Just like humans, pets can experience stress that impacts their overall health and happiness. Stress in pets often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for behavioral problems, but prolonged stress can lead to serious health issues, including a weakened immune system, digestive problems( https://nmspetemergency.com/our-services/ ), and changes in behavior. Understanding how stress affects your pet and learning how to manage it is essential for maintaining their well-being. Understanding the Risks of Bee and Wasp Stings Both bees and wasps are common insects that can pose a risk to your pet, especially if they are provoked. While most pets only experience mild symptoms like swelling or irritation, some pets may have severe reactions that require immediate medical attention. Bee Stings: When a bee stings a pet, it leaves behind a stinger, which continues to release venom into the body. This can lead to pain, swelling, and irritation at the sting site. Wasp Stings: Unlike bees, wasps do not leave their stingers behind, so they can sting multiple times. Wasp stings can also cause intense pain, swelling, and allergic reactions in pets. While most pets can handle a single sting without major issues, repeated stings or allergic reactions can lead to serious complications. Some pets may also have more severe reactions due to their size, breed, or health condition. Symptoms of a Bee or Wasp Sting in Pets The symptoms of a bee or wasp sting can vary depending on how your pet reacts to the venom. Most pets experience mild to moderate reactions, but others may have more severe symptoms. Here are the key signs to look for: Swelling and Redness: The most common symptom of a bee or wasp sting is localized swelling around the sting site. You may notice a bump on your pet's skin, which may be red or inflamed. If the sting is on the face, the swelling can be more pronounced, especially around the mouth, eyes, or nose. Pain and Discomfort: Pets may express their discomfort by whining, limping, or showing signs of pain when the sting site is touched. They may also try to scratch or bite at the area to alleviate the irritation. Excessive Drooling or Licking: If your pet is in pain, they may start drooling excessively or licking the area where they were stung. This is a common response to discomfort or irritation. Itching and Scratching: Some pets experience intense itching at the site of the sting, causing them to scratch or rub the area repeatedly. If they manage to break the skin, it could lead to infection. Pawing at the Face or Mouth: If the sting is in or near the mouth or face, your pet may paw at their face, attempting to relieve the discomfort. Difficulty Breathing: In severe cases, particularly if your pet is having an allergic reaction, you may notice signs of respiratory distress( https://nmspetemergency.com/our-services/respiratory-emergencies/ ), such as panting, rapid breathing, or wheezing. Swelling of the Throat or Tongue: If the sting causes a severe allergic reaction, your pet may experience swelling of the throat or tongue, which can interfere with breathing. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate veterinary attention. Lethargy or Weakness: If your pet is feeling unwell due to the sting or an allergic reaction, they may become unusually lethargic or weak. This could be a sign of a more severe reaction to the venom. What to Do Immediately After a Bee or Wasp Sting If your pet is stung by a bee or wasp, it's important to act quickly to reduce their discomfort and prevent further complications. Here are the steps you should take: Remove the Stinger (If It's a Bee Sting): If your pet has been stung by a bee, check to see if the stinger is still embedded in their skin. Bee stingers can continue to release venom, so it's important to remove it as quickly as possible. Use a flat-edged object, like a credit card, to scrape the stinger out. Avoid pinching the stinger, as this can push more venom into the wound. Clean the Sting Site: Gently clean the area around the sting with warm water and mild soap to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can irritate the skin further. Apply a Cold Compress: To reduce swelling and provide relief, apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel to the sting site. Hold it there for 10-15 minutes at a time, taking breaks in between. Be careful not to apply the ice directly to the skin, as this can cause frostbite. Monitor for Symptoms: After the initial treatment, carefully monitor your pet for any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, or lethargy. If any of these symptoms occur, it's critical to seek emergency care for pets immediately.

