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Facebook: @The<strong>Weekender</strong>Spain<br />
FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2019 35<br />
Pets<br />
More than<br />
a stroll in<br />
the park<br />
ARE you a social stroller<br />
or an escapist? New research<br />
has revealed the<br />
benefits people get from<br />
walking their dog.<br />
Eight out of ten dog owners<br />
say they take their pet<br />
out for a stroll just go get<br />
some peace and quiet.<br />
As well as exercising<br />
their pooch, 71 per cent believe<br />
this space is a vital destressing<br />
tool in the hustle<br />
and bustle of life, while<br />
time spent with mans’ best<br />
friend gives more than three<br />
quarters of owners valuable<br />
thinking time.<br />
The study discovered that<br />
one in five dog owners have<br />
made a major life decision<br />
while out on a walk – using<br />
the time to mull over a<br />
problem or dilemma.<br />
And that includes more<br />
than one in four who have<br />
decided to end a relationship<br />
while exercising their pet.<br />
Others have made the decision<br />
to move home, change<br />
jobs, start their own business<br />
or even try for a baby.<br />
Not getting out on the<br />
walk can make owners<br />
guilty, irritable and even<br />
sad, according the research.<br />
The study was carried out<br />
amongst 2,000 dog owners.<br />
Gemma Cunningham, brand<br />
manager for YuMOVE, which<br />
commissioned the research,<br />
said: “Walking the dog is one<br />
of the most important jobs as<br />
an owner.<br />
“But while it is primarily<br />
for the benefit of the dog, it<br />
can also be beneficial for dog<br />
owners too.<br />
“Getting away from everyday<br />
life for a bit while you go<br />
on a quiet stroll can give you<br />
some much needed time with<br />
man’s best friend to clear<br />
your head and enjoy some<br />
time to yourself – something<br />
many can struggle to<br />
get otherwise.”<br />
The study also found the<br />
average dog owner heads out<br />
on eight walks with their pet<br />
a week, and with each one<br />
lasting around 30 minutes –<br />
so that comes to four hours<br />
of thinking time per week.<br />
Most of the owners<br />
quizzed also spoke of the<br />
benefits of exercise while<br />
six in 10 enjoy the chance to<br />
have quality time with their<br />
canine companion.<br />
Being outdoors, meeting<br />
other dog owners and discovering<br />
new places are also<br />
among the reported benefits<br />
of walking the dog.<br />
A quarter of owners use it<br />
as an opportunity to go for<br />
a stroll with their partner<br />
while, 13 per cent take their<br />
children along.<br />
As a result, 35 per cent<br />
say walking together has<br />
bought them more laughter<br />
and enjoyment, while<br />
15 per cent say it has made<br />
them more trusting. Others<br />
say they are now more honest<br />
with each other and also<br />
more supportive.<br />
So it’s little wonder that<br />
walking the dog isn’t seen<br />
as a chore, with 97 per cent<br />
of owners generally enjoying<br />
the task and with more<br />
than a quarter disappointed<br />
if they don’t get chance to go<br />
out as planned.<br />
Gemma added: “It is also<br />
clear there are several kinds<br />
of dog walkers who find different<br />
purpose and meaning<br />
in their daily walks.<br />
“Whether it is to spend<br />
more time together with the<br />
family, get more exercise or<br />
simply find some peace and<br />
quiet, the walk can bring a<br />
wide range of benefits.”<br />
Adoption Corner<br />
MICKEY-BLUE is 4 years old.<br />
He is a little shy initially but fine<br />
when he gets to know you. He<br />
likes his outside space, enjoys<br />
some fuss and attention. He has<br />
been neutered.<br />
HENRY is 3 years old with quite<br />
long hair. He is a little ‘boss-eyed’.<br />
He loves being fussed and enjoys<br />
being inside or out. Passport<br />
can be arranged. He has been<br />
neutered.<br />
NO ADOPTION FEE BUT<br />
A DONATION IS MUCH<br />
APPRECIATED. Also, many other<br />
dogs, cats and kittens needing<br />
homes. Food and donations<br />
also urgently needed and can<br />
be left at ARC’s charity shop on<br />
Carrer Valencia 1, Jalon between<br />
10.00am and 1.00pm Monday to<br />
Saturday. Contact Sally by email:<br />
jalonvalleyarc14@yahoo.co.uk<br />
Facebook – Jalon Valley ARC<br />
Charity Reg No CV-01-054107-A.<br />
PETS IN SPAIN<br />
Annabel is a special needs kitten.<br />
She does not have any eyes. We<br />
believe a very bad infection when<br />
she was a newborn has caused<br />
this. She is 4 months old and is<br />
very friendly, she is very good at<br />
finding her way around and is litter<br />
trained. Tel: 645 469 253<br />
www.petsinspain.com<br />
Email: info@petsinspain.com<br />
Since<br />
1977