Caring for Furry Pals During a Lockdown, Part 1 of 2

"Tender-hearted viewers, I’m Max, an orange tabby cat, and this is my sister Nala. She is a potcake dog, a Caribbean term for a mixed breed canine. We both are adopted animal companions and follow a compassionate vegan diet. Nala, did you notice, when our country enforced a coronavirus lockdown for months, that things changed? The streets were deserted, shops were closed, and all the tourists were gone. How about us companion animals? Can we get this virus?" "It's not entirely clear. Currently, experts believe that if a dog or cat has it, the chances of passing it on to people are low. However, human caregivers are adivsed to keep their animal children indoors to prevent transmission of the virus." "Yes, it’s safer to do that. It protects them from carrying the virus back home." "Also, human companions should practice healthy habits around their furry kids, such as washing their hands with soap and water before and after interacting with them, and disinfecting their paws by wiping them with a soft cloth and a vinegar-water mix before coming inside. They should not let other people touch their furry kids, or pet other people’s animal companions out of an abundance of caution." "That’s very important. During a lockdown, where do people get food for their furry children?" "They can cook nutritious vegan food for us if commercial vegan cat or dog food is not available." "That’s good. Having fruits and veggies can provide vitally important nutrition for our immune system. Mom always prepares veggie food for us. That’s why we are so healthy. Apart from having cooked meals for us, Mom spent more time with us during the lockdown to keep us entertained." "To lighten a furry companion’s mood during a lockdown, people can play games with him or her to cheer them up. It’s not only fun but also gives the animal friend some exercise." "We hope you take good care of yourself and stay healthy so that you can protect both your beloved human and furry family members during these challenging times."