Want to beat the January blues? Try living like a pet…
At this time of year, many Brits across the country will already be thinking about packing in their optimistic New Year resolution goals and settling back into old habits, but according to pet charity Blue Cross, the inspiration we need to keep going may be closer to home than we think. New research reveals 86% of the New Year’s changes people want to make to improve their lives mirrors the way that dogs, cats, horses and other furries behave naturally - suggesting that turning to our pets for inspiration could help us to maintain our goals.
The pet charity claims pets are the ultimate lifestyle gurus for humans, and may in fact be more effective at motivating people to achieve their healthy living goals than celebrity workout videos, wellbeing blogs and social media fitness experts that often set unrealistic New Year goals that lead to us feeling tired and defeated soon after the year has even started. Indeed, pets only drink water, exercise every day, live in the moment, sleep well and - with responsible owners - they usually eat a healthy diet. Therefore, they are beacons of healthy living and the perfect inspiration for humans looking to give their lifestyle an overhaul.
The majority of pet owners need no convincing of this argument, with almost two thirds (63%) of those surveyed by Blue Cross agreeing that their pets would inspire them to achieve their healthy living ambitions, while three quarters (76%) think they would stand a better chance of sticking to their New Year’s resolutions if they followed their pets as their role models.
The theory has been given celebrity approval with TV presenter Gail Porter confessing she draws motivation from her beloved cat. Gail said "Anyone wanting to make a resolution to be a better friend need look no further than a cat for inspiration. My cat is always there for me. Good days, bad days, I am always assured of a cuddle and a wee head nudge. My adorable friend.”
Coronation Street star Georgia Taylor is further proof that we can look to our pets for how to change our behaviour.. Georgia added "I’m going to aspire to be more like my cat in 2018 by getting more time to myself and squeezing in every opportunity to get more sleep!”
Karly Smith, Blue Cross Animal Behaviorist comments, ‘We hope that showcasing the amazing effect that animals have on people’s lives, and the role they play as every day motivators will encourage Brits to look to their pets for inspiration when it comes to sticking to their resolutions in the new year. However, for our pets to act as role models, people need to play their role and be responsible pet owners to ensure animals of all shapes and sizes live healthy and happy lives’.
To take inspiration from the Blue Cross pet lifestyle role models for humans, visit the Blue Cross website (www.bluecross.org.uk/livelikeapet) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thebluecrossUK) in January. Join in the conversation on social media using #livelikeapet
Responsible owners will ensure pets can live their naturally healthy lifestyles. With this in mind, Blue Cross has provided five top tips on being a responsible pet owner to get the most out of your pet and allow it to be the ultimate lifestyle role model for you:
Sarah Henson comments about how her Blue Cross pet has motivated her to get outside more, “Rudi is a daily inspiration to us. He loves to be out and about and has boundless energy – especially when playing his favourite game of fetch. He really motivates us to get more exercise and his joy is really infectious. Rudi has been the best thing to ever happen to us and has absolutely made us healthier and happier.”
At Blue Cross we believe in helping pets because pets help us. We’re a charity that has been helping sick injured and homeless pets since 1897. Blue Cross provides quality care for thousands of pets every year. To find out more about the charity’s work or give back to pets in need visit bluecross.org.uk. Pets change lives. We change theirs.
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For case studies, images or further information, please contact the Blue Cross team at Cow on:
020 7234 9150 or [email protected]
Notes to editors:
About Blue Cross:
• Images and video of Blue Cross inspirational and motivational pets are available, please contact the media team.
• Abandoned or unwanted, ill or injured, pets turn to us for help every year. Our doors are always open to them, and with your support, they always will be.
• Each year, thousands of cats, dogs, small pets and horses turn to our animal hospitals, clinics and rehoming services for treatment and to find them the happy homes they deserve. Pets Change Lives. We Change Theirs.
• For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk
