Quarantine Life

Nicholas Davis4 said:Maybe I'm wrong, but when you decide to get a dog, you really need to think long and hard about what happens if you can't look after them for a while.
Honestly, hearing how many dogs howl day and night in my apartment complex, it doesn't seem like people give this much thought.
The questions you’re raising—like what to do during a beach vacation, a business trip, or some other travel—plus what happens if you get sick...
It's not like everyone in the family is stuck at home in quarantine all the time.
There are friends, extended family, neighbors... How on earth did you decide to bring a dog into your life knowing you wouldn't have a support system if you needed one?

I actually make a plan for my houseplants before I go away, so it seems pretty irresponsible to own a dog without having a backup plan ready for when you can't be there.

Hold on a second before you start calling people irresponsible. First off, we're talking about a pandemic; it's not like a global health crisis hits every couple of years, so how can you blame someone for not predicting that? Second, anyone who is actually responsible has a backup plan—neighbors, relatives, roommates—basically people they are close to and in contact with. The issue here is that right now, those people are being quarantined right along with you.
Do I really need to spell out why that's a problem? If all five people you usually rely on end up stuck in isolation with you at the same time, who the hell are you supposed to ask for help? And you could end up in isolation any time, every single time you come into contact with someone infected.
Does that seem normal to you? Being forced into a two-week lockdown every time someone gets sick, where you can't even go for a walk in the damn fresh air? Not just walking to the local pub, but actually getting out to nature, a field, or a forest...

mellowskipper said:This honestly reminds me of that old story about the poor guy with the tractor just trying to get to his field—it’s like he's some kind of biological terrorist. Personally, when I'm out walking my dog, I try to maintain at least a 15-foot buffer from anyone else. And if I have a mask on? Well... ugh. It feels like I'm sowing seeds of danger everywhere I go, God forbid.

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I keep an even wider distance. I usually get my walking in early in the morning or late at night when everyone is asleep. I can already hear someone coming for my head, calling me irresponsible because I might end up in quarantine just for taking my dog for a stroll.

So, do you live on the ground floor?
because if not, aren't you basically forced to trek through a shared hallway just to get out of the building? Like, you’d have to run into someone like your neighbor Sue and be stuck within like three feet of each other—I'm pretty sure those stairs aren't even wide enough to dodge someone if you're trying to avoid being exposed.

Keith Barrett2 said:So, do you live on the ground floor?
because if not, aren't you basically forced to trek through a shared hallway just to get out of the building? Like, you’d have to run into someone like your neighbor Sue and be stuck within like three feet of each other—I'm pretty sure those stairs aren't even wide enough to dodge someone if you're trying to avoid being exposed.

Well, they'll just jump out the window like Spider-Man.

Whether it’s a pandemic or the plague, it honestly doesn't matter.
You guys are making such a huge deal out of where to go with your dogs. Even if you can't swing $167 for a pet resort, how are you even able to afford a dog in the first place? It’s certainly not a cheap hobby.
At the end of the day, the logic is simple: if you have a dog, you can go for walks; if you don't, you can't.
My neighbor keeps a rabbit and a turtle, and the kids take them out too. Does that mean they get to take the turtle for a walk?
Seriously, everyone, what do single people with dogs even do? You’re all acting like being stuck at home is a tragedy for families... what would you do if you lived alone?
You'd figure it out. You'd book a kennel, or drop the pup off with a friend—just like I watched my friend's dog while she was traveling. Or you'd leave a parrot with someone. Stop overcomplicating something that has an easy fix. Just use a boarding facility.

Keith Barrett2 said:So, do you live on the ground floor?
because if not, aren't you basically forced to trek through a shared hallway just to get out of the building? Like, you’d have to run into someone like your neighbor Sue and be stuck within like three feet of each other—I'm pretty sure those stairs aren't even wide enough to dodge someone if you're trying to avoid being exposed.

What does that even have to do with anything? I wouldn't go out if someone was standing in the hall, and honestly, I do the same thing now even when I'm perfectly healthy; I'll wait a minute or two outside my door before heading out.

Besides, people need to take their trash down to the basement and they have to use the stairs to get there. Are they supposed to just let garbage pile up in their apartment for two weeks if they're in isolation?

Keith Barrett2 said:So, do you live on the ground floor?
because if not, aren't you basically forced to trek through a shared hallway just to get out of the building? Like, you’d have to run into someone like your neighbor Sue and be stuck within like three feet of each other—I'm pretty sure those stairs aren't even wide enough to dodge someone if you're trying to avoid being exposed.

Honestly, what is wrong with people?! It’s not like this is some kind of frog virus that’s going to leap down your throat just because an infected person brushes past you for a split second. Besides, not everyone who tests positive is stuck in strict isolation. And frankly, I think there's a much higher risk from the folks who don't even know they're sick standing next to you on the subway, at the grocery store, or in a hospital waiting room... That seems like the real issue to me.
The people in self-isolation walking their dogs while keeping their distance aren't the problem.

