ON YOUR BARKS
ATHLETICS STAR JEMMA GETS POOCHES POUNDING ROUND THE PARK
Kilbarchan athlete Jemma Reekie is hoping to have a pawsitive impact on Renfrewshire dogs.
When the elite runner isn’t breaking British records on the track, she can usually be found walking her pooch Dolly around the park.
Now she is getting behind a new campaign to help dog owners keep their pets in tip-top shape right into their older years.
Alongside training partner Laura Muir and fellow Scot and Team GB Paralympian Lauren Steadman, the talented trio are taking part in YuMOVE Wagletics which will see them release videos of training exercises to help get dogs moving.
Jemma, 22, explained: “As a dog owner, I know how much people cherish their pets and want to do the best they can for them.
“So with the Wagletics campaign we’re going to remind dog owners just how much fun different exercises can be for them and their dogs.
“We will also show the benefit of these exercises to their longterm health and mobility.”
All three athletes will be heading to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games next year in Toyko after the coronavirus pandemic forced the events to be rescheduled.
Muir, who is also a fully qualified vet, is hoping the three athletes can inspire dog owners before jetting off to the Games next year.
She said: “As an elite athlete at the top of my game I understand better than most how to keep fit in order to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
“But as a vet I also know how important it is for dogs to be mentally and physically fit.
“So I hope dog owners will be inspired to mix up their daily exercise routines to support their dogs in living a long, healthy and active life.”
YuMOVE have launched the campaign in response to the soaring number of new dog owners throughout the UK who have bought, adopted or rehomed a dog during the pandemic.
According to a recent report by charity the Dogs Trust, Google searches for ‘ buy a puppy’ increased by 166 per cent during the pandemic.
Worryingly, leading pet rescue charities like Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have reported a record numbers of dogs being rehomed during the same period.
YuMOVE spokeswoman Gemma Cunningham added: “At YuMOVE, we understand that mobility plays a huge part in maintaining a good quality of life, and with the right joint support and by staying active through exercise our dogs can keep moving long into their senior years.
“So who better to help us improve our doggie exercise routines than three dog-loving GB athletes?”
• The YuMOVE Wagletics campaign will run across YuMOVE’s Facebook and Instagram channels from tomorrow.
I hope dog owners will be inspired to mix up their daily exercise routines Jemma Reekie