Dogs Unleashed: The Positive Role Dogs Play during COVID-19

Abstract

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has forced the global community to cope with widespread fear and isolation. However, there are outpourings of kindness and community despite these challenging times. In some cases, mandatory “social distancing” has even strengthened our relationships. One such relationship is the bond between humans and dogs. In this commentary, I leverage visual autoethnography to detail and understand human-dog relationships in the time of COVID-19, highlighting their importance. I then critique the allocation of space for dogs and the rigid restrictions on dogs in public space. Finally, I use my experience with my dog as a lens to question the heavy policing of public space and reflect on broader issues of this enforcement.

Keywords:

• Autoethnography
• COVID-19
• dog parks
• pets
• urban recreation