There are plenty of heroes in this pandemic: the health workers, the truck drivers, the supermarket cashiers, the police and paramedics, the teachers and the dogs.
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Spare a thought for the dogs.
After years of having the week day to themselves, all over the country they're now sharing that quiet time with humans who might be at home but, for some reason, aren't interesting in throwing the ball, scratching the ears and embarking on various doggie adventures.
No, in these strange times, the humans are transfixed by their laptops, at times talking into them, then furiously tapping on them with inexplicable urgency.
The humans are home but they're just not on the ball.
For the past week, I've watched Jack, my 15-year-old golden retriever, try to fathom why I'm at home but not paying him due attention. By mid-morning, when he's realised the morning walk won't be followed up with other entertainments, he huffs off to the bedroom. He might be deaf as a post but I get the sense my phone calls and video conferences - the general excitement of the workplace - have somehow upset his routine.
As we head into another week of drama, he will have to make further adjustments, especially if the lockdown gets extreme. While there's plenty of scope now to walk him without getting close to other people, if a quarantine clampdown is imposed that might change. He's too large and wilful to walk by drone, as I saw someone had done in a locked down European city.
He's likely to be roused from his slumbers when I need reassurance - a canine shoulder to cry on. That's highly likely in the next few days as stronger measures are introduced and the economic crisis plumbs new depths.
When the world gets crazy, there's nothing quite as calming as a dog's big brown eyes and unconditional love.
As the situation around us darkens by the day, we should be grateful for the things that bring joy and comfort.
High on that list are our dogs.
Cats, too, but I suspect there's some tension there. Especially if Moggie jumps onto the laptop when you're grabbing a coffee and moves the entire desktop to the trash.
How are you getting on with your pets as you work from home?
john.hanscombe@austcommunitymedia.com.au
