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The Agria Dog Walk 2019 is set to unite thousands of paws across six countries, all on one day. The aim? To help raise much-needed funds for the animals that need it most, those that don’t yet have a forever home of their own.
On Saturday May 25th 2019, walks will be taking place simultaneously in locations across Europe, with dogs (with their humans) coming together to raise money for the rescue that’s local to them. Walks are planned in Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Paris and several locations in the UK, from Edinburgh to Devon, and many places in-between! And every dog that takes part will be making a difference.
That’s because each walk is linked to a local rescue, and for every dog that’s walked, Agria Pet Insurance will donate £5. Every penny raised will go directly to that rescue, supporting them to continue the fantastic work they do to care for and rehome animals in safe, warm and loving forever homes. So, while it’s a Europe-wide event, every dog that takes part will be directly supporting their local rescue!
As well as raising as much money as possible for rescues, the Agria Dog Walk also aims to highlight the mutual positive impact dogs and owners have on one another – in particular, from getting out and walking together. From tackling dog and human obesity to the significant mental health benefits gained by exercising with your four legged-friend, the evidence is there – dogs change our lives for the better. And by supporting our rescues, there for the 110,000 dogs that enter rescue every year[i], we can give something back.
Robin Hargreaves, former British Veterinary Association President and Vet Panel Lead at Agria, says, “Life can be much more painful for dogs that are obese, especially as they age, and obesity in dogs - as in humans – can trigger or exacerbate conditions such as osteoarthritis and diabetes. Appropriate food and exercise are critical to avoiding and reducing obesity in dogs.
“It’s so much more fun for owners and dogs to exercise together – and you’ll never have a more enthusiastic training partner –make the most of having them there to motivate you!” A recent study to report obesity in pet dogs in the UK found 59% per cent of dogs were classified as overweight or obese[ii].
Lulu, a six-year-old chocolate Labrador, is a great example of how exercise and the right care can transform a dog’s life. Lulu was handed into Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home - host of the Edinburgh Agria Dog Walk - in July 2018 with balding fur and bad ears, and she was very overweight. The Home’s staff quickly went to work and provided Lulu with all the veterinary care she needed.
She was given regular medical baths, steroid ear drops and had two lumps removed from her body. She was spayed and given all necessary vaccinations. Throughout her various treatments, the Home’s devoted kennel staff worked hard to reduce Lulu’s weight, often taking her for long walks on the beach and to a local nature reserve, where she could spend her days walking and running around the beautiful surroundings. During this time, one of the kennel staff members, Lucy, fell in love with her. Lucy rehomed Lulu in January 2019 and together they are the perfect match.
And when it comes to human health, as well as helping with weight control and fitness, walking a dog has the potential to make a profound difference to our day, our mood and our mental health.
Did you know that?
- Walking boosts self-perception and self-esteem, sleep quality and mood with studies showing that a walk in the countryside can leave you with a 7-hour high!
- Stress, anxiety and fatigue are all reduced by walking
- Physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed, and staying active helps those who are depressed to recover
- In older people, staying active can improve cognitive function, memory, attention and processing speed, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Carolyn Menteith, Agria Behaviourist and Trainer, says, "A walk is a wonderful break in the day for both you and your dog. Often, it’s the only time we get to focus 100% on them, and so it’s the perfect opportunity to deepen the bond between you and improve your relationship.
“All breeds and individuals are different - and some need long rambling walks exploring the countryside, while others like a short sprint followed by some lazing on the sofa!
“It’s not just about walking though. It’s about knowing your dog so you can give them the right kind of exercise and doing what they really enjoy. For some dogs this can be playing retrieve games, for others hide and seek is a favourite pastime, while others enjoy practicing training exercises while out and about. The important thing is that walking your dog is something you do together – no distractions, no phones or work – just the two of you.”
So why not boost your mood, enjoy some exercise with your four-legged friend, and have a great time into the deal?
Find and register for your local Agria Dog Walk! Simply visit https://www.agriapet.co.uk/agria-dog-walk and find the link to register and see the details of the walk nearest to you – or any walk that takes your fancy – why not make a weekend of it?
Wherever you choose promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family, so sign up now and get involved to support those dogs still waiting to find their forever homes. If you can’t make the walk or don’t have a dog, don’t worry, you can still help your local rescue to continue to do their incredible work by donating – the link to do this is on the same page.
Happy walking, hero dogs and owners!
[i] Hansard debate https://hansard.parliament.uk/Common...malRescueHomes
[ii] ‘An epidemiological study of environmental factors associated with canine obesity’, Courcier, Thomson, Mellor, Yam, first publishd 5 July 2010, Journal of Small Animal Practice https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/...7.2010.00933.x
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