It was the first day of quarantine. Second, third, and soon we’ve lost count. So many things we loved had slipped from our grip and into the unknown. We wondered when we would be able to do backyard parties, movie nights, or even just an outing again. But through our sadness came a joy we never would have expected.

Who knew that decluttering and cleaning out could put a smile on our faces?

Who knew that catching up with friends on Zoom could brighten our day?

And who knew that we would enjoy pausing the hustle and bustle to spend quality time with our families and quarantine-mates?

Let me just tell you: I never expected this.

Quarantine has changed our lives. In many ways, we are sad that we missed the opportunities COVID-19 stopped. But there is a happiness that came with it too.

For everyone who was stuck at home, you eventually got over it and hopefully found love in a new activity.

For all of you who were terrible chefs, and could no longer order take-out every night, maybe you learned to cook.

For all of you who killed every plant you touched, why, maybe you became a better gardener.

For all of you who worked all week, and crashed during the weekend, this time became a devotion to your family.

For all of you who never got to see the last scene of your favorite movie, COVID-19 helped you finish the story.

For all of you who figured out how to use Zoom to connect with friends, congrats!

For all of you who pouted about not being able to shop in-person, maybe you found your love in shopping online.

And for people like myself, you used this precious time to declutter and clean out! Whatever you found a love in doing, thank Coronavirus.

Quarantine has also changed the way we think about life. Before our world shut down, we acted differently than now, even as we are slowly coming out of our bubbles.

Instead of heading to the store every other day, maybe you learned how to stock up, and make the trip every other week.

Instead of going and going and going, maybe you found that it was okay to stop every once in a while and rest as well as reflect.

Instead of letting our room overflow with dirty laundry and whatnot, maybe you’ve learned that you enjoy having a clean space.

So many things have changed, and while that may be a bad thing, try to look at the good side. Take a moment to think about every negative of quarantine. Then, think about the positives, and how much you are thankful for. Accept the fact that we all have moments of pain and suffering and be okay with that. Soon you won’t think much about the negatives and maybe you’ll start to see what good has come of this situation.

We all know what Black Friday is. People storm shops and malls hoping to buy everything in sight. The fastest will snatch up the best deals, items, and more. Imagine that same scenario, but with animals. That is what has been going on at local Animal Shelters all across the country. What began in mid-march has continued ever since then. People have been feeling lonely because they can't see friends, loved ones, or have fun at public places. Many have found joy in a canine companion, or a fuzzy little kitten. When asked if the pandemic influenced her reason to purchase a dog, Gabi Plummer replied, “Yes. We were all bored at home, and needed some fun.” Gabi is not the only one. All across the US, a large number of shelters, non-profits, breeders, pet stores, and private sellers have seen a massive increase in demand. Many stores find their cages completely empty. Some shops have reported that they have a list of requests backing up all the way to 2021. As soon as a new animal arrives, it is whisked away by loving family.