WRITE TEAM: Now is an ideal time to adopt a pet

If you would like companionship, now might be the time to adopt a pet. Many of us are finding ourselves home now due to the pandemic, which makes it ideal transition time for a pet to adapt to your home. A record number of pets have found forever homes during these trying times. My source at Pet Project animal shelter in Marseilles informs me that in 2019 they had a record adoption number and are expecting similar or greater adoption numbers in 2020.

October 2019, just before our world turned upside down, I adopted a beautiful black and white cat, Filly. She staved off the loneliness I would have otherwise felt while struggling to adjust to this new lifestyle of isolation and self-preservation. She has offered me unequivocal comfort and love.

I have had many pets previously, including the recent loss of a 21-year-old “princess” cat that was my house mate for 18 years. It is amazing how a tiny mere 10-pound bundle of fur can fill up a home. Every time I entered the house, she would meet me at the door, always happy that I had arrived back safely. Nothing compared to her warm furry body snuggling next to me or on my lap during a chilly evening with her purring motor creating a sense of calm in me.

I told myself I would never have another pet as the pain of losing them is too great, but the house was so empty without her. Finding myself lonely and missing the companionship only a pet can provide, after several months, I decided I was going to adopt again, and along came Filly.

Filly is estimated to be 3 years old. I went from an old cat that slept 23 out of 24 hours to a young cat that played 23 out of 24 hours. Filly is an entertaining little troublemaker. I have loud boisterous belly laughs at her antics. Laughter is the best medicine and right now we need to laugh and feel lightened from all the stressful issues surrounding us. I would hate to think about my lockdown and social distancing without Filly. People with pets have been shown to have lower blood pressure, lower stress levels and are overall happier.

Just for fun I submitted a pic of Filly to the Pet Project Cutest Pet Calendar contest and she won. She is Miss October for the 2021 calendar. The calendar features different pets in a hero setting to honor the heroes of 2020. Sadly, because of COVID-19, this is the only fundraiser for the animal shelter this year. If anyone would like to contribute to a worthy cause these beautiful calendars are being sold at local veterinarian offices, a local pet supply store and by contacting the shelter by phone or on Facebook. The shelter is only financed through donations and fundraisers, this year limited to only this one. No money is made off adoption fees as the veterinarian expenses are so high. Each animal is examined, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and any other health issues that may arise are taken care of. The shelter only has three staff members and many dedicated loving volunteers who work long days. This is a “no-kill” shelter and each animal is kept until a home is found for it, some longer than others. They provide comfort to unfortunate animals until a match is made.

There are several other shelters in our area that operate in the same manner with volunteers, fundraisers and many, many animals that need your love and protection. Think about giving a friend a forever home or help to support a shelter. I guarantee the animals will love you unconditionally.

• Trudy Stock is a longtime resident of Ottawa and surrounding area. She is retired from OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.