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melloworca6 said:What does that even have to do with anything? I wouldn't go out if someone was standing in the hall, and honestly, I do the same thing now even when I'm perfectly healthy; I'll wait a minute or two outside my door before heading out.

Besides, people need to take their trash down to the basement and they have to use the stairs to get there. Are they supposed to just let garbage pile up in their apartment for two weeks if they're in isolation?

I don't know how things are lately,
but from what I remember, back then friends, family, and stuff like that would step in to help people in isolation with groceries or taking out the trash. Maybe they've loosened up the rules now.

How do you even manage to avoid everyone?
During the lockdown, I was trying so hard not to run into anyone in my building that it actually became a habit.🤣

So even now, I often wait to leave my place until I think the hallway is empty.
And half the time, just as I'm heading down the stairs, someone will pop out of their door or walk into the building right at that exact second. 🤔

Nicholas Davis4 said:Whether it’s a pandemic or the plague, it honestly doesn't matter.
You guys are making such a huge deal out of where to go with your dogs. Even if you can't swing $167 for a pet resort, how are you even able to afford a dog in the first place? It’s certainly not a cheap hobby.
At the end of the day, the logic is simple: if you have a dog, you can go for walks; if you don't, you can't.
My neighbor keeps a rabbit and a turtle, and the kids take them out too. Does that mean they get to take the turtle for a walk?
Seriously, everyone, what do single people with dogs even do? You’re all acting like being stuck at home is a tragedy for families... what would you do if you lived alone?
You'd figure it out. You'd book a kennel, or drop the pup off with a friend—just like I watched my friend's dog while she was traveling. Or you'd leave a parrot with someone. Stop overcomplicating something that has an easy fix. Just use a boarding facility.

Man, Sophie, I could go on about things you're being dramatic about right now, but I won't. Fine, maybe you don't get certain things, but at least don't talk trash when you're out of the loop. Besides, not everyone lives in NYC, so maybe stop posting from your little metropolitan bubble.

Yeah, this is a problem for dog owners. Meaning, if you lean into the issue, you start freaking out. But can we also say the system is totally screwed? Half of this was decided on a whim without any actual thought, and after six months, they still haven't organized a damn thing.

Keith Barrett2 said:I don't know how things are lately,
but from what I remember, back then friends, family, and stuff like that would step in to help people in isolation with groceries or taking out the trash. Maybe they've loosened up the rules now.

How do you even manage to avoid everyone?
During the lockdown, I was trying so hard not to run into anyone in my building that it actually became a habit.🤣

So even now, I often wait to leave my place until I think the hallway is empty.
And half the time, just as I'm heading down the stairs, someone will pop out of their door or walk into the building right at that exact second. 🤔

Maybe I’m just being overly cautious. 🤣I don't live in a massive high-rise, so you can definitely hear when someone is in the hallway. I pay attention to that. Ever since the pandemic hit—even when I'm just out walking the dog—I hate bumping into people. Since the hallways are narrow, I usually just wait until it's clear before moving.

You can go take out the trash, but you should probably wear gloves and a mask. Honestly, I think there’s a much higher risk of someone catching something by handling your garbage than there is from a two-second run-in with you in a hallway.

melloworca6 said:Man, Sophie, I could go on about things you're being dramatic about right now, but I won't. Fine, maybe you don't get certain things, but at least don't talk trash when you're out of the loop. Besides, not everyone lives in NYC, so maybe stop posting from your little metropolitan bubble.

Yeah, this is a problem for dog owners. Meaning, if you lean into the issue, you start freaking out. But can we also say the system is totally screwed? Half of this was decided on a whim without any actual thought, and after six months, they still haven't organized a damn thing.

People understand perfectly well. You just want special privileges because you happen to own a dog.🥱

melloworca6 said:Man, Sophie, I could go on about things you're being dramatic about right now, but I won't. Fine, maybe you don't get certain things, but at least don't talk trash when you're out of the loop. Besides, not everyone lives in NYC, so maybe stop posting from your little metropolitan bubble.

Yeah, this is a problem for dog owners. Meaning, if you lean into the issue, you start freaking out. But can we also say the system is totally screwed? Half of this was decided on a whim without any actual thought, and after six months, they still haven't organized a damn thing.

Personally, I actually think things have been pretty well-organized,

like, the Red Cross and those other groups were actually getting supplies out to people in high-risk groups,
plus neighbors were stepping up to help anyone stuck in isolation or at risk—people were even offering up free Airbnbs for folks who couldn't stay isolated at home....

