MARY ELLEN PODMOLIK
Chicago Tribune
CHICAGO â Your pet eased the loneliness of the COVID-19 pandemic, sitting close as you binge-watched âBridgerton,â making cameos on your Zoom calls and forcing you outside for walks.
But now youâre vaccinated, your boss wants you back in the office at least part-time, you just bought Lollapalooza tickets and youâd really like to travel. What happens to your faithful companion, the one who enjoyed the pandemic routine?
The health crisis created a new group of pet parents who emptied shelters in search of companionship while the dogs, cats, rabbits and birds already in homes got used to their owners suddenly being around all the time. Thereâs a transition ahead, particularly for dogs, and it might be rocky, warn the people who care for pets while youâre away.