It's a Dog's Life: National Pet Day

In April, it is National Pet Day, and Teddy is keen to highlight the benefits of owning a dog or any other pet, as Helen Stockton, his human translator explains

One of the quirks of modern life is the emergence of a plethora of national and international themed days. Some of the most bizarre include ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’, ‘International Sloth Day’ and ‘National Hugging Day’. All worthy in their own way, I’m sure. However, 11 April hosts a day that I can truly get behind, and that is National Pet Day. It has its origins in America, but celebrating the unique bond between people and their companion animals, whilst promoting animal welfare and adoption from rehoming organisations, are very relevant, whatever country you live in.

As a pet myself, I am fully aware of the essential role I play in the lives of ‘Them Indoors’, and I take my duties very seriously. Where would they be without me and the apprentice, Bear, to force them out, regardless of the weather, twice a day? What would they spend their money on if they didn’t have us, with our holiday carers, groomers, private healthcare, dietary proclivities, and toy and accessory requirements? They’d be frittering their cash on less worthy stuff that isn’t good for them – that’s what. When world events threaten to overwhelm them, they can focus on which one of us is responsible for snoring so loudly it drowns the TV out. They can also have intense conversations about the frequency, colour and consistency of our daily ablutions, which provides essential mental stimulation.

Pets also help connect their owners with other people. Whatever animal you own, however unusual, there will be someone else out there who has something similar. ‘Her Indoors’ belongs to various Border Terrier social media groups and has made friends through them that we meet with in real life. She also has a passing acquaintance with other Border Terrier owners in our village. One even stopped in his van the other day to check on the state of my arthritis and to ask ‘Her Indoors’ advice on his Border Terrier’s halitosis. We are an invaluable source of social interaction, what can I tell you!

Of course you don’t have to own a dog. Cats, birds, hamsters, gerbils and even goldfish can all play a valuable role in someone’s life. Before ‘Them Indoors’ had dogs, they owned a few guinea pigs and ‘Her Indoors’ still has a soft spot for the little critters. One of our social media Border Terrier pals, had a best friend who was a guinea pig, a rather unusual partnership. I’m not sure that is a universally recommended combination for terriers, whose working heritage involved hunting small furries, but it worked for them. So, if you haven’t got a pet, maybe you should seriously consider it, after all, we are good for you!