This topic comes at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak here in Washington. It’s a time when community means distancing ourselves from others for safety, love and the greater good. It’s only the beginning, but already I’ve seen this community step up, offering to help the elderly or immune compromised by bringing them groceries and supplies, offering meals to children who normally rely on school lunches, sharing jokes and encouragement on social media.

I’m in a high risk group as far as exposure is concerned, working as an intensive care nurse. Though I don’t worry so much for myself, I do worry about potentially being a vessel for the spread of the virus, so for now, when I’m not at the hospital, I will be holed up with my own little canine community.