Just like humans, pets can experience stress that impacts their overall health and happiness. Stress in pets often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for behavioral problems, but prolonged stress can lead to serious health issues, including a weakened immune system, digestive problems( https://kainervet.com/service/pet-nutrition/ ), and changes in behavior. Understanding how stress affects your pet and learning how to manage it is essential for maintaining their well-being. What Causes Stress in Pets? Pets can become stressed due to a variety of factors, including changes in their environment, loud noises, new people or animals, illness, or lack of mental stimulation. Common stressors include Moving to a new home Introduction of a new pet or family member Changes in routine or schedule Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms Separation from owners Overcrowded living conditions or lack of personal space Signs Your Pet May Be Stressed Pets show stress in different ways. Some common signs include: Excessive barking or meowing Pacing or restlessness Hiding or withdrawal Changes in appetite Licking or chewing themselves excessively Aggression or irritability Digestive issues such as diarrhea or vomiting Recognizing these signs early allows you to take steps to reduce your pet's stress and prevent health complications. How Stress Impacts Your Pet's Health Stress triggers a cascade of physiological responses in your pet's body, including the release of stress hormones like cortisol. While short-term stress can be manageable, chronic stress may: Suppress the immune system, making pets more susceptible to infections Cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to vomiting or diarrhea Trigger or worsen skin conditions due to excessive licking or scratching Lead to behavioral problems like anxiety or aggression Decrease overall quality of life and longevity Ways to Manage and Reduce Your Pet's Stress 1. Maintain a Routine Pets thrive on consistency. Try to keep feeding, playtime and walks at regular times each day to provide a sense of security. 2. Create a Safe Space Provide your pet with a quiet, comfortable area where they can retreat and relax away from household noise or other pets. 3. Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular exercise help keep your pet engaged and reduce boredom-related stress. 4. Use Calming Aids Pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or anxiety wraps can help reduce stress, especially during high-anxiety events like thunderstorms or holidays. 5. Gradual Introductions When adding new pets or making changes in the home, introduce them slowly and carefully to avoid overwhelming your existing pet. When to Consult Your Veterinarian If your pet's stress symptoms persist or worsen, or if they interfere with eating, sleeping, or socializing, it's important to seek veterinary care. At Kainer Veterinary Hospital, we offer comprehensive behavioral consultations( https://kainervet.com/service/dermatology/ ) and wellness exams to diagnose and treat stress-related issues. Sometimes underlying medical conditions can mimic or worsen stress symptoms. Final Thoughts Managing your pet's stress is vital for their physical and emotional health. By understanding the causes and signs of stress and taking proactive measures, you can help your pet lead a happy, healthy life. If you suspect your pet is stressed or anxious, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us( https://kainervet.com/contact-us/ ) or call (936) 321‑2000.

HEBATBET merupakan situs taruhan online yang sangat populer dikalangan masyarakat Indonesia. Dengan bonus terbesar dan banyak event yang menarik untuk para member,baik itu member lama maupun member baru. Ayo Join Sekarang Juga di Hebatbet. Bagi Anda Yang Ingin Daftar Di Hebatbet Anda Bisa Langsung Masuk Ke WA kita. HEBATBET ialah situs terpercaya dan berlisensi resmi Agen HEBATBET juga menghadirkan berbagai jenis permainan menarik serta terlengkap dari seluruh permainan online di dunia seperti Slot Games,Live Casino, Sabung Ayam, SportBook dan lain — lain sebagainya. Semua permainan yang kami hadirkan dapat Anda mainkan cukup memiliki 1 user ( satu akun ) saja. LINK DAFTAR : https://heylink.me/AGENHEBATBET02/

I Know, I Promised I knew she was angry. Maybe not angry but disappointed in me once again. I could see it in her eyes. I'm not sure if it was a tear or just damp from sleeping as I awoke her, fumbling at the door lock and muttering about the stupid lock that only seems to stick when I'm in stealth mode arriving home late. It's rare that I can fool her or sneak past her, shoeless I tried to draw on my Ninja type prowess. Somehow she always knows. Guilt. I'm sure it was written all across my face. I promised her I'd stop and pick something up for her on my way home. I tried to rationalize it in my mind and even thought I had done a good job of it, till I saw it in her eyes. She felt hurt. I had let her down again. It has happened before but it was never intentional. A quick stop along the way, I thought. Just to see what was going on with the guys and maybe to prove I wasn't “whipped” by a female. A couple of beers. I'm entitled, I rationalized. Not a sound. Just that look. That look that says “Why?” “How could you?” “You promised!” I was guilty as sin, I knew it. There was no excuse. I had told her over and over again that it would never happen. I disappointed her and I've come to realize that I'm disappointed in myself. She just looked at me. No sound. Damp eyes. I knew I had to make amends. It wasn't forgiveness I was looking for but rather that spark in her eye that was missing when I disappointed her. I had to fix it. Not for her but for me. I had to step up and be the man I said I would be. I wanted her hurt to go away. I turned, walked out the door never even bothering to put my shoes on. My mind was elsewhere, those sad eyes had cut right through me. I had to make it right. I glanced back to see her peeking through the blinds probably wondering where I was going, why was I leaving? I hadn't said a word this whole time just felt the guilt. I was going to make it right. I had to. No more unfulfilled promises, I'm better than this and I will win her over. There was only one thought on my mind as I questioned myself out loud “I wonder what store is open and sells dog treats at this hour.?”

