Sep 09
7
Looking for Irish North West’s best loved pets
Nikki Hayes from the Nikki Hayes All Request Show on RTE 2fm is pictured with her rescue cat Banger and 4 year old Jonathan Cunningham with Puppy in training Tom at the Pedigree and Whiskas launch of World Animal week 2009. This year, Pedigree and Whiskas are searching for Ireland's Best Loved Dog and Best Loved Cat. They will be chosen from a judging panel that includes members from each animal organisation involved (VICAS, ISPCA, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, The Irish Blue Cross), along with passionate animal lover Linda Martin and Pet Behaviour Counsellor, Jim Stephens. Pet lovers can submit their story at www.rte.ie/worldanimalweek to compete for a fabulous pet-friendly prize worth €3,000, and a six-month supply of Pedigree or Whiskas. Picture James Horan/Photocall Ireland
In the run up to World Animal Week, 4th– 10th October, Pedigree and Whiskas, along with key Irish animal organisations, have issued results of a survey that show 82% of pet owners would cut spending on themselves rather than their pets and they are looking for animal lovers in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim to show that love.
The recent study was carried out with dog & cat owners all over Ireland and offered some interesting insights into how much Irish people love their pets; 40% said that their Dog or Cat brings them more joy than music, travel, sunshine or shopping and 68% of Dog & Cat owners in Ireland would choose their pet over a partner who has an allergy to the pet!
The survey, which showed that 70% of dog and cat owners love their pet more than chocolate, was commissioned to prove just how much pet owners love their pets and to promote Pedigree and Whiskas’ third annual Search for Ireland’s Best Loved Dog and Cat – a celebration of the pets that bring joy, comfort, happiness and unforgettable memories to our lives. Nikki Hayes, RTÉ 2fm DJ and animal lover, commented at the launch of the results, “As a pet owner, I totally understand how people can prioritise their pets over their partners, chocolate & other indulgences! It’s amazing how much our pets can benefit our lives, in our health and socially. I’m delighted to be involved in Pedigree and Whiskas Search for Ireland’s Best Loved Dog and Cat”.
This year’s World Animal Week and Best Loved Dog and Cat competition focuses on the countless benefits that pets bring to their owners. When taken care of properly, dogs and cats give unconditional love, and more. Here are just a few of the amazing benefits of owning and loving a dog or cat:
* Pets can reduce stress and anxiety.
* Dog owners tend to have better health than non-pet owners – they’re more physically active, have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.
* There is a proven reduction in blood pressure when stroking a pet.
* Children who own pets have been observed to miss fewer days of school through sickness.
* Children born to pet owning families are less at risk of developing asthma or allergies.
As a partner of World Animal Week, Pedigree and Whiskas will donate up to 100’000 meals for abandoned dogs and cats in SPCA’s and animal welfare charities nationwide. Pedigree and Whiskas will donate a much-needed meal for every pack bought in-store, and for every vote cast in their search for Ireland’s Best Loved Dog & Cat.
This year, Pedigree and Whiskas are searching for Ireland’s:
Best Loved Dog
Best Loved Cat
The winners of the search will be chosen based on how well they demonstrate their rewarding relationship with their beloved cat and dog. They will be chosen from a judging panel that includes members from each animal organisation involved (VICAS, ISPCA, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, The Irish Blue Cross), along with passionate animal lover Linda Martin and Pet Behaviour Counsellor, Jim Stephens.
Pet lovers can submit their story at www.rte.ie/worldanimalweek to compete for a fabulous pet-friendly prize worth €3,000, and a six-month supply of Pedigree or Whiskas. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 16th September, and finalists will be announced shortly thereafter.
Also, the public will have a chance to vote online for the final winners from 21st September! The winning Dog will be announced live on air on the Colm & Jim-Jim Breakfast Show on RTÉ 2fm on Friday, 2nd October & the winning Cat will be announced live on air on the Nikki Hayes All Request Show on RTÉ 2fm on Friday, 9th October.
