Lehmanities and their Furry Friends Adapt to New Normal

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

By Nicole Flores

Maria Molero, a recent transfer student to Lehman had this to say about the positive effect her Golden Retriever, Leo, has had on her life: “In all honesty, Leo’s presence has always helped me cope with my mental health. I was diagnosed with chronic depression and anxiety when I was in middle school, and have had various episodes in my life since then. Cuddling with my dog is a surefire way that I’ve been able to cope when I get really down.”

According to the CDC, prolonged quarantine lockdown measures can have severe effects on physical and mental health. Social isolation and loneliness can increase stress and anxiety which can then manifest in a number of ways including changes in sleep patterns or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other substances. Other research by the National Institutes of Health has linked loneliness to an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and other adverse health outcomes.

However, a recent UK study by the journal PLOS One found that owning a pet can mitigate some of the more negative effects of quarantine and isolation. The study surveyed almost 6000 participants about 90% of which owned at least one pet. The aim of the study was to “investigate links between mental health and loneliness, companion animal ownership, the human-animal bond, and human-animal interactions; and to explore animal owners’ perceptions related to the role of their animals during the lockdown.”

Many pet owners reported that their pets were a source of significant comfort even if they did worry about practical aspects of care. An issue that many pet owners can sympathize with. Some research has shown that when a pet owner cannot meet the needs of their pet it negatively affects not only the pet but also the owner.

Marie-Claire Milius, a junior majoring in psychology, made a heart-wrenching decision to give her pet rabbit Bunbun away to another family. “It was hard for everyone to grasp seeing Bunbun go, especially my little sister, but the truth is we didn’t have time for her anymore. You’re supposed to let your bunny out at least once a day, with a watchful eye, and with everyone’s busy schedules it just wasn’t a life for a bunny being all caged up. It was the right decision to let her go to the loving family in Connecticut.” Miluis also owns a tabby cat, Darling.

The results of the study noted the strength of the bond between pet owners was individual of species and that poorer mental health pre-lockdown indicated a stronger human-animal bond. Finally, owners compared to non-owners showed smaller decreases in mental health.

Sharaah Aquino, a sophomore studio art major, expressed similar sentiments about her Yorkshire Terrier, Chocolate. “He has helped me tremendously. When I need some grounding, being present with him and playing or petting him calms me down. I’m also pretty sure he can tell when I am having my worst days or when I’ve been crying because he won’t leave my side.”

The appeal of owning a pet was clear to many before this study was published. Anyone on social media might remember the surge of interest in adopting pets at the start of quarantine measures. There was so much interest in adopting pets that back in April, the Chicago’s Animal Care and Control shelter ran out of adoptable animals.

However, lead author Dr. Elena Ratschen told Forbes that people should exercise caution against running out and getting a pet. “While our study showed that having a pet may mitigate some of the detrimental psychological effects of the COVID-19 lockdown, it is important to understand that this finding is unlikely to be of clinical significance and does not warrant any suggestion that people should acquire pets to protect their mental health during the pandemic.”

The end of lockdowns doesn’t necessarily mean life will snap back to normalcy. Molero is worried about how Leo will adjust when not as many people are at home. “I’m a bit worried about the aftermath of the lockdown. He’s become used to having at least three persons in the house at all times... he’s going to suffer from some serious separation anxiety when our schedules all get back to normal. He’s always been pretty clingy, so I’m not looking forward to that.”

Aquino faces a similar issue with Chocolate. “The hardest part of lockdown for him I think was getting used to having all of us in the house for so long and as things started opening up having to get used to some of us not being around anymore.”