nose was in the air and the smell of the snake had his full attention now. He was running back and forth and barking his head off and I knew
I had to do something fast or the snake would bite him as he was getting closer and closer to this angry invader.
I was so excited that I was even talking out loud to myself - trying to figure out what to do next and how.
So I pushed down on the mop with a little more pressure to secure my grip on the snake and sidestepped over about 4 feet and knocked the metal yardstick off the wall, picked it up and pushed it down and across the back of the snakes head which sent it wildly twisting and turning and thrashing about.
After a while, I was able to get up right into a regular stance in the doorway of the garage.
The snake continued on its rant as I looked all around and tried to find some type of container to put it in and keep Casey away all at the same time. The nearest plastic shoebox type containers were across the garage beside the tall Freezer. Once again I had to perform the stepping act to get to a container off the high shelf that had a matching lid. I got the box down finally after dropping even more stacked boxes onto the floor. Now that
I had the snake under the yardstick and had found a container, I suddenly realized I couldn’t just pick up this angry, hissing, snapping, and tail-shaking snake with my hands and scoop it into the box.
It was then I remembered back in the laundry room there was a “grab it” tool that my husband had used to reach things that were out of a reasonable distance. Once again I performed the routine of stretch, knockdown, pick up and pivot back around to the still tackled snake and “tonged” him into the container and slapped on the lid quickly and then slipped a rubber band around the box so it couldn’t get out.
In all the excitement, I recalled a time when my husband and I trapped a little baby black snake and put it into a bug box and brought it into the house for my sister to see and when we went to check on it the next morning, it had mysteriously gotten out.
We never did find that little black snake!
I took a couple of pictures of the snake and sent them to my daughter. Her husband said that Casey and I had caught a very dangerous Copperhead!