With non-essential businesses all over the U.S. closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but some employees still needing to report to work, a few interesting stories have emerged over the last month.

Take Carmel and Odie’s trip to the Georgia Aquarium, for example. Why is that interesting?

Because Carmel and Odie are puppies.

Anyone in charge of minding animals is definitely reporting to work these days, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little fun while they’re at it, as long as they’re careful.

In March, the aquarium and Atlanta Humane Society staff decided to let the puppies loose to give them a tour under the sea.

Carmel and Odie, the adorable little terrier mixes, were just 8-weeks old at the time of their big adventure.

“They are very cute and scruffy, aren’t they?” Atlanta Humane Society staff member Christina Hill exclaimed to CNN.

They’re the perfect antidote to a depressing day on the Internet – although frankly, we’re not sure why puppies would be interested in this particular field trip.

And indeed they weren’t.

Just like you’d expect, they were little balls of energy and easily distracted – and they ended up playing with one another for a while before laying down for a nap.

The fish didn’t care much either, but no one really expected them to.

While Carmel and Odie’s trip to the Ocean Voyager exhibit didn’t mean much to them, we’re pretty sure it was all for our benefit anyway.

And cat lovers need not feel left out (even though there’s a slightly more complex relationship between felines and fish)!

On April 6th, the Humane Society posted a new video with the caption “You asked for it… you got it!” and shared footage of a litter of kittens exploring the aquarium.

And let’s just say the kittens were VERY interested.

“They couldn’t get enough of the beautiful Tropical Diver exhibit, and loooooved the jellies! We hope their adorable adventure puts a smile on your face.”

Not only did the trips bring attention to the many needy animals available for adoption at the Humane Society, but they used the viral videos as an opportunity to share tips for pet owners during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Be sure your pet is prepared and ensure you have multiple caregiver options for your pet in case you become unable to care for your pet,” for example.

The kittens have already amassed over 48,000 views in the 3 hours the video has been posted (and only 10 were from us).

Of course, those showing signs of the disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 should limit contact with their pets, even though there’s no firm indication at the moment it can be transmitted between pets and people.

That’s going to be hard to do if you adopt a kitten this cute (though these cuties aren’t up for adoption at the moment)…

The Atlanta Humane Society and other animal shelters around the country have been doing a great job of showing off their furry friends online these days, and they’ve even been encouraging those in quarantine who have the extra time and energy to consider fostering.

Just don’t make plans to visit the aquarium with your new pets. Hopefully, things will be back to whatever our new normal looks like soon and paying humans will be patronizing the facility again.

Be sure to scroll down below to see the puppies’ day at the aquarium and click here to see the adorable kittens take their turn.

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Source: Georgia Aquarium via YouTube, CNN, Atlanta Humane Society, Atlanta Humane Society via Facebook