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Celebrities say pets are the long term fix to feeling good
10 April
2000
Australia’s busiest celebrities are finding that a great way to enhance
their health, happiness and mental well being is to acquire a pet.
They are living proof of much scientific research on the benefits of
pets. An Australian study on the impact of cat ownership and mental
health has found that cat owners could be considered to have better
psychological health than non-pet owners(1) and research in the USA
found a pet dog was more beneficial to a person's mental health, when
they were placed in stressful situations, than either a spouse or friend.
Regardless of your lifestyle, there is a pet to suit you. Co-star of
television's Harry's Practice and qualified veterinarian, Dr Katrina
Warren, says her Border Collie, Toby, has no trouble fitting in with
her lifestyle. "In fact, he complements it" Katrina said.
"Toby accompanies me everywhere. Even onto the set of Harry’s Practice.
Toby is the ideal companion. We are both energetic and enjoy the outdoors.
He is attentive and gentle as well as social with people and other animals"
Katrina said.
Top Australian model, Helen Kent, says life would be lonely without
her beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Arthur.
"I walk Arthur each morning and evening and find that it does wonders
for my peace of mind and helps to keep me in good shape. The daily walks
are very therapeutic and I cherish them as our time together" Helen
said.
"Arthur loves being the centre of attention. He loves people looking
at him and he is constantly on show. He is the real model in this family"
Helen said.
Television chef, author and restaurateur, Iain Hewitson, shares his
apartment with partner Ruth and their petite and pretty’ Chihuahua,
Susie Q. Even though Iain leads a very busy life, he says his life would
not be complete without Susie Q.
"Susie Q has a lively personality and is a very social dog.
I love animals and would find it very hard to live without a pet. Each
night, I am greeted by a very cheerful Susie Q who runs around in circles
at my feet" Iain said.
For those looking to find the perfect pet breed to suit their lifestyle,
Selectapet is the answer. Selectapet is a computer program developed
by the Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS) that provides
information to help you select the right breed of pet.
Selectapet matches your lifestyle and living environment with various
cat and dog breeds. It then provides information about breeds suitable
to your needs and includes a photograph. Selectapet can be accessed
via the PIAS Internet site: www.petnet.com.au. For more information
on Selectapet call PIAS on 1800 331 783.
References:
1 Straede CM and Gates GR, (1993) "Psychological Health in a Population
of Australian Cat Owners" Anthrozoos, Vol Vi, 1, 30-42.
2 University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,
(1996), American Psychosomatic Society