The Grapevine Early Spring 2020 Grapevine Feb-Mar 2020 v1 | Page 20
Overcoming Doglessness & Helping to Ease
Social Isolation:
Barking Mad Alternative to Dog
Ownership Celebrates 20 Years
T
he East Worcester branch of a canine
company founded in 2000 to provide home
from home dog care instead of kennelling, is
celebrating twenty years of people experiencing
health and well-being benefits due to an
alternative to dog ownership.
Jennifer Davies has been a ‘host’ dog sitter for
Barking Mad for nearly fourteen years and believes
that her hobby has changed her life. She said:
“The best thing about hosting is –
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! I always get a lovely good
morning greeting with lots of tail wagging and I
am much fitter. I have lost five stone in weight.
Having a dog is much the same as having a baby –
people talk to you and make a fuss of the dogs. I
have met so many new people with dogs and
without.
My first doggy visitors were Todd and Jazz, two
salukis. In the evenings, Jazz would curl up by my
feet and Todd would be beside me with his head
on my shoulder, gazing into my eyes. I was totally
hooked – who wouldn’t be?
I have a son who lives in Guernsey whom I visit
regularly and I like going on holidays with my
friends. If I had my own dog, this would make
things more complicated. With Barking Mad, I
always say I have all of the pleasure and none of
the expense or worry about what would happen if I
became unwell.”
It has been scientifically proven that patting and
walking dogs can help people to feel more relaxed
and less anxious. This makes a huge difference to
emotional and physical well-being. Research also
suggests that those caring for a dog are also less
likely to be socially isolated.
‘The Pet Factor – Companion Animals as a Conduit
for Getting to Know People, Friendship Formation
and Social Support‘, states that:
20
‘Companion
animals can be
a catalyst for
several
dimensions of
human social
relationships
in neighbour-
hood settings,
ranging from
incidental
social
interaction
and getting to
know people, through to formation of
friendships.’
Owner-operator of Barking Mad – East Worcester,
Sheila Hughes, said:
“As Barking Mad celebrates its 20th anniversary,
our proudest achieve-ment is the happiness which
holidaying dogs have brought to the lives of our
host families. We match friendly dogs to hosts’
preferences and lifestyle, for their holidays and
short breaks. It’s ideal for retirees, home-based
workers and teachers in school holidays.
We take care of everything, including chauffeuring
dogs to our hosts’ homes with all their essentials
and providing 24/7 support. Hosts experience all
the benefits of dog companionship without any of
the emotional or financial responsibilities of full-
time pet ownership.”
To find out more about becoming a Barking Mad
host, you can call 01905 700722 or visit www.
barking mad.uk.com.
Barking Mad is part of the Franchise Brands plc
group of companies and is the UK’s favourite dog
holiday company, as verified by TrustPilot.
Contact Barking Mad at www.barking mad.
uk.com to find your dog’s home from home today.
To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: [email protected]