Life in Quarantine

During the mandatory stay-at-home orders—a result of the COVID-19 pandemic—I have spent most of my time with my dog, Aurora (aka Rory). Rory is a golden retriever with the purest heart and an eagerness to please anyone she encounters. As I try to navigate life in confinement, I’m grateful to have a best friend like Rory who inspires me to stay positive, keep smiling and remember to appreciate the little things.

Her name, Aurora, was inspired by the Roman goddess of the same name. Aurora is the goddess of dawn and is said to renew herself at the start of each day. Before I adopted Rory, one of my favorite quotes was “It’s always darkest before the dawn”, and that’s what she is to me: my dawn. When I have bad days or I’m #sad, I know that I will always have such a great companion to lean on. When I struggle to look on the bright side of things, Rory is my “brighter side.” During this time of global uncertainty, everyone has someone or something to keep them going. For some people, it’s their family and for others, it’s their friends or significant other; for me, it’s my doggo. These photos are a peek into daily life in quarantine with my best friend. (If you can’t tell, I’m a pro at orchestrating portraits of Rory & I with my tripod and remote.)

The best alarm clock I’ve ever had.

Protective face mask, or cow disguise?

Rory is not a fan of wearing masks.

Every morning, Rory and I try to spend at least 30 minutes practicing yoga before starting our day.

Every time she sees me in the downward dog pose, she does it too. I never taught her this trick, Rory just loves to copy me.

Admiring her beauty in the mirror.

Rory.

She loves to be carried and probably believes she’s a lap dog.

Rory’s alter ego, Aurora: a skilled painter, indie musician, liberal activist, and carrot-enthusiast.

Squirrel watching from my bedroom window.