Sabung Ayam Online Sv388/ CLUB388 adalah permainan mengadu ayam dalam sebuah kalangan atau arena. Biasanya ayam akan diadu hingga salah satu darinya kabur atau kalah, bahkan hingga mati. Permainan ini biasanya diikuti dengan judi sabung ayam online uang asli. Populer game adu ayam live wala meron online 24 jam ini juga sangat disukai oleh para pemain Indonesia. Selain itu, sangat berbeda ketika bermain sabung ayam online pada umumnya yang ada di arena. Dimana disaat bermain online kita tidak lagi harus keluar rumah atau ruangan. Cukup hanya bermodalkan smartphone yang memiliki jaringan internet aja kita dapat bermain ataupun daftar sabung ayam. Tentunya tidak hanya bermodal smartphone saja, perangkat lain seperti tablet atau pc juga dapat digunakan dalam bermain adu ayam secara online. Untuk yang minat maka dapat langsung saja melakukan daftar sabung ayam secara langsung dengan menyediakan rekening bank lokal.

RATUBETWIN SITUS SABUNG AYAM ONLINE TERLENGKAP DI INDONESIA Melalui Website RATUBETWIN anda bisa bermain SABUNG AYAM secara online dengan transakasi yang begitu gampang dan sudah pasti aman dalam permainan, Segera daftarkan id SABUNG AYAM anda sekarang juga. AGEN SABUNG AYAM ONLINE RESMI DAN TERPERCAYA PROMO BONUS WIN 7X BERUNTUN 100% SYARAT DAN KETENTUAN BERLAKU. 𝐃𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠 & 𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐚 RATUBETWIN memberikan pelayanan terbaik dengan livechat yang online selama 24 jam setiap harinya serta proses deposit dan withdraw yang cepat.. DAFTAR BERSAMA RATUBETWIN 📌📌 ✅ Whatsapp Aktif : +62 813-7837-3859 ✅ Whatsapp Aktif : +62 821-3088-6323 ✅ Telegram Aktif : @ratubetwin ✅ @ratubetwin_bot PERSYARATAN PROMO WIN 7X 100% 💢Minimal Bet 20rb 💢win berturut dalam 1 arena 💢fight beruntun dalam 1 arena 💢Tidak Bisa Double Bet 💢Tidak Bisa Draw 💢Tidak Bisa Cancel 💢Murni WIN 7x Tanpa Ada Kalah 💢Harus dalam satu arena yang sama 💢Hanya Dapat Claim Bonus 1X Dalam Sehari 💢makimal Bonus 5 juta https://whatsform.com/KdgP2K https://winstreak7xsabungayam.blogspot.com/2025/01/sabung-ayam-club388.ht https://heylink.me/DAFTARRATUBETWIN/

RATUBETWIN SITUS JUDI ONLINE TERLENGKAP DI INDONESIA Melalui Website RATUBETWIN anda bisa bermain segala jenis SLOT secara online dengan transakasi yang begitu gampang dan sudah pasti aman dalam permainan, Segera daftarkan id anda sekarang juga. Situs RATUBETWIN ini merupakan salah satu pesaing terbesar berasal dari situs penyedia permainan game slot online taruhan uang asli terpopuler awalnya di Indonesia.Dengan kehadiran situs RATUBETWIN ini maka banyak para bettor yang mampu menggapai banyak keuntunagn setiap harinya. Yuk... daftar sekarang juga untuk mendapatkan akun bermain di RATUBETWIN. Akun ini juga bisa digunakan untuk semua taruhan yang ada didalamnya. Sudah terbukti!!! Daftar terbaik di RATUBETWIN, teraman dan terpercaya 𝐃𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠 & 𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐚 ➡️ Bonus Member Baru 10% ➡️ Bonus Mingguan 5% ➡️ Bonus Referral 5%-10% ➡️ Bonus Bulanan 2% Kami juga menerima pendaftaran melalui E - WALLET seperti DANA, OVO, GOPAY dan LINK-AJA untuk mempermudah transaksi. Kami melayani Dengan Sepenuh Hati Selama 24 Jam Setiap Hari ✅ Whatsapp Aktif : +62 813-7837-3859 ✅ Whatsapp Aktif : +62 822-7677-4001 ✅ Telegram Aktif : @ratubetwin ✅ Telegram Aktif : @ratubetwin_bot ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ ✅𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐍 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐃 ✅𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐒𝐈 𝐌𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐇 & 𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐓 ✅𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐒 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐀𝐈𝐊 & 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐘𝐀 https://whatsform.com/q1Em2S https://heylink.me/RATUBETWIN/ https://sites.google.com/view/ratubetwin/beranda

