Weekender Alicante South Issue 108

22 FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2019
www.weekender.news
Pets
More than
a stroll in
the park
ARE you a social stroller
or an escapist? New research
has revealed the
benefits people get from
walking their dog.
Eight out of ten dog owners
say they take their pet
out for a stroll just go get
some peace and quiet.
As well as exercising
their pooch, 71 per cent believe
this space is a vital destressing
tool in the hustle
and bustle of life, while
time spent with mans’ best
friend gives more than three
quarters of owners valuable
thinking time.
The study discovered that
one in five dog owners have
made a major life decision
while out on a walk – using
the time to mull over a
problem or dilemma.
And that includes more
than one in four who have
decided to end a relationship
while exercising their pet.
Others have made the decision
to move home, change
jobs, start their own business
or even try for a baby.
Not getting out on the
walk can make owners
guilty, irritable and even
sad, according the research.
The study was carried out
amongst 2,000 dog owners.
Gemma Cunningham, brand
manager for YuMOVE, which
commissioned the research,
said: “Walking the dog is one
of the most important jobs as
an owner.
“But while it is primarily
for the benefit of the dog, it
can also be beneficial for dog
owners too.
“Getting away from everyday
life for a bit while you go
on a quiet stroll can give you
some much needed time with
man’s best friend to clear
your head and enjoy some
time to yourself – something
many can struggle to get otherwise.”
The study also found the
average dog owner heads out
on eight walks with their pet
a week, and with each one
lasting around 30 minutes –
so that comes to four hours
of thinking time per week.
Most of the owners quizzed
also spoke of the benefits of
exercise while six in 10 enjoy
the chance to have quality
time with their canine companion.
Being outdoors, meeting
other dog owners and discovering
new places are also
among the reported benefits
of walking the dog.
A quarter of owners use it
as an opportunity to go for
a stroll with their partner
while, 13 per cent take their
children along.
As a result, 35 per cent say
walking together has bought
them more laughter and enjoyment,
while 15 per cent
say it has made them more
trusting. Others say they
are now more honest with
each other and also more
supportive.
So it’s little wonder that
walking the dog isn’t seen
as a chore, with 97 per cent
of owners generally enjoying
the task and with more
than a quarter disappointed
if they don’t get chance to go
out as planned.
Gemma added: “It is also
clear there are several kinds
of dog walkers who find different
purpose and meaning
in their daily walks.
“Whether it is to spend
more time together with the
family, get more exercise or
simply find some peace and
quiet, the walk can bring a
wide range of benefits.”
Adoption Corner
MICKEY-BLUE is 4 years old. He
is a little shy initially but fine when
he gets to know you. He likes
his outside space, enjoys some
fuss and attention. He has been
neutered.
HENRY is 3 years old with quite
long hair. He is a little ‘boss-eyed’.
He loves being fussed and enjoys
being inside or out. Passport
can be arranged. He has been
neutered.
NO ADOPTION FEE BUT
A DONATION IS MUCH
APPRECIATED. Also, many other
dogs, cats and kittens needing
homes. Food and donations
also urgently needed and can
be left at ARC’s charity shop on
Carrer Valencia 1, Jalon between
10.00am and 1.00pm Monday to
Saturday. Contact Sally by email:
jalonvalleyarc14@yahoo.co.uk
Facebook – Jalon Valley ARC
Charity Reg No CV-01-054107-A.
PETS IN SPAIN
Annabel is a special needs kitten.
She does not have any eyes. We
believe a very bad infection when
she was a newborn has caused
this. She is 4 months old and is
very friendly, she is very good at
finding her way around and is litter
trained. Tel: 645 469 253
www.petsinspain.com
Email: info@petsinspain.com