May I interrupt?

Peyton the beagle helps out the author, Gareth Henderson, as he goes about some research.

Nothing interrupts a Zoom meeting like a pet. In fact, a lot of times it’s not a problem. Think of it as a light-hearted break from daily life — always welcome at times like these.

In our family’s life in Woodstock, Vermont, a couple of beagles have that role. Kenzie, our own beagle queen, is literally the aunt of Peyton, who is owned by my wife’s parents right next door. They often get together, sometimes with Kenzie tolerating the younger one’s rambunctious nature. Peyton is all kid, wanting to play with auntie, even though the former might be the only interested party.

Like many pets are, these beagle girls are loving the fact that their owners are all home. It’s ready access to the nearest human, even if said human is a bit busy. 

The latest acts of the Zoom-pet connection are mainly Peyton’s doing, and it’s always entertaining. One time, she walked up and planted herself squarely in front of the screen, seeming to listen intently — much to the humor of all. Another day, when the computer was at desk-height, Peyton crept along by my knees, in a not-so-subtle way. My friend on the screen, a big fan of dogs, said hello.

Now, there are ways to bar the dogs from the Zoom meetings where they would be a true distraction, and we’ve done that at times. But for the most part, they’re welcomed in to hang around, cuddle and provide moments of hilarity, like when Kenzie dropped in on one of my daughter’s Zoom meetings and licked the screen to greet the other kids participating.

It’s a joy to be in a Zoom meeting and see a few pets hanging out, happy just to be; or offering a surprise appearance. They reflect a sweet togetherness, a sense of love that touches our hearts. We can’t get enough of that. And the good news is, the pets will keep providing it.

— Gareth Henderson