Meet handsome Dallas. He actually caught his ride to a forever home in Colorado on Tuesday. I’m choosing to feature him because he’ll be the last transport dog I photograph for the foreseeable future.
Our volunteer coordinator has been trying to assemble a volunteer photo team to take over this task. While that is not fully in place, and normally I would never step away from a function without a replacement, I’m following the guidelines of the CDC and physicians to social distance and, at least for now, to self-quarantine.
I have four chronic auto-immune conditions. These and my age place me in a high-risk group for COVID-19. I’m doing all I can do for myself within my home to hopefully remain in good health. Because at this early stage, people are still confused about risks and are going about their daily lives because they aren’t sick and aren’t infected–or don’t think they are–it’s my responsibility to protect myself. Every transport, I come in contact with dozens of people. It’s hay fever season. It feels like everyone is sneezing and coughing, and that understandably makes people like me nervous.
I’m very fortunate in that my work for the rescue has always been from my home office. It’s the most logical way for me to work because my hours are weird and subject to change, but about 90 percent outside of normal business hours. I can work as usual. I’ll just miss seeing the animals, my fellow staffers, and all the amazing volunteers who inspire me. It won’t be forever. It’s just a pause in social interaction.
In addition to my rescue work, I’m in the process of working on the second novel in my series. Honestly, currently, not so much. I have to be in a certain mental space to write. Right now, my mental real estate is being used by a crazy mess of mood swings, anxieties, and information seeking. To counter all that, I’m talking to friends on the phone (Denece, if you only knew the number of times I’ve cracked up thinking of your first battle with the lizard I now call “Jim Morrison”–you are such a storyteller!), listening to music, a little painting (a very angry one), and reading.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE–this is the time to find ways to support the musicians, writers, and other artists you love. Bands and solo artists are likely unable to perform right now. Authors may not be able to promote their books at signings and conferences. Art festivals and exhibits may be cancelled. So many creative people already live close to the margins. Download their music–or mail order CDs and albums through your local music stores. Order books through your local bookstores, both online and mail order. That way you support small businesses and musicians and authors! BUY ART from people’s websites! There are also jewelry makers, knitters, and dozens of other craftspeople and artists who give us so much. Give a little back if you are able. And you can also share on your social media sites what music and books you’re loving, what series or movies you’re watching and enjoying–almost everything I buy to read or view comes from who I read about or what is recommended to me via social media. Word-of-mouth is vital to all creators.
Please take care of yourselves. Don’t listen to misinformation. Listen to scientists and medical professionals, and choose those voices wisely.
LOVE, so much love, to you all.