Consider fostering a shelter pet during COVID-19 crisis

Amber Bateiger holds her new foster dog and “pandemic pal” Tux, a 2-year-old American Bulldog mix. Photo provided by American Humane.

For thousands of years, companion animals have been best friends in good times and bad. Now, as Canyon Lake faces one of the worst pandemics in modern history, accompanied by the fear and loneliness that can come hand in hand with the isolation of mandatory quarantining, an opportunity exists that can make a difference in both the animal’s life and the person’s life by fostering a shelter animal.

“Shelters are swamped in the best of times, and with more and more staff in every sector of American life self-quarantining and falling ill, animals already abandoned and without homes are going to be increasingly vulnerable,” American Humane President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert said. “At the same time, so many of us, especially the elderly, are coping with the loneliness, stress and anxiety that comes with isolation and the sheltering in place so necessary during a pandemic. Why be home alone when you can snuggle up with a loving new buddy? You might save a life, improve your own during these trying times, and end up with a new best friend.”

Each year, some 4 to 6 million animals end up in U.S. shelters and more than one and a half million are euthanized. As shelter workers are affected by the virus and false rumors spread about the transmissibility of COVID-19 from animals to people (there is no evidence of this), shelter animals will need help more than ever, Robin said.

“The rewards of fostering a pet can be great for both people and animals,” she said. “Animals facing uncertain futures can find the love, care and attention every living creature needs.”

Engaging with animals has been shown to be a remedy for stress, Robin said. When people are in high-pressure situations, the hormone cortisol spikes in the body, making it a useful tool for measuring stress. Interaction with animals is proven to lower both cortisol levels and blood pressure, according to the National Institutes of Health. In other words, she said, science backs up what many people know intuitively – they feel better after petting a dog or cat.

Amber Batteiger is a case in point. An American Humane Rescue worker who deploys year-round to save animals from natural disasters and cruelty cases, she is now enjoying the company of her new foster dog and “pandemic pal,” Tux, a two-year-old American Bulldog mix she fostered for a rescue group out of Coral Springs, Florida called “Bullies-N-Beyond.” She finds his company a welcome distraction from the news and he is enjoying all the extra attention, treats and playing with his three foster siblings that living with Amber gives him.

“If you have the time, the desire and the physical and financial ability to foster an animal from a local shelter or rescue for at least the next several weeks, it will be a much-needed and welcome way to help,” Robin said. “Please think about it and spread the word. You will be helping yourself and an animal in need…and best of all, only their unconditional love is contagious.”

Animal Friends of the Valleys is the local shelter that services Canyon Lake. It is open during the COVID-19 pandemic and is available for the adoption of shelter pets. AFV can be contacted at 951-674-0618. More information is available on its website animalfriendsofthevalleys.com.