Mercury Tasmania, ELIZABETH LORD | November 14, 2012
Kylie Connelly, 19, of Berridale, with Benji, a five-month-old malamute, and Bella a one-year-old maltese shih tzu. Picture: RICHARD JUPE
THE unconditional love of man’s best friend is helping bring a smile to our faces, a survey reveals.
The Study of Pet Companionship has found 68 per cent of Tasmanians living with pets believe they are important contributors to their happiness.
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world and La Trobe University Associate Professor Pauleen Bennett, a companion-animal relationship expert, said the study confirmed their importance in our lives.
She said the reliable companionship pets provided helped improve psychological and physical wellbeing.
Jenny Grace, of Margate, who looks after her granddaughter’s dog Jasper four to five days a week, said she wouldn’t be without a dog or a cat.
“Their companionship, the way they just love you unconditionally, they’re just beautiful.”
The study also shows 59 per cent of Australians aged between 16 and 34 rely on pets for comfort.
Kylie Connelly, 19, of Berriedale, says being with her dogs Benji and Bella helps relieve stress.
“Just to go home after a busy day to be with the dogs, it’s good stress relief and they’re part of the family,” she said.
Colgate has launched a Smile for Change pet gallery on its Facebook page. For every photo uploaded, $1 will be donated to The Smith Family.
elizabeth.lord@news.com.au
Companionanimalnews 
Yes, everything said is correct; we have had 5 dogs and every one has given us or gives us a lot. All undeniable. But read behind the PR here folks. This exact same article appears in Tasmania, Queensland , and other States. Its “80% of Victorians”, then “80% of Queenslanders”, then “80% of Tasmanians”….what’s going on? Well what’s going on folks is that the pet industry ( PIAA, Vet Associations, Food Companies, Breeders, etc, all members of ACAC) are terrified at the declining numbers of owned animals by the public across Australia – all of which impact on their profits and vested interests. So they engage research of this type , urging us all to make sure we all get a dog, or two. So public, don’t be fooled, understand what is going on here. Yes, by all means get a pet if you can guarantee to look after it for life, but get your pet from an animal welfare charity or recognised animal Rescue and rehoming Group. There are thousands desperately needing a home. Never buy an animal from a pet shop ( unless it is working with Rehoming Groups ) thus reducing the demand from puppy farms.
NB Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc is a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive Company. They are a large scale provider of dog and cat foods.
Well said companion animal news. Yes, this is all about GETTING a pet, nothing about the long term commitment pet ownership actually requires.
YET the PIAA does nothing about bringing to the public’s attention the large numbers of cats and dogs (ie pets) killed in pounds and shelters conservatively estimated at around 250,000 a year – A national disgrace.