RATUBETWIN SLOT ONLINE TERPERCAYA 𝐍𝐨 𝟏 𝐃𝐢 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐭 𝐝a𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐤 𝐑𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐭 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟒 𝐉𝐚𝐦 Minimal Deposit 25.000 Minimal withdraw 50.000 Bonus New Member 10% Bonus Winstrake sabung ayam 100% Bonus CASHBACK mingguan 5% Bonus CASHBACK Bulanan 2% Bonus Ajak Teman 5% DAFTAR BERSAMA RATUBETWIN 📌📌 ✅ Whatsapp Aktif : +62 822-7677-4001 ✅ Whatsapp Aktif : +62 813-7837-3859 ✅ Telegram Aktif : @ratubetwin ✅ Claim Bonus Menariknya Sekarang Juga 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐃𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐚𝐫 & 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭 : » ꜱᴇᴍᴜᴀ ᴊᴇɴɪs ʀᴇᴋᴇɴɪɴɢ ʙᴀɴᴋ ɪɴᴅᴏɴᴇꜱɪᴀ » ꜱᴇᴍᴜᴀ ᴊᴇɴɪs ᴇ ᴡᴀʟʟᴇᴛ ɪɴᴅᴏɴᴇꜱɪᴀ » ᴠɪᴀ ᴘᴜʟsᴀ ᴛᴇʟᴋᴏᴍꜱᴇʟ & xl (tanpa potongan) https://whatsform.com/q1Em2S https://heylink.me/RATUBETWIN https://s.id/ratubetwin

DAFTAR SABUNG AYAM DI RATUBETWIN – PUTARAN UNTUNG, PASTI MENANG! 💰🎯 Rasakan sensasi sabung ayam mewah langsung dari layar dengan RATUBETWIN! Secara LIVE, peluang menang besar, dan sistem fair play, kamu bisa merasakan ketegangan setiap pertarungan dan meraih kemenangan besar dengan strategi yang tepat! Kenapa Harus Main sabung ayam di RATUBETWIN? ✅ PASTI MENANG! - Dengan pemilihan ayam yang tepat ✅ LIVE SABUNG – Main real-time dengan sensasi sabung ayam asli! ✅ TRANSAKSI CEPAT & AMAN! – Deposit & withdraw kilat via e-wallet/bank! ✅ BONUS MELIMPAH! – Winstreak 7x Beruntun dengan max, bonus 5juat rupiah ✅ SISTEM FAIR PLAY! – Dijamin tanpa ada kecurangan BANDAR ONLINE TERPERCAYA 𝐃𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠 & 𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐚 ➡️ Special Bonus Winstreak 100% Win 7x ( SABUNG AYAM ) ➡️ Bonus Member Baru 10% ➡️ Bonus Cashback 5% ➡️ Bonus Referral 10% ➡️ Bonus Bulanan 5%-15% RATUBETWIN memberikan pelayanan terbaik dengan livechat yang online selama 24 jam setiap harinya serta proses deposit dan withdraw yang cepat.. DAFTAR BERSAMA RATUBETWIN 📌📌 ✅ Whatsapp Aktif : +62 813-7837-3859 ✅ Whatsapp Aktif : +62 813-7029-8539 ✅ Telegram Aktif : @ratubetwin ✅ @ratubetwin_bot https://whatsform.com/KdgP2K https://winstreak7xsabungayam.blogspot.com/2025/01/sabung-ayam-club388.ht https://heylink.me/DAFTARRATUBETWIN/

Here's a video of my first therapy dog, Bella. She was recused from Dead Dog Beach in Puerto Rico and we adopted her when she was four months old. She was super active and my vet suggested that she needed a job. We tried agility but it wasn't the right fit. But when she became a therapy dog at age five, we were all set. Bella was intuitive and curious and knew just what to do whether working with students or visiting patients in the hospital. This volunteer work provided the perfect balance to writing, and I'm still at it, now with my second therapy dog, Rudy. My book about Bella is titled "Joy Unleashed: The Story of Bella, the Unlikely Therapy Dog." It's done really well and is in its third printing. Enjoy!

