“Shelter-in-place" and "self-quarantine" are the most important strategies of late to help combat COVID-19. And yet, as we're spending more time at home, we are quickly realizing how empty and lonely the space can feel without much to distract us beyond internet, television, radio and books. An easy and permanent solution is simply to welcome a new addition to the family tree in the form of a dog or cat. Voilà! Instant companionship.

I don't need to go into details on how dogs have a magic effect or can help alleviate stress, you can find those articles here and here. Constant research and studies have shown that pets can provide a sense of normalcy during the most stressful times including during that of a global crisis.

Since we’re all in unison facing a global pandemic, one way we could add a bit of sunshine to our bleak situation is by adopting a new member to the family or fostering a pup since canines are known to bring self-isolation ease. If your home is not pet-friendly another way you can show your support locally is by donating or volunteering at the rescue shelter.

In Mazatlán, we have about 200 dogs residing at the Hope Animal Sanctuary. About 150 are available for fostering or looking for their forever homes. The remaining pups are either undergoing medical treatments for various conditions such as TVT, or have been newly rescued and are getting their first round of vaccines, or are one of the 25 puppies to have been born there in the last few weeks.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering a dog or cat, please send us an email to 35agave@gmail.com. You can check out some of the adoptable dogs through the Mazatlán Animal Rescue or if you can only make a monetary contribution feel free to do so through their site as well.

Wherever you are located, be it in Mazatlán, New York City, Tokyo, Scotland, remember that the animals still need our help. If you can foster, adopt or simply volunteer, these are especially the times when they need our help the most. In our current environment it’s a win-win to include a new loved one to the family to help you de-stress.

Please share and help enrich the community in your homes and beyond with love and loyalty that dogs (and cats!) provide.