Verified by 
Animal Behavior
A Day with My Dog During Times of Covid
Dogs and other pets have helped many humans during the pandemic.
Posted April 25, 2021 Reviewed by Lybi Ma
It was dark when I woke this morning, though some moonlight still shone on the mountains nearby. My dog, Ko, was asleep on my bed, crowding my side. We have a morning routine so I began it as usual by turning on a small flashlight to make my way around. I don’t like bright lights in the dark morning.
Along the way to the kitchen I stopped at my dog’s favorite sofa and turned on a small space heater to warm the area. With my flashlight checking the floor for dog toys so I didn’t trip, I made my way to the microwave to make some instant coffee with cream. While it was being nuked, I got the dog bowl and food out to prepare later. I had the routine down very well.
By that time Ko was sitting on his favorite place on the sofa looking out the big picture window at the pre-dawn surroundings. Ko is small, a mix of chihuahua and terrier. I rescued him in the fall of 2019 with no idea of how especially important his companionship would become when Covid arrived.
The ding of the micro brought me to my senses and I took my coffee to the sofa, flashlight in the other hand. I sat with legs outstretched, covered with a blanket and then set my coffee down so Ko could get in his usual position on my lap. We have it all worked out, he knows just how to arrange himself. I sipped my coffee and he rested his head between his front legs crossing over mine.
Then we sat quietly waiting for the sun to rise from behind the mountains outside the big window. Some mornings we are fortunate to see brilliantly colored clouds announcing the dawn.
In the dark, I can’t take Ko outside. There are wild animals here in the country that could harm him. There is no way to have a well-protected area at the land level. Instead, he has the house and an elevated safe deck outside for free run and play.
Ko has had rattlesnake avoidance training sessions. Real rattlesnakes are used, but they are restrained from the ability to bite. The first time he saw a baby rattler at the training he went right up to it and touched his nose to it! For that, he got a short shock. This year he had remembered that and other parts of the training quite well thankfully.
Ko rarely barks and then it’s always about someone or some animal being on our turf. Recently, he barked at a snake that had somehow gotten into the house. His warning was so important because I had time to get my squirt of adrenaline, see the snake, recognize it as non-poisonous, and figure a way to get it out a door. Afterward, we sat on our favorite sofa as I petted him and kept repeating “good boy.”
We take morning and late afternoon walks on my acreage and on a service road. Sometimes we encounter other dog walkers on the road and so my little Ko has some big dog friends for socialization. He loves to run with them and knows how to roll and tumble out of their way when needed. It brings me such joy to see him so happy with his species.
I wasn’t sure when Ko saw his first coyote if he knew it was not a friendly dog. He seems to realize it now. He has also encountered a brown bear and a bobcat and his instincts were to avoid them. I’ve gotten him, and myself, away from three rattlesnakes.
We have playtimes with toys during the day and Ko makes sure I don’t forget by bringing one of his favorites up to me and nudging his nose at my leg. We seem to have developed good communication methods.
I keep him familiar with being in the car, by taking him with me to the post office in town. He loves to sniff out the window. When we had to evacuate because of a wildfire near our home, he shook with fear as we drove through the smoky air. The only other time he shows fear is at bath time. I’ve been slowly working with him to overcome that.
While I was watching a dog training show on my big screen, I had to laugh when Ko sat on the floor in front of it. He intently watched the dog move around on the screen while taking a lesson from a trainer. If only Ko could learn his lessons that way. Occasionally, when there is a dog in a movie he will perk up and watch. Otherwise, when I watch a movie, he’ll sit on my lap with his head propped on the arm of the chair. This helps me stay put and away from kitchen snacks for myself.
Animal companionship is such a wonderful option for humans. Domesticated animals serve as protectors, emotional support, and excuses for play. When I am worried about human matters, Ko is somehow both detached and involved. He has no clue, I’m sure, the thoughts that might be distressing me. However, he seems to know I need attention emotionally when I’m sad or upset. It doesn’t take much encouragement to get him to play or take walks, both of which take me out of an unpleasant mood I might be in.
Tonight when I go to bed, his blanket will be there for whenever he decides he’s ready to jump up and twist himself into a donut shape for the night. I will feel safer because he is there.
It’s important to take a few moments to share my gratitude for my little dog Ko. Regardless of the responsibilities that come with having him, nothing can replace his cuddles and gazing looks into my eyes. I am so thankful he has been with me during the pandemic on those lonely days of uncertainty.
© B. Luceigh, April 2021
