It’s a well-known fact that dogs are man’s best friend. But just how much do they affect our day-to-day lives without us knowing?
Pooches have been proven to positively impact and improve our mental well-being, according to new research.
Those surveyed noticed their stress levels and anxiety hugely decreased after becoming a dog owner, with many revealing their dogs made them feel safer, more confident and improved their physical health.
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One of those pet parents is Amy Gallimore, from Stockport, who found her life drastically improved after bringing Alfie the wirehaired Vizla home in 2020.
The 28-year-old purhased the pup right before the first lockdown when he was just three-months-old.
And not only does the PR strategist say the pooch has improved her physical health, Alfie has almost helped her overcome some personal difficulties too.
“I honestly don’t know what I would do without him, my mental wellbeing is so much better,” she said.
“I went through a really bad relationship/break-up and having Alfie got me through it 100 per cent.
“He gave me so much purpose day to day and kept me company when I had to spend a lot of time alone.
“He gets me out every day, we go running, he comes to cafes with me and just helps me get out on my own without really being alone. He also gives the best snuggles and comforts me when I’m down or not feeling well.
“It’s hard to be sad when you have a big ginger dog looking up at you with those big expressive eyes like ‘what’s up mum?’”
Amy believes Alfie has also helped her create a better balance between work and life. “Having a dog has helped me be more organised with my time and priorities, such as getting outside and being strict with my working hours,” she added.
“I call him my work life balance officer because if I’m at my desk too long he comes and tells me it’s time for attention or for a walk!
“We saw him advertised and had been looking for a Vizsla but hadn’t considered a wirehaired one. We wanted a pup that was a little older so we could get out with him right away and saw a breeder who had a pup who was slightly older.
"He had kept him initially as he was pick of the litter but also had his brother. He then decided he didn’t want to keep both as they can get littermate syndrome, so wanted to find a good home for him.
“We went to visit him as a puppy with his mum and brother in Cumbria and just fell in love, he was just tumbling all over the place with his brother and just a wiggly ginger goofball.
"After a grilling from the breeder, they decided we were the right 'pawrents' for him and the deal was done – we took him home and he slept the whole drive asleep in my lap. Love at first sight for sure.”
Commenting on the findings of the study, digital PR manager Sarah Pring, at Canine Cottages, which conducted the poll, said: “At Canine Cottages we all know how precious dogs are to their owners and are positively surprised by how many dog owners reported better well-being as a result of acquiring a dog.
“It’s important to spend time on self-care and take care of your mental health. It’s another reason we’re seeing an increase in wellness retreats, like a cottage in the countryside away from the busy city!”
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