Feature: Pandemic Pups and Corona Cats

As the coronavirus crisis unfolded, Queen Villagers opened their homes—and hearts—to lost kittens and rescue dogs.

by Suzanne Dreitlein

Queen Village is a neighborhood that loves pets. Throughout the day, neighbors walk their dogs or stop by the dog run at Mario Lanza. Pass by front windows and you can see feline faces checking out the activity of the day and offering friendly meows to passers-by.

There has been a dramatic increase in pet fostering and adoptions throughout Philadelphia during the coronavirus pandemic. Gillian Kocher, director of public relations and marketing at PSPCA, said, “With so many people staying at home, we saw a huge uptick in fosters stepping up to take animals home, even temporarily. We would normally see about 10 applications to foster in a week prior to COVID-19, but as the pandemic took hold we were receiving over 100 applications a day.” Kristine McKibban at Pet Snobs Boutique (641 South Street) says they are definitely experiencing an increase in puppy grooming appointments. She volunteers at Street Tails Animal Rescue in Northern Liberties, which ran out of adoptable animals. Asked if the adoptions were impulse decisions or premeditated, she said most people were considering adopting and COVID-19 gave them a window of time to welcome a pet into their homes.

Jen Sita recently moved to Queen Village when she read about a little black kitten crying under a car in front of Lucky’s Last Chance (848 South Second Street). Jen took the kitten in and started a GoFundMe to help with vet costs. Jen was still mourning the loss of her cat Teddy Roosevelt when Lucky came into her life. And although she normally adopts senior cats, she said, “I would never actively seek out a kitten, but I knew the shelters were closed and Lucky would have nowhere to go. So she stayed.” Jen adds, having Lucky “has really taken my mind off what’s happening because I’m focused on her not breaking anything or getting hurt! She’s a real character.”

Jen Sita and one lucky cat.

Melissa Smith and Matt Abbott have lived in Queen Village for about a year. Melissa said, “We were planning to get a dog this spring prior to the pandemic [but] the quarantine allowed us to get a puppy instead of an older dog, since it meant we’d be home to spend the time needed to care for and train a puppy.” They adopted Koda from a Delaware-based rescue called Furever Paws Dog Rescue. Melissa added, “She’s provided a lot of positivity to us, and a great outlet to pour our energy and love into.”

So Melissa Smith and Matt Abbott with their rescue puppy.

The Kawaii Cat Cafe on 4th Street normally provides a steady flow of adoptable kitties who entertain all who pass by the window with their feline antics. While the cafe is closed, owner Kristin has been hosting live video game walkthroughs on Facebook featuring humorous commentary and adoptable kitties-of-the-day.

COVID-19 won’t be here forever. Kocher and McKibban both say that there is always the fear that people will surrender their pets when schedules return to normal or if the economic stresses caused by the economic fallout of COVID-19 become overwhelming. However, Kocher added, “The PSPCA is doing everything we can to provide resources, including pet food and other supplies, to families to ensure that the animals stay in their homes. We are always here not only to find homes for pets but to keep them there.” ■