Queenie's Paws Changed My Life: The Vital Role of Dogs During Loneliness Awareness Week
Dogs Trust Basildon has highlighted the importance of dogs during Loneliness Awareness Week.
The charity has claimed that 96 per cent of people believe owning a dog boosts their mental health.
As part of Loneliness Awareness Week, Dogs Trust Basildon has shared the story of Queenie, a Labrador rescued by Stephen Thompson, to illustrate the profound impact dogs can have.
Mr Thompson said: "As soon as I saw her, I knew Queenie was the girl for us.
"Before Queenie arrived, I didn't get out of the house much other than to jump in the car to the supermarket, and I would always find people avoiding me, probably due to my burly appearance.
"But Queenie has changed my life.
"She has given me a reason to leave the house, and her walks have helped me lose weight and find a new outlook on life.
"People are coming up to me to chat and ask about her, which has been a great way to find common ground with new people.
"She is a wonderful dog who has brought our whole family together and has made a huge impact on all of us."
The charity says that dogs provide much more than companionship to their owners.
It says that 89 per cent of people noted that owning a dog made them more active, while more than half stated that it reduced their social isolation.
With the number of over-50s experiencing loneliness estimated to reach two million by 2025/26, Dogs Trust Basildon says that dogs can provide comfort, routine, and a means to engage with the world, even if they are not a cure for loneliness.
This Loneliness Awareness Week, Dogs Trust hopes that happy rehoming stories like Queenie's will help break down the stigma and encourage people to have open conversations about loneliness.
For those interested in rehoming a dog, Dogs Trust Basildon is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm.
You don't need an appointment to visit, meet dogs looking for homes, get advice or apply to adopt.
To find out more about rehoming a dog with Dogs Trust or for more information about how Dogs Trust supports new dog owners, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/basildon .
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