How Our Pets Made 2020 a Little More Tolerable

Time and again, our pets have proven to be our true constants—loyal and always there for us, even when times get tough. That’s been all the more apparent this year, as the world all but burned to the ground. Through every unsavory thing that’s happened in 2020, we constantly found a safe place in the company of our furry friends.

That’s not all fluff and feelings, too: A recent study actually suggests that pets have had a significant positive impact on our ability to cope with the pandemic and quarantine restrictions. That gives us even more reason to show them our appreciation for all the ways they made 2020 a little more tolerable than it would have been without them:

They stuck to us without demanding much

It’s one thing to be a homebody, and another thing entirely to be forced to stay at home. That can be tough on our mental health, and it doesn’t always help to confide in other people, especially if they’re dealing with their own difficulties too. But pets? It’s always easy enough to confide in them, and all they ask in return are that you feed them a delicious and nutritious diet, and that you rub their belly once in a while.

They made mundane activities fun

Whether it’s housekeeping chores, back-to-back Zoom calls, or trying to squeeze in a workout, our quarantine activities were always more fun with our pets standing by, watching us perform our futile human tasks. Think of all the times you were stressed this year, and how much better you felt as soon as you glanced to the side and saw a little furball staring right back at you. That’s priceless.

They brought structure to our days

Tending to our pets put in place a routine that keeps the days from passing by in a total blur. We went about our mornings preparing their food, then in the afternoon, we’d squeeze in a few minutes of playtime. That sense of routine has been invaluable to our sanity.

They constantly reminded us of our purpose

If you’re not mindful, there’s a very real, existential dread that can take over you in quarantine. We are, after all, living through an unprecedented global pandemic. So it helps that our pets also served as reminders, this year, of why we keep soldiering on: to take care of the ones we love.

These are just some of the reasons we can be grateful for our pets. Here, pet owners give their own reasons, and show their appreciation for their fur babies in this Royal Canin video:

2020 was definitely one hell of a year. But our pets got us through, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the people who kept them healthy—from the veterinarians who went out of their ways to provide online consultations, to the pet groomers who kept them in good shape, to the pet stores that made sure we had access to everything we need for our furry friends. Raise a glass to them all, and remember them whenever you feel thankful for your pet.

If you have concerns about your pets, you can turn to the Royal Canin Club app for access to lessons, news alerts, perks, and more. Learn more about it from the Royal Canin website. For updates, follow it on Facebook.