I have spent 90% of my time at home this year. 5% of my time going to the grocery store or Target. The last 5% of my time in the car for pick up orders. Covid has changed our lives in so many drastic ways. Being a high risk individual who is chronically ill And takes immunosuppressive medications, things have been so difficult this year. I am sure there are plenty online here who can sympathize.

I am a SAHM with 4 kids, and I am teaching them via online school. The schools in Arizona are so awful that we switched to an online public charter. It’s been the best choice. However, this year has been very mentally, and emotionally taxing. Not just for myself but, for my kids as well. Around the end of June I began feeling so down, and depressed. So we decided to foster 3 Black Lab, Australian Cattle Dog mix. We ended up keeping 2 out of the 3. They were still formula feeding when they came to be with us. How precious they and ring they were. The dog pictured is my Female, Jiji. I adore her so much and she has brought me so much comfort and peace. I have always found animals to be therapeutic, and comforting. I genuinely believe that they’re our protectors, and they love unconditionally. I am so thankful for my sweet girl. Through my bad pain days, and my moments of sadness I can look at her and I can’t help but smile. Between my Husband, my kids, and my pets I have so many reasons to keep optimistic. I couldn’t imagine coping with all I do and not have them around. #TherapyDog #COVID19 #Depression #coping #optimism #ournewnormal