Living a somewhat predictable family life, while leading a nomadic life of unpredictability at the same time, forces one to live life in the moment. Moments often escape the mind as you move from one to the next, leaving others behind with the expectation of our brain to store them as memories, and the anticipation of our brain's ability to recall these moments when referenced. The ultimate trust we must all radically accept. Being recently disabled, it has been a struggle adjusting to life slowing down. Taking care of myself was always a last priority. Being diagnosed with PTSD, major depression, and an anxiety disorder became too much for me to be able to endure after the addition of a pandemic, mysterious illnesses, toxic relationships, and irresponsible decision making landed me in a week-long mental health hospitalization. Depression won't allow one to receive love and embrace it. It doesn't care how fortunate of a life the person has that it infects, nor does it care about the impact of one's life on others. My family is full of love, I have been able to rely on a handful of amazing friends throughout my life, I had an important job helping others, yet I still couldn't escape my depression. I remember the uber ride home to my one bedroom apartment in my clothes I arrived in a week prior, someone broken and incomplete, someone I am not anymore. I recall walking into my apartment, stale despair lingering in week-long stagnant air, dancing with the smoky notes of whiskey left dripping on the bathroom floor. All my things in disarray. 'What a shithole' I remember thinking to myself, looking through the eyes of this person I used to be, numb enough to gather everything in sweeping motions into trash bags. I was scared. I was disappointed in myself for how I left my home for anyone to have to see if I had been gone. I was sad, I was lonely. This was the hardest day of that whole experience. I'm a human being, I wanted a companionship. I needed that presence of another life in mine. With such trauma tied to so many relationships in my past, how in hell was I going to move forward in my life having companionship? I had been burned so many times with exes in such a variety of ways I'd sooner offer lucifer fellatio at their place than entertain a date of any kind. I was in outpatient therapy, quarantined at home, alone. Naturally, I was a codependent person historically. Shaken by anxiety every day, having crying spells, speaking to my therapist and mother led me to decide I was going to get a dog. For the first time in years, I felt the warmth of overwhelming love lift the weight off my heart for this new companion that I didn't even know! I was able to feel real excitement for something I wanted more than anything in that moment in time. My parents, siblings, friends all supported me; aiding in the search of my dog. I found the most handsomest little schmoop I've ever loved with my whole heart, Arthur. The second I picked him up, he melted into me for safety, and I never felt more safe and joyful. I have had dogs I have loved in the past, but with animals it's as if there are no rules, you can love them all the most and that's okay. I had met and held others, but he was the one that I needed to take home with me. From that day forward it was he and I against the world. He gave me a reason to wake up every day, because he would slobber all over me and tell me all about how excited he was for a day with me until I got up to take him outside. I was unable to sink into my deep, dark days of depression because this fluffy, happy little floof depends on me. He loves me and he wants to spend time with me. If he's awake, he expects me to be awake too. Not my favorite dynamic at first when it came to kennel training. Which is why I failed and let him sleep with me on the third night where we both slept the most peaceful sleep either of us had ever had. Arthur has shown me what it is like to be loved unconditionally. There is nothing he would rather do besides be with me. I had the opportunity to give him a great deal of exposure to others by getting my ESA letter from my psychiatrist. He was in the car with me everywhere I went from that day forward. He came to the office with me every day and sat faithfully by my side, comforting me. He lays with me when I am sick, sad, or anxious. He plays with me, even if I am not in the mood, he gets me up and moving my body around playing fetch and chasing each other around the house until my asthmatic ass turns into a kazoo. I'd like to say he doesn't judge me, but he does get awfully mouthy sometimes when I am hesitant to comply with his demands to push myself. He is everything that I need to be a better person. He is my best friend, my angel who saved me. He's my Boo Boo, he's a good boy. He's my dog, Arthur Lew, and he'll always be my favorite floof.

