I am a ritual creature. I have found that sticking to routines during the uncertainty of the pandemic has enabled a sense of stability and purpose. I might not have been able to stick to my rituals so resolutely if I hadn’t been held in line by two furry roommates of the dogs Luca and Jet. By making sure I am adhering to rituals that benefit their interests, they have inadvertently kept me updated to promote my own well-being and productivity.
Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. Almost half of all households have a dog. Dog owners, in my opinion, are an important cog in the functioning of the economy and should be subsidized and celebrated for the role we play. When I own Luca and Jet, I regularly hand out dog food, collars, leashes, snacks, poop bags, grooming, and visits to the vet. I support a number of companies that provide pet products and services, an industry worth over $ 12 billion in Australia.
The problem with dogs is that they are such good people, which is why it is so difficult to explain the current situation to themRecognition:iStock
Every day I walk at least 1.5 hours and often longer because dogs don’t understand that I don’t feel like doing it. This improves my fitness, mental health, and my sense of belonging to my local community. It makes me less likely to burden the health system with problems related to physical inactivity. I support the advocacy of the community for more green spaces, for the maintenance of common areas and the safety of my community. I have a legitimate interest.
Jet, the pineapple-sized Moodle who runs the household, is a relatively new addition, but she’s learning our ways. Luca and I established a routine prepandemic that was non-negotiable rain, hail, blazing sun, or COVID-19.