The Covid-19 pandemic helped 29-year-old Jonathan Immanuel and his wife find a friend in their newest family member who has been keeping them busy. It has only been three months since the city-based couple adopted their dog Molly after a brief fostering period. “The week after we gave her away felt really weird and empty for us and that is why we decided to adopt her for good,” explains Immanuel.

Every year, the world celebrates International Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August. Most friends have been socially distanced from each other in the last one year or have been meeting virtually or less frequently than usual. Going out on long drives and chai sessions at the local adda have all been replaced with Netflix Watch Parties. While the crucial element of human touch is missing, many people have found joy and comfort in finding and bonding with animal pals over the last one year.