We all love them: our furry, scaley, or even aquatic animal companions. Just one look from them, and everyone is instantly smiling and playing with the pets. During quarantine, many shelters have experienced an increase in adoptions and fosters because more people are staying home now and want a friend to quarantine with.

My friend during quarantine is my dog, Rainbow. We got her in April of 2020, when the quarantine had just hit, and we have been attached at the hip since. My first dog, Apache, died when I was 13, and I was sure we were not going to get another dog after her, yet somehow, I was lucky enough to have a new dog like her. She lays on my bed while I do my schoolwork. I am taking three AP classes, and the stress piles on, but my dog is always there for me to hold and hug, and she does not mind it. Because of Rainbow, I have been able to exercise more and take my mind off school for a bit.

I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder recently, and I have had anxiety attacks before. When I do have the occasional anxiety attack, Rainbow immediately rushes to my side and does not leave until I am breathing normally. It is helpful to know that when I am having an anxiety attack by myself, my dog is always there with me.

Before I had Rainbow, I often spent time up in my room, away from my family until my mother came home. But now that I have her, I feel safer within my own home.

Other students in online school find that having pets are a good distraction from the weight of a socially distanced world. Tayen Curtis, 11, says that the pandemic has caused distance between her and her friends and family but “having my schnauzer pup to play with does keep me sane.” Having a pet to play with during quarantine takes your mind off the fact that you are separated from your loved ones during this time and keeps your mental health in balance. Lauren Reboul, 11, says that having her dog is a huge help, especially when she takes her for walks to reduce stress.

Personally, I believe that pets make people happier because they love us unconditionally. They do not judge or put us down when we mess up. They remind us that even after every mistake we make, they still love us. That unconditional makes us humans become more affectionate to the people in our lives.

Adopting a pet during this quarantine is one of the greatest gifts that a person could get. Our pets serve as a reminder that even though things are hard, they will always love us.

Read more about dogs and how Covid-19 has effected them here