Throughout the pandemic, students adjust to working and doing homework by themselves from home. Being home and not being able to go into school can get lonely, but having a furry friend can help with emotional health and ease stress. In class, many see guest appearances of dogs, cats, and other furry friends. Some have even been named class pets while on Zoom. From sitting at a desk or doing work from your bed, having a pet at home can make doing work less lonely, relieve stress, and basically just keep students company! The sound of their bark, meow, or even a chirp can make the world of a difference; it’s just knowing that they’re there too.  

According to a recent poll conducted by RAMPAGE, students said that having their furry friend lying by their side while doing their work has helped relieve stress and made them feel as though they have company since they haven’t been able to see their friends from school.

Many students replied that they relax with their furry friends at the end of the day with cuddling, going on a walk, taking a nap, or playing with their pet. Furthermore, most students agreed that having a pet by their side helps t

heir mental status improve while at home during remote learning.

Freshman Maxwell Peetoom stated, “When [my dog Keenam] comes and sits or stands next to me, I like to pet him, and it helps me with stress.” Peetoom also explained that since he can’t see his friends at school due to the pandemic, Keenam helps him feel comforted and like he has a companion. Peetoom shared that during lunch and after school, he likes to cuddle, play, and go on walks with his dog. 

It is heartening to know that the students have yet another support system from their pets to relieve stress and help their emotional status. With some of us now heading back to school for hybrid learning, we will have to say goodbye to our pets for the day, to then later return home to play, snuggle and spend quality time to relieve stress from the long school day.