You could always find someone willing to walk your dog during those 10 days, too. 😉

Let's be honest, if you're looking for an excuse to break quarantine because of your dog or some trash pickup issue, just say that. Don't pretend that's the only way to handle it.

melloworca6 said:Maybe I’m just being overly cautious. 🤣I don't live in a massive high-rise, so you can definitely hear when someone is in the hallway. I pay attention to that. Ever since the pandemic hit—even when I'm just out walking the dog—I hate bumping into people. Since the hallways are narrow, I usually just wait until it's clear before moving.

You can go take out the trash, but you should probably wear gloves and a mask. Honestly, I think there’s a much higher risk of someone catching something by handling your garbage than there is from a two-second run-in with you in a hallway.

Technically, a quick encounter isn't even considered contact if it's under 15 minutes and you stay six feet apart. 🙂

I seriously doubt the police or the government have enough manpower to actually check in on everyone in quarantine—maybe even the sick folks, but even that feels like a stretch. There are just too many people.

Theoretically, you decide to take the dog for a stroll 1.2 miles through the meadow, but you have to dodge the local police first, right? Because apparently, there are $2667 penalties now? Or what if—God forbid—you get hungry or thirsty and need to hit a convenience store? All while, say, 20% of the country is out wandering around spreading the virus because nobody bothered to tell them they were actually contagious... absolute joke.

melloworca6 said:Hold on a second before you start calling people irresponsible. First off, we're talking about a pandemic; it's not like a global health crisis hits every couple of years, so how can you blame someone for not predicting that? Second, anyone who is actually responsible has a backup plan—neighbors, relatives, roommates—basically people they are close to and in contact with. The issue here is that right now, those people are being quarantined right along with you.
Do I really need to spell out why that's a problem? If all five people you usually rely on end up stuck in isolation with you at the same time, who the hell are you supposed to ask for help? And you could end up in isolation any time, every single time you come into contact with someone infected.
Does that seem normal to you? Being forced into a two-week lockdown every time someone gets sick, where you can't even go for a walk in the damn fresh air? Not just walking to the local pub, but actually getting out to nature, a field, or a forest...

Look, it's just common sense to think about what happens if you're away when you decide to get any kind of pet.
I see so many people panicking every time they want to go on vacation because they haven't figured out a sitter for their dog, cat, or hamster.
Don't try to claim this is a different issue.
The root cause might vary, but the core problem remains the same.
How are we supposed to solve this once the pandemic is over?
Stop pretending everyone lives in a massive commune with endless friends who are all available at a moment's notice.
What if you live alone and suddenly can't care for your pet? If you tear a ligament—like I did—and end up stuck in a hospital bed for a month, you're in a bind. Life happens.
Some people actually plan for this when they adopt...
But clearly, many don't, much like those summer appeals we see from animal shelters.
Besides, what do people even do during summer vacations when they can't bring their pets along?

But how exactly are you supposed to plan for that? I mean, a person can go from being perfectly healthy to facing permanent disability in a single day—it’s just how things work.
Does this imply that someone living alone isn't even allowed to have a dog, a cat, or maybe a hamster? Because, honestly, who knows what life might throw at you tomorrow...
If I happen to come down with the flu or strep throat tomorrow, am I forbidden from walking my dog at a distance, or does this rule only apply to people in isolation who aren't showing symptoms yet?

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I assume you've already considered whether you have:
- someone reliable to step in when you need them
- enough of a cushion to cover boarding fees at a pet hotel.
If neither of those boxes is checked, then it’s probably best not to bring an animal into your life that requires daily attention you might struggle to provide down the road.
I really wanted a dog myself.
But I had to think practically... What happens when I head out of town for a weekend getaway? Or during summer vacation? Or even a ski trip? What if I get sick? I'm not looking to hire staff just to manage my pet. So, I decided against it.

Why should dog owners be allowed to stroll through the park while everyone else stays inside?
Is it simply because they're either too cheap or can't find people willing to spare ten minutes a day to help them out?

By the way, life involves a lot of foresight.
Deciding whether to bring a living creature into your home requires much more planning than deciding to buy a potted plant.

Look, you don't have a dog—fine. You value your own comfort, and honestly, that's okay. For me, though, I can't just wander off wherever I feel like every single weekend because of my dog. It comes down to priorities, I guess. Just choices we make.
I definitely agree that life requires planning. Personally, I’m not really that type—I tend to just go where the wind blows me...
Besides, tomorrow a car could hit us at a crosswalk, and suddenly all those grand plans just vanish into thin air.
At the end of the day, we can argue about discrimination all we want, but if an epidemiologist tells my friend in quarantine that she’s allowed to walk her dog at a distance, then that's what she does.

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Hey everyone, quick question: do I actually need to check in with my primary care doctor once my isolation period is officially over? Today’s my last day, but I totally blanked on calling them, and since the clinic is closed tomorrow, I’m stuck. Now I'm sitting here wondering if I should stay cooped up until they reopen on Monday, or if I can just head out.

Look, if your quarantine period is officially over, you’re free to go about your business just like everyone else... there's really no need to check in with anyone or ask for permission,