CLEVELAND — A match made for each other. Animals at Lake Humane Society in northeast Ohio need a loving home and some people need cuddles and comfort from the stress of the pandemic.
Lori and Sean Caszatt from Mentor are two of those people.
“For me, it was great because it kept my mind off of everything that was going on. We couldn’t go anywhere. We weren’t really supposed to do anything. We were home all the time,” said Lori.
Lori is back to work, but Sean is still working from home. He said especially in the beginning of the pandemic, it was lonely, but the dogs gave him a routine.
“It’s just very comforting to have them around, just a presence, and to take your mind off things because if we were just in the house, just the two of us without them, we would be bored out of our minds,” said Sean.
The Caszatt’s adopted their dogs, 8-month-old Daisy and 6-year-old Myrtle, from Lake Humane Society where they both have volunteered and where Lori now works. Daisy is one of Myrtle’s puppies.
Director of Lake Humane Society Lee Nesler said their percentages are higher for adoptions than they are for surrenders—meaning as soon as animals are coming in, they’re going home very quickly.
“A lot of time, when pets would be surrendered to our shelter, it would be because they didn’t have enough time, and they couldn’t give enough time to their pet. Well, now if you’re home 24/7 and you’re working, you have that time for the pet,” said Nesler.
She attributes this to the simpler life a lot of people are living with the pandemic, which she said animals love.
“Domestic animals were domesticated for man to be with man, and so, they really are a true companion, and that’s the most important part and they give unconditional love. So, if you go out the door and you come back in, your troubles and stress from your day might be there, but as far as your pet’s concerned, you are the best thing that walked through the door. You will always be the best thing that walked through the door,” said Nesler.
These animals give cuddles, kisses, and never-ending love.
“When we’re home alone, she just wants to be right next to you. She wants to follow you everywhere. She’s like my little shadow,” said Sean about his dog, Myrtle.
“She really is just the sweetest most affectionate girl. That’s my favorite,” said Lori about her dog, Daisy.
The furry friends are providing endless entertainment and helping people through a difficult time.
“I definitely think animals are good for mental health and emotional well-being. I absolutely believe in that,” added Lori.
