YEAR OF THE DOG
But pooches feel lockdown strain as well
MAN’S best friend has been paramount to helping us survive the stress of lockdowns.
More than nine out of 10 dog owners said their pet had been crucial in helping them deal with the strain of Covid-19.
But the study also revealed that canines have felt the pressure of the pandemic themselves – with 37% of owners claiming their pets have experienced stress as a result of restrictions.
The survey of more than 1,000 British dog owners gives a fascinating insight into how crucial dogs have been to people’s mental health over the past 12 months. Dogsplanet, which carried out the research, said owning a pooch had clearly helped people deal with the loneliness and isolation that came with lockdowns.
Website founder Rami Andrivet said: “The results of this survey are yet more proof that dog truly is ‘man’s best friend.’
“Perhaps it’s no surprise that people have sought comfort and friendship from their dog but for 95% of people to say that their pet has helped them deal with the stress of the pandemic is incredible.
‘This just shows how critical dogs are to people’s wellbeing – particularly at a time of crisis.”
He added: “What was more surprising though was to learn that the animals themselves were affected by the intensity of the last year.
“It’s no secret that dogs are very sensitive animals so they have clearly picked up on the stress of the lockdown.”
● THE Government announced another 112 deaths yesterday, taking the UK total to 126,284.
Another 5,379 cases were revealed. And 28,327,873 first jabs have now been administered.
RISING rockers Black Honey have stayed sane in lockdown – thanks to a dog.
The Brighton grungers are climbing the charts with storming second album Written And Directed and singer Izzy B Phillips credits her puppy with keeping them going after a year without gigs.
Izzy told me: “My dog, Zero, has been an absolute gamechanger, as she gives me structure.
“She gets me out of the house in the morning and walkies gets the blood flowing to my brain.
“The beautiful thing to come out of this terrible time is I’ve had enough time at home to teach my puppy how to fetch and, without her, I’d have been a crying mess on the floor.”
Black Honey made headlines when they posted an imaginary festival lineup of women and trans artists.
But Izzy explained: “I hate cancel culture and people shouting each other down online. Festival line-ups get criticised every year and I wanted to do something more positive.
“I heard festival bookers looked at
Dreamfest and went, ‘Fair play,’ using it to book some of the artists I’d listed.
“If that was the case, I’m massively stoked.”
The rest of Black Honey are living in Glasgow and Herts as well as Brighton, and Izzy admits it’s been tough to cope not seeing each other.
She said: “When we’re on feels like home.
“When we’re drunk on the tourbus, singing along to Robbie Williams,i think, ‘This is all I’ve ever wanted – and I’m living it.’” tour, it