Mia Smith Bynum, an associate professor in the Department of Family Science, and her son Malcolm have been dreaming of adding a dog to their family but the timing never seemed quite right between teaching schedules and after-school activities. When the COVID-19 pandemic led to shelter-in-place and remote work and school plans, it offered Mia and Malcolm the quality time needed to welcome and acclimate a new dog into their home and establish a routine and care network that can evolve as in-person work and school resume.
Mia and Malcolm are not alone in their desire to add a pet to their household during this time of uncertainty. Animal shelters across the country have shared that pet adoptions and fostering are on the rise during this time of quarantine. Not only do many people have more time to give to new pets, but they are also benefiting from the love and companionship of these furry friends.
Junior is proving to be a sweet addition to the family and already fits right in—they've already picked a nickname, "JB," which is short for Junior Bynum. JB spends much of his day cuddling with Mia and also enjoys daily neighborhood walks with Malcolm.
Congrats to Mia and Malcolm on adding Junior to their loving home!
If you have your own pandemic pet adoption story, let us know by emailing happyandwell@umd.edu, and be sure to include photos.
View a gallery of images from Mia, Malcolm and Junior:
The Happiness and Wellness Initiative shares "some good news" from the SPH and our extended community, inspired by SGN: Some Good News with John Krasinski. You can submit your own good news by email to: happyandwell@umd.edu.