Aleesha Paul lives alone in Preston, Melbourne. Her rescue rabbit Patience has helped provide her company and has given Aleesha a sense of responsibility during Melbourne’s sixth lockdown. Photo: Aleesha Paul

“Making the most of a bizarre solitude includes laughing and creating, and the reminder that pets provide valuable company during Melbourne’s long and frequent lockdowns”, says Aleesha. When Patience was first adopted, she was very aggressive. But the time spent indoors during lockdown has helped Patience build a loving and trusting bond with Aleesha. Photo: Aleesha Paul

After spending almost 18 months in lockdown, Aleesha is struggling with a lack of motivation at university. But having Patience as company has helped: “having Patience imbues responsibility and routine,” Aleesha says. Photo: Aleesha Paul

Bachelor of Commerce student Ming Deng sometimes feels a loss of motivation and direction stuck in his home Melbourne’s now sleepy CBD. His cat Nomy has provided much-needed physical touch and released some of the pressure and feelings of loneliness during Melbourne’s lockdown. Photo: Die Hu

In July, Peng Wu started his first year as a PhD student at Deakin University. But like many, the sixth lockdown in Melbourne caught him off guard. Everything he planned has been disrupted, with the university laboratories closed and meetings with his tutor restricted to Zoom. Luckily, he has his lovely kitten Jewel to keep him company. Photo: Chenlu Chen

Peng has been sharing photos of Jewel on Instagram. Through this, he has met many pet owners on the platform who are also living alone and have their pet as a companion. “I never thought the cat would be a bridge to make new friends under the Melbourne lockdown. What he brings me is much more than I imagined,” Peng says. Photo: Chenlu Chen

Jewel enjoys sitting on Peng Wu’s lap while he watches his favourite TV show Rock & Roast. He bought Jewel during the first lockdown in Melbourne as a tiny kitten. Peng says nurturing Jewel has given him a sense of accomplishment. “Since then, I feel much happier because I have someone to take care of and play with. Every morning Jewel will make a howl noise, motivating me to get up,” Peng says. Photo: Chenlu Chen

Master student, Scarlett Xie plays with Kiwi and Million in her apartment overlooking Melbourne’s CBD. She adopted Million and Kiwi from Melbourne’s Lost Dogs Home. Photo: Xiao Zhu

Million and Kiwi mean a lot to Scarlett. When she feels anxious or stressed, Scarlett says the cats intuitively come close and gave her comfort. Photo: Xiao Zhu

While suffering from loneliness living in Melbourne, Karl Xiao’s doctor advised him to get out and meet new people. But Karl says he was too shy, so he chose a more comfortable way to make new friends — he got a dog. Not only has his adopted dog Hammer helped Karl to feel less lonely, spending time outdoors walking Hammer has helped him meet new people. Photo: Fanqui Liu

Karl Xiao adopted Hammer in June from a friend who was returning home to China. He says Hammer has made a complete difference in his life, bringing him lots of joy and entertainment. Photo: Fanqui Liu

University of Melbourne student Breda Guan, says his 21-month old guinea pig has brought him a lot of joy while living alone during Melbourne’s consecutive lockdowns. Photo: Yue Gong.

Brena like to take Tiger for walks in Lincoln Square, Carlton. But after ten minutes, Tiger usually lays on the grass and doesn’t want to continue. Photo: Yue Gong.

Breda Guan plans to return to China after graduation in November. She has no idea yet how she will take Tiger with her. Many International students have adopted pets during Melbourne’s lockdowns, creating a concerning issue: what will happen to the pets when they return to their home country? Many students worry how they will take their pets home with them when they finish their degrees. Photo: Yue Gong