lotal pet

Border Collie Mae crowned Wales’ Most Loyal Pet

Family members with their pet Border Collie

Blue Cross have crowned Border Collie Mae from Brecon as Wales’ Most Loyal Pet as part of a competition to raise awareness of the mental health and wellbeing benefits of pet ownership.

Mae has supported her owner Helen Jones through a very difficult time, a year in which her mother passed away, and her father was diagnosed with cancer.

Responding to the news of Mae’s win, owner Helen Jones from Brecon said: “I was overwhelmed on hearing the news that Mae has been crowned Wales’ Most Loyal Pet.

“Whilst I rescued Mae many years ago, it is in fact she that has rescued me by providing continued love and support in these most difficult of times.

“This year has been tough for everyone, and despite the challenges I face, I feel fortunate to have Mae by my side, it has been enormously comforting as I live on my own and haven’t been able to get the support from my friends due to the Covid restrictions.”

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross, added: “We were all moved by Mae and Helen’s story and we’re delighted to crown her Wales’ Most Loyal Pet.

“We know the mental health and wellbeing benefits of pet ownership and I am pleased that we’re able to celebrate how pets have helped people and communities cope with the Covid-19 restrictions throughout the past year.

"The competition is part of an ongoing campaign by Blue Cross to highlight the benefits of animal ownership and pet therapy in our NHS more widely.

“Mae’s story reinforces the need for us to consider how we can use pets and pet ownership to help improve the nations mental health and wellbeing, which is especially important given the far-reaching impact of Covid and the restrictions in place.”

ENDS

Note to editors:

Judging Panel:

Nigel Owens MBE

Kelsey Redmore, ITV Wales weather presenter

Ewan Hilton, Chief Executive, Platfform

Kelly Grellier, Chief Operating Officer, Blue Cross

Competition Prize

Mae will receive a six-month subscription to Love Louie’s personalised boxes, as well as a £40 voucher

Runners Up

Jack, long hair Chihuahua, Owner: Sarah Edwards, Ceredigion

Barney, Owner: Marcus, Gower

Sol, Welsh Sheepdog - Owners: Beth & Chris Reilly, Swansea

  • Blue Cross is a UK wide charity that has been helping sick, injured, abandoned and homeless pets for over 120 years. We help thousands of pets in need every month by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour help and find them loving homes. We also offer education for current and future pet owners plus pet bereavement support for those who have lost their pet companion. Pets help us in so many ways and they depend entirely on us, with your support we can give back to more pets in need. Pets change lives. We change theirs.
  • For more information visit bluecross.org.uk

 

 

 

— Page last updated 23/02/2021