Poodle hopes for new home after owner dies from coronavirus

As the pandemic continues to take its toll all around us, it’s easy to overlook the impact the virus may have on our animal companions.

Beloved pets are surely suffering like the rest of us from less outdoor movement and fewer exploratory interactions with neighborhood acquaintances.

But in worst-case scenarios furry dependants face losing their caregivers along with their homes if their owner is unfortunate enough to succumb to the disease.

An adorable toy poodle in New Jersey has highlighted that potential plight this week, after her loving owner tragically died from Covid-19.

James “Cricket” Traverso had taken in the female poodle, named Che-Che, four years ago when she was made homeless, NJ.com reports.

However, when the 73-year-old passed away last week after becoming infected with the virus, the only place Che-Che could go was the Monmouth County SPCA.

“Little 9-lb Che-Che was scared and shaking when she arrived,” the animal shelter, based in Eatontown near the Jersey Shore, said in an Instagram post. “[W]e can’t imagine what it’s like for a dog like her to suddenly lose everything she’s ever known and then end up in an unfamiliar place.”

Although there’s no evidence to date to suggest that pets can spread the virus to humans, staff at the shelter have taken every precaution, wearing personal protective equipment and isolating Che-Che in a single room at the beginning of her stay.

In the coming days she will receive dental care, vaccines, be spayed and “get a a warm bubbly bath so that rubbery gloves and crinkly gowns are no longer needed to give her some affection!”

The shelter are also well underway in their task of “finding this sweet little girl the perfect home.”

Applications to adopt Che-Che are under careful review, but staff said they had received an “enormous response.”

With other pets almost certain to follow in Che-Che’s pawsteps, the shelter are currently raising funds to ensure they can cope with the expected jump in arrivals.

“Che-Che is the first of many animals that we anticipate needing a safe haven in these uncertain times,” they said.