Pet food brand Eukanuba has brought out ‘A Pawfect Pair’, a children’s story book that celebrates the benefits of people living with their dogs.
The story follows the adventures of Eukanuba Live Life Well Together Ambassadors 17-year-old Roxy Carr and her cockapoo, Poppy, as they search for the important things in life – companionship and connection.
By sharing their tale of dog ownership and the friendships they’ve encountered along the way, Eukanuba hopes to inspire the next generation about the benefits of dog ownership and raise awareness of the special relationship they can experience by living life with a four-legged friend.
YOUNGER
The story supports findings that dog ownership in Britain is trending younger than ever. According to a survey of 2,000 UK dog owners, 90% of Generation Z already own and are wholly responsible for their own pet dog by the age of 16, unlike their parents’ generation, where for more than half, the dog was the family pet and responsibility of their parents.
This survey also suggests that the always-on-smartphone generation (born between 1996-2016) are suffering from a crisis of stress and social isolation, with depression, anxiety and loneliness the key pressure points.
However, it seems there is a solution in man’s best friend as young Britons seek solace in their four-legged companions. In fact, the desire for companionship is driving pet ownership for almost half (46%) of dog owners between the ages of 16-19, while an overwhelming majority (84%) claim their dog provides vital emotional support to help them face every day stress and pressures.
BENEFICIAL
Commenting on the activity, Kellie Ceccarelli, Eukanuba’s veterinary expert , said: “The survey results not only show that dog ownership is important to Britain’s youth, but also just how disconnected many young adults feel. At Eukanuba, we’re passionate about helping owners of every age to live life well together with their dogs. While caring for a dog is a responsibility that should only be taken on by those who have the time and patience, the results highlight how powerful the connection between humans and dogs truly is, and how beneficial this relationship can be for positive mental health.”
Retailers can find out more about the Ambassadors’ journeys at www.eukanuba.co.uk/ambassadors, where they will also find a digital copy of the children’s book available to download free from this month.