I watch my old dog from the kitchen window, lying flat out on her side in the heat: dreaming, I reckon, of the birth of her puppies that day when our two youngest crammed inside her kennel, with her and all six of her pups—while she licked and cuddled and groaned and shone with canine pride. I step outside and she's awake in an instant, watching me walk across the yard—like a hawk, she watches—not trying to make it too obvious: unlike the way she would have ten years ago. I make some eye contact but not too much or both of us will get uncomfortable. Don't want her thinking I'm thinking what she is: time to go wander the universe, to check the traps: the earth, the sky and the stars. To see that there's more life than death out there. For we, the two of us, can't really believe the rumour of our demise, the falling down, the unravelling they call entropy. No way! We will get up and walk, we will! We, the two of us, will see the lights, taste the wind, hear the birds; feel the leaves, smell the air, know that all is well. She knows, I know, we both know, the dying is closer now; so close we have to stand up, stretch and make some kind of noise to the universe: telling her that we stand with her. That we are also not happy about these rumours of her coming collapse. That we feel the quiet indignation of the old stock horse, the old mate trimming his lawn, the sparrow; the friend on chemo and the giant mountain ash—the disgrace of this steady, rolling thunder of decay, of loss. Even of that most lovely of secrets we call memory. Huh! What a pathetic word for such a glory. As if this is simply a matter of electrical signals in some freaking brain cells! This memory of the birth of the first daughter, the first grandson; the first puppies: just a memory? Whatever! My thesaurus says: yes, we have recall, retention and recollection. But then it adds, as if it almost forgot to mention: commemoration, tribute, honour, observance and recognition. It doesn't look like it and we don't want it to look like it either; but me and the old dog are crossing this highway to adore the sun, the earth under our feet: the stars and the trees late at night when you can't even see them—just feel them, hear them—know they are there: behind those clouds, through that inky darkness. And you're tempted to bow down and worship their shy glory, like the glory of that grandchild, yesterday; bringing a flower from my wife's garden, telling me that she also knows what I'm thinking: what we are all thinking and feeling and honouring and commemorating.

“Does this make you feel any sort of way?” I was asked, an inquisitive look flashing across the doctor's face. “Sometimes being diagnosed with something can be,” she paused, debating her next word choices. “Affirming?” I asked her. I looked around the well decorated room trying to formulate my thoughts. The velvet couch that I was sitting on irritated me and almost made me feel like I needed to itch every part of my body. The psychiatrist's many degrees were displayed across the cream walls, held up by matte black picture frames. The room felt stuffy. No book was out of place and no painting was not curated so that it matched perfectly to the room. The perfection strangled me and soothed me at the same time. While sitting there listening to her talk, I had managed to peel off all of my nail polish that I had recently gotten painted, green flakes of paint piling in my hands. I thought being diagnosed with a mental disorder that I had known that I had for many years would be affirming. Instead, it filled me with a sense of dread. Sleepless nights now had a reason. Hands washed over and over again now had an explanation. You would think that would have given me some peace, but instead only one word flashed across my mind, over and over. Crazy. Two long months later, Covid-19 entered the United States. Every night, I sat on the couch with my family, listening to various politicians discuss scientific topics they knew nothing about. Every so often, a case notification would flash across my phone, informing me that someone in my country, state, or city had been recently infected by Covid-19. Buildings were shut down and restaurants started to change their ways to accommodate the new ways of life. Irrational fears once only held by me were now prevalent in the public. People started washing their hands an abnormal amount of times and wore gloves while walking their dogs. In a way, it made me feel less alone. It became hard to come up with new things to do everyday. Like many other people, I tried new workout videos and watched TV that I had never seen before. I deep cleaned every area of my house and read mystery novels in my bed while listening to the rain. I had online classes but they were a joke; none of my teachers had any experience teaching online and it was impossible to focus in the confines of my room. We tried to distract ourselves with board game nights and themed dinners, but it was hard to ignore how the seasons flashed before our eyes and we were still stuck in our houses. Like everyone around me, I slowly started to lose it. It became tiring to do things that were once considered relaxing and all the time left alone with my thoughts allowed anxiety to sneak past my senses. Like many other people around me, I was scared to leave the house for various reasons; I didn't want to infect my father who was a doctor and was needed on the front lines or my mother who was still trying to navigate ways to teach her students from her desk. It became hard to decipher what thoughts were rational and which thoughts were not. Eventually, I became tired of trying to control the ever-present anxiety that had once made me feel so alone. A few months later, my family was in the car driving to Pennsylvania. We had packed the car with all the things we thought we would need; blankets