Loneliness And The Power of Pets

 

In this article, Holidays4Dogs looks into the subject of loneliness and how the power of pets can help ease those feelings. Loneliness is a very real issue for people from all walks of life. The late Jo Cox, MP, recognised the importance of this social issue through a government commission, which she worked on until she died in 2016. Read on to find out more about combatting loneliness through the power of pets.

In 2018, the issue of loneliness became the subject of parliamentary debate. In the same year, the government launched its Inaugural Loneliness Strategy; a strategy, “for everyone” but which required, “society-wide change”.

The subject was also highlighted in the ‘BBC loneliness experiment’. This was a year-long study involving questionnaires and interviews with 55, 000 people from 237 different countries. It has been deemed the largest survey of its kind in the world.

The results show almost anyone, of any age, can be affected by feelings of loneliness.

One-third of people who took part in the survey, claim to have felt lonely often, or very often.

Experts suggest that most loneliness is transitory. Nevertheless, over time, it can become chronic and debilitating. What might be some solutions to loneliness?

Solutions to loneliness

High on the list of solutions was to find distractions in the form of new study, hobbies and social activities. Smaller solutions included things such as, starting a conversation with someone you don’t know.

Social activities can help lonely people to feel more connected to those around them. However, this can be difficult for some people. People with a shy disposition may already find it hard to strike up conversations with others and existing feelings of loneliness can make this even harder.

In addition, the BBC survey showed there is still a stigma attached to the concept of loneliness. Rarely, do people wish to admit they may be lonely.can dogs help people with dementia

Surprisingly, caring for pets as an antidote for loneliness was not raised in the survey. However, Holidays4Dogs argues that this is an important and, valid means, of combating loneliness.

The human-animal bond can provide a unique form of social support which helps people to feel loved and wanted.

In addition to these health benefits, dogs help people to meet others. Dogs are great ice-breakers and owners often stop and chat to each other when they are out walking their dogs. It is not uncommon for these brief daily chats to develop into new, long-term friendships.

Of course, not everyone is in the position to own a dog – but in those cases where having a dog is practical – this could go a long way to alleviating feelings of isolation.

As a well-established and trusted home boarding company, Holidays4Dogs has hundreds of carers across the UK who look after a pet dog while their owner is on holiday, or away. Meeting new people is one of the prime reasons why carers choose to join us.

Loneliness is a very serious subject and one which the government’s loneliness strategy highlights. Social connection is important to our physical and mental health.

Becoming a carer for Holidays4Dogs is a rewarding occupation. It can lead to making new friends – both human and canine.

dog sitting, pet sitting

One of our lovely Holidays4Dogs carers.

Holidays4Dogs is not like any other dog home boarding company. Joining our team as a dog carer could just be a suitable solution to combating feelings of loneliness. We particularly welcome active older people who may be retired and perhaps at a loose end, or wanting to meet new people. Looking after people’s much loved pets is very rewarding – but brings with it, none of the long term commitment.

Not only do our dog carers get to build friendships with many dog owners, but they also welcome different characters of dogs into their homes. This can be on a regular basis, or less frequently, to suit the carer. There is also the opportunity to make some extra money for social activities, or holidays.

In addition, we are highly supportive of all our carers and there is always someone on the end of the phone 24 hours a day.

There should be no stigma attached to loneliness. All of us become lonely at some point in our lives. As stated in the government’s loneliness strategy, the solution should not just be the responsibility of individuals and families. The wider community could also be involved, including businesses like ours, as well as local authorities.

With our UK-wide network of dog owners and the carers who look after their dogs, we have the power to connect people.

This is something that Holidays4Dogs are extremely proud to be able to do. Our business, and the way it operates, means combatting loneliness is something we can help with.

Find out more about looking after a dog in your home by contacting Holidays4Dogs.co.uk