We’ve all been there. We spend hours upon hours with eyes glued to a computer screen filled with squares of human beings. Many are visibly tired. Some are forcing a smile. Others have their cameras turned off, only represented by a grey screen with a name. Then suddenly, we are graced with the unexpected attendance of an adorable, non-human creature. The day becomes a little bit better and brighter.
Who can hold back a grin or chuckle when a curious cat or nosy dog inserts itself into our virtual classes? The furry, sometimes scaly friends of our Zoom peers have given New School students and professors a reason to authentically smile in a virtual and disconnected world.
The New School Free Press spoke with New Schoolers and their beloved pets. Stay tuned for our last Zoom Pet story coming out next week!
Sara and Lady Bird
Sara Gabrielle Truett, a third-year interior design student at Parsons, adopted her dog Lady Bird from South Carolina during the pandemic. They now live in New York City together. Truett said that her therapist recommended her to adopt an official Emotional Support Animal (ESA) during the pandemic. “She’s like my support system [that I can] take with me places,” Truett said.
Truett said that being a new dog owner has posed some challenges, but she’s found a way to make things work for her. “It’s kind of difficult because I’m in college, so my whole schedule has to be on twenty-four-seven to fit her needs. But really she kind of fits it really well,” Truett said.
Truett said that she loves that Lady Bird is an active dog that fits her lifestyle, and they go on runs every morning. “My favorite thing is to make her food for her.”
According to Truett, Lady Bird is very smart and has learned not to disturb her during Zoom classes for the most part. When Lady Bird does make a rare appearance, her professors and classmates think it’s funny, she said.
“I was definitely responsible before. But getting her now, it’s like having a baby,” Truett said. “It’s super fun. I love it. I feel like I have a changed personality.”