were piled in the back, toys rolled around in the trunk, and excitement filled the car with happiness that we hadn't felt since pre-pandemic. We reached our destination, my brother and I practically falling out of the car running to the door. As I stepped in, outfitted with an N95 mask, I was greeted with wonderful little bundles of fur nipping on my shoelaces. I knelt down as eight little puppies ran around with no control over their own limbs, tripping and falling over each other. Many seconds later, they started to tire and settled down, snuggling with each other while falling asleep. However, one puppy could not handle her excitement and was still climbing all over me, nuzzling her head into my hair while trying to chew on my earring. At that moment I knew that I hadn't come here, to this little house in Pennsylvania, to choose a puppy. The puppy had already chosen me. Flash forward two years later, and my pandemic puppy was one of the best things that ever happened to me. She forced our family to go on walks in the neighborhood and interact with people from afar. She brought happiness to our lives that we didn't know we needed. At the time I didn't know that it was possible for a dog to bring me so much joy. Now I know that by adopting her, we didn't just save her life, we saved mine.

On Friday evening as I was coming back from work , along the road I saw a man with 4 puppies seated by the road side , I stopped to admire the puppies, my love for dogs is so massive but I had no one and would love to get one. So I asked the man how much one of the puppies cost and he told me 1000$. I was shocked because that's my salary for 6 months, the man smiled and told me to succeed in life,I need to take some risk; I smiled and zoomed off. Inside the car, I said to myself " why would I buy a dog for such an amount when I could secure my house without any form of stress or bother". when I got home, I made some researches on dogs and found out that their prices were based on the bread of the dog. But sincerly, I needed a dog not just for security but my love for them kept driving me crazy , "what will I do to get this dog since I can't afford the amount they demand" , I discussed with my girlfriend who was zoophobia, but she told me that she will end our relationship if I ever get a dog in my house , I called my elder brother to borrow some money from him to buy the dog , but I never knew why I was so obsessed with having this dog to the extent of taking loan to buy it; but I never knew that I was headed towards destiny. so when I finally got the loan from my elder brother,I called my girlfriend to tell her that I was going to get they dog the following day , she was so mad at me and started telling me on how our relationship would end if I ever bought the dog, I tried everything possible to make her understand that love is all about sacrifice but she said that I have to choose either her or they dog so finally I made my decision by going ahead to buy the dog at the expense of my relationship. The following day, I went to the place I saw the man and those puppies luckily for me I found him there, then I asked him if he stays there often, he said yes because the people that buy his puppies are mostly strangers passing through that route. I nodded my head in amazement and then told him I wanted to buy a male dog but he adviced me to buy a female dog. I was adamant but I later changed my mind.He reduced the price of the puppy to 800$ and then recommend a veterinary doctor for me. I named my dog "Scott". Everyone seemed displeased about my new dog, but I have never been more happy. I took my dog to the vet house for proper check up before taking her home , little by little "Scott" began to grow into an adult dog and a loveable dog who provides security for everyone in my street After one year Scott received an award for the tallest and most lovable dog of the year, the award also came with other incentives to the owner. I became so popular and rich. After some months I noticed blood stains around my house so I was so afraid that scott had injured herself, I went out to check on her but she was looking healthy with no injuries then I noticed that the blood was dropping from her vagina; so I reported to my vet doctor immediately, he told me that it was a sign that Scott needs to meet with a male dog and that she was on her period at that moment. But I had no male dog I replied him, he now told me to bring Scott to his house, it was hard for me to let go of Scott for a day but I then took Scott to his house, after a couple of days he called me to come and pick Scott up and advised me to be giving her more of calcium till she gives birth. I thanked him and left his house with Scott I was so happy to see Scott again this time with babies. After some weeks I started noticing some changes in Scott's body, her breast changed to pink, she lost her appetite for food and she now backs at any slightest noise which I also complained to my vet doctor who made me to understand that it were signs of the pregnancy. I was so happy because I have already calculated how much I would make from selling those puppies, I prayed that they puppies would be up to six in number. Some weeks later she delivered 12 puppies, I was shocked at they site of seeing those puppies because they were so tiny. I called my doctor immediately to come over to my house which did and he was marvelled , he said that the highest he has seen a dog deliver in a while was 10. So after some weeks due to the fact that Scott was a public figure I sold out the puppies in a day at the cost of 4000$ each , I was able to pay back my loan and became very reach to the extent of opening a dog farm of my own, all this happened because I made they right decision back then , Scott later died after 8 years but she made me a rich and successful man before she died.

