Phil Tonseth ‘23
Editor-in-Chief
After almost one year of quarantine, most people have either learned to live alone or altered their life circumstances to find ‘safe’ friends. While Love in the Time of Corona featured how many different couples are thriving in their romantic pursuits during ‘these trying times,’ this feature is for those who choose to shop at an animal shelter instead of Tinder for companionship. Like this pandemic, love still lives on, so we welcome you to learn about and meet all of the new furry friends adopted during quarantine and potentially add a new member to your own family. This is Pets of Quarantine.
This week's guests are Alyssa Metcalf ’22 and Zona, an absolute gem of a pupper who’s got a body that puts J Lo’s to shame.
Hey y'all! I’ll go to you first Alyssa, what inspired you to adopt?
I think that like a lot of folks, I figured that there was no better time to get a puppy than during quarantine, since we suddenly had all of this free time. It’s been really nice to have a companion during a time where it’s easy to feel isolated; Zona doesn’t just brighten up our day, but she has that effect on pretty much everyone she meets.
What exactly drew you to Zona particularly? Did you look for a specific breed or temperament?
Size was definitely a big factor—obviously, I wasn’t looking for a Great Dane or anything, and wanted a nice balance between a good apartment dog and a breed that was relatively active. Temperament was important, too, and mini Aussies are about as sweet and gentle as they come.
Pictured: Zona knows she's a model, now it's the worlds turn to know as well. Photo Courtesy of Alyssa Metcalf '22.
Was it love at first sight?
I think so! Zona clearly has always been adorable (especially when we first met her and she was the size of a gerbil) but what really drew us in was her personality. She’s always been very sure of herself and has a slight attitude that is really endearing, even if it results in her being a little spoiled sometimes.
Zona, you’re up. Getting straight to the point, do you like Alyssa or Ray more?
I plead the Fifth.
Alyssa, do you agree?
Looks like she’s learned a lot from Criminal Investigations!
Zona, have you been called on to contribute in class yet? Also, do you feel like you’ve learned anything so far?
I haven’t been called on yet, but I like to make an unannounced Zoom appearance every now and then. I can’t say I’ve absorbed too much in terms of content, but I really should catch up on Antitrust in case Professor Nachbar decides to call on me.
Slight follow up, but also unrelated. Why do you frequently sit and lick windows Zona?
If you were as cute as me, you’d want to makeout with your reflection too.
Alyssa, how has Zona changed your life for the better, or worse? She seems like a hoot to me, personally.
Zona’s definitely a hoot, and she really does bring joy into the lives of everyone who meets her. Because she’s so affectionate and funny, she’s able to turn a bad day around, and she’s unquestionably changed my life for the better.
Pictured: The ultimate Christmas card photo. Zona has been a wonderful addition to Alyssa and Ray's law school experience. Photo Courtesy of Alyssa Metcalf '22.
Would you say that you or Ray has become the responsible parent? AKA who takes Zona to pee at 5 AM in this cold weather?
Anyone who lives in Ivy Garden knows the answer to this question: Ray. You can see him around 7 every morning taking Zona out while admittedly I’m still in bed.
Zona, do you get fed any table scraps for when you’re being a good girl? What’s been your favorite so far?
Sometimes! My personal favorites are peanut butter (duh) and the occasional puppucino from Starbucks.
Okay Zona, let’s see if you can focus long enough to do a lightning round!
Best Trick?
Uh, sit?
What’s your favorite yard to pee in?
Lizzie Pate’s (’22) in front of Building 115 is a personal favorite of mine.
Would you rather jump in every puddle on a walk, or roll in the mud?
Both, because I like to make myself as gross as possible before coming inside.
What’s the name of your favorite toy?
Consuela the Cactus.
Biggest pet peeve?
When every single second of my owners’ attention isn’t devoted to me and I’m not getting peanut butter.
Would you count your walk style as a saunter, jog, or runway strut?
Definitely a saunter—like you said, a body that puts J. Lo’s to shame.
Would you consider yourself a doggo, a woofer, a pupperoni, or a borker, and why?
I’m not really much of a barker, so I have to go with pupperoni.
Lastly, Who’s a good pupper?
That’s an easy one: me!
Alyssa, is there any parting thoughts about Zona you’d like to share, or further convincing you think your readers will need to follow in your paw prints to adopt?
I would highly recommend getting a dog to anyone who is considering it! I know plenty of people who have made similar decisions (looking at you, Jack Tucker ’22), and it really does change your life for the better. Personally, I can’t imagine getting through the horrid year of 2020 without Zona, and I consider myself really lucky to have such a great pup.
I’m a cat person myself, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted to get a doggo myself now. Many thanks to Alyssa and Zona for joining us on Pets of Quarantine and sharing their coronavirus experience. Are you a pet owner that adopted a furry friend during quarantine? A roommate that’s taken on the additional role of a surrogate pet parent for your classmate? Or an existing pet owner that’s grown even more attached to your best friend? Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and we want to hear about it! Email pjt5hm@virginia.edu if you or someone you know might like to be featured on Pets of Quarantine.
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pjt5hm@virginia.edu