If there was one bright spot in 2020 — aside, of course, from the white, hot flames of the Dumpster fire that was this year — the pandemic puppy deserves to steal the crown.

I use the term loosely. Shelters across the country and here in Sullivan County have seen dogs of all ages arrive and depart almost as quickly as they came.

With more time at home and nowhere to go, this was the year we all decided we could add another dog to the mix.

Yes, I said we. My family fell victim to the itch for another four-legged companion too.

A corgi named Sabrina joined our menagerie earlier this month, just in time for potty training in a nor'easter. Ah, 2020, you sure know how to keep us on our toes.

I've quickly learned that getting a puppy during a pandemic is a bit like becoming a celebrity overnight.

With no concerts or sports to attend, no hot dates to go on or parties to plan, your pup becomes the main attraction.

There are demands for photos …lots and lots of photos. There are socially distanced driveway meet and greets. There are offers to puppy sit (as if you're ever leaving your house again?), and clamoring to be the first for playdates (when we're allowed to have them again).

Having a pandemic puppy is almost like having a social life. Remember those?

And in a year that's brought us one whalloping punch to the stomach after another, pandemic puppies have proven to be the comfort we all need when we're feeling like this year just might never end.

If you haven't been bitten by the puppy bug just yet, don't worry. This is one 2020 trend we'll accept in 2021 too.