Worried. Anxious. Unsettling. This is the 20th century, where modern medicine has an answer to everything. Well, almost. As the number of COVID-19 patients and death cases continue to rise, most of the governments around the world are taking preventive measures by limiting human interactions and likewise in Malaysia, Movement Control Order (MCO) was instituted. Since early June, this blessed nation is in the recovery phase where the experiences of being in a state of lockdown was no longer apparent. In fact, the concern is no longer about the pandemic but rather, the state of the economy which came to a standstill since the lockdown began. Reflecting on what happened three months back, where the streets in major cities were quiet and similarly with shopping malls where only essential service providers such as groceries and pharmacies were opened, and the light rail transit – which people complained about being ‘sandwiched' in their daily commute previously – was simply empty. As I experienced working between being in the office and working from home on alternate weeks, I have the best of both worlds, having the ability to enjoy the serenity of working from home as well as being able to experience the world out there on my way to the office during that period. Outside home, I experienced the ghostly neighbourhood feeling – parks were empty as joggers stayed home to abide by the laws related to the lockdown and the roads which were usually congested during the rush hour was even quieter than during the major festive seasons when many had left for their hometowns. During those weeks where I got to work from home, I experienced the additional time that was previously allocated for being stuck in traffic jams. Time that was saved from not travelling from point A to B – and this included not having to go through congestions, traffic lights, looking for parking, stopping at toll gates and other miscellaneous braking that will add time to a journey has allowed me to appreciate the environment around me more than before, and I was astonished with how beautiful life is when I am given time to look at the varieties of flowers I have in my garden, to listen to the birds chirping, to breathe the fresh air and yes, hold my wife's hand. All this under the roof that we have committed to grow old together in. Another change: I agreed with my wife to order our groceries online. Again, we saved time by efficiently selecting what we wanted online instead of hanging out in grocery stores and subsequently not needing to queue at the cashier as well as to wait for the lift! The next activity may not involve much time saving but has greatly enhanced our quality of life where my wife has cooked more often than before. While watching my wife cook, I visualised myself being the hardworking farmer, toiling in the farms from dawn till dusk, all sweaty and muscular at the end of the day. Plans are underway to incorporate some farming activities in my gardening routines. As much as I appreciated the new sense of quiet and the fresh air, as a dog lover, I am not allowed to leave my home, let alone walk the dogs! From this lockdown, I learnt that apart from walks, what they enjoyed most is me being around them. They enjoy pats (and massages too!) on their forehead, being groomed, or being talked to. It is no wonder that they are man's best friend – they simply mirror and adapt to my lifestyle and moods. Apart from time in the garden with my dogs, I managed to enjoy television series and movies from my living room television. One of them was Zoo, an American drama television series based on the 2012 novel of the same name by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge. Premiered on June 30, 2015, I can't help but feel the goosebumps while pondering about how interconnected the current pandemic is with what I am watching in front of me. With theories about the COVID-19 virus originating from animals and infecting humans, Zoo encapsulates all that, and more. In the television series, animals were infected with a virus that made them aware of their hierarchy in the planet and they have the intelligence to coordinate with various species from various levels of the food chain to put human ‘in their place', reversing their fate as a subservient species to be a dominant one. This reminded me of the meme of how animals started roaming free during lockdowns around the world while humans remained ‘locked-up' in their own homes. This pandemic has been an eye-opening experience. Not many thought such an event could happen in their lifetime. Unlike any crisis that the world has seen before, say, perhaps the major world wars, everybody was affected, regardless of race, creed or religion. The question that loomed ahead is: How did we get into this mess? And how are we going to get out of this? I don't have the answer. Perhaps Mahatma Gandhi did. “The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed.”