In the spring of 2019, Anna and her family would welcome a happy-go-lucky, energetic Beagle puppy, who would soon become their new best friend and constant companion. The puppy was to be Jack’s (Anna’s son) dog. As the world would ultimately become affected by the COVID-19 pandemic just a year later, Omelet the beagle  would bring Anna and her family happiness and solace during this dark, troubling time.

As a high school science teacher and mother of two young children, Anna’s life would suddenly become increasingly more difficult to balance when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and shut down the world in March of 2020. Tragically, just a month later, Anna’s Rottweiler, Elsa, would pass away. With Anna’s husband working and not being at home all the time, Anna would also face additional layers of stress between managing her job and kids, along with the new rules to follow during the pandemic. However, Anna and her family would find comfort and joy from Omelet.

“It was so amazing to have another dog during that time,” Anna said, “Omelet always knows when someone is upset. He will go lie with both kids. I realize that this is also therapeutic for me, especially when it was so challenging to be home with both kids all the time! He also loves to snuggle and there is nothing better than a dog on your lap or right next to you.”

Anna also remarked how having Omelet in her life during the pandemic kept her and her family active and in high spirits. Between the walks, snuggles, and time well spent together, Anna and her family have cherished the moments spent with Omelet, and are incredibly grateful for his presence. After over a year and a half of pushing through a pandemic, the impact that Omelet had on his family would prove to be incredibly monumental. Anna would also remark that not only was Omelet full of wisdom, but he would also teach his family life lessons along the way.

“He is such a resilient dog that goes with the flow for all of life’s changes,” Anna said, “He is so observant and notices every little detail.. He constantly reminds me not to take life too seriously and that the best laid plans do not always work out.”

Ultimately, although the pandemic brought on massive waves of anxiety, frustration, and turmoil across the world, stories such as Anna’s and Omelet’s serve as stark reminders to take each day as it comes. Whether we spend our moments with family, friends, or lovable pets, we must find the time to slow down, relax, and hold onto the time spent with them as tight as we can. Just as Omelet helped his new family remain active and grounded to reality during the pandemic, we can all work collectively to stop, take a moment, and soak in the moments that matter most. All in all, it looks like this Beagle will forever cement himself as an incredibly remarkable family member to Anna, her husband, and kids. We could all use a little Omelet in our lives!