Our pets bring us endless happiness and companionship. Dogs encourage exercise and bond us to the community. They introduce us to fellow dog walkers for a friendly morning chat, often in green spaces and woodland places we would not otherwise discover. Cats welcome us home, weaving around our legs, curling up next to us and showing their love with a long, gentle purr.
Beyond companionship, pets can help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness and improve overall well-being. According to www.heart.org, 74% of pet owners report improvements in their mental health from pet ownership and interacting with pets has been shown to lower cortisol levels and reduce blood pressure. The simple act of stroking a pet provides us with a moment of relaxation and mutual happiness.
At Weston Homes, we believe our furry friends deserve a prize, so we gave them one!
One of the many benefits of buying a Weston Homes property is that you can own a pet* and with balconies provided to almost every Weston Homes apartment, both owners and pets can enjoy the changing seasons, from sunshine to beautiful sunsets.
We asked Weston Homes pet owners to send pictures of their much-loved companions in to our competition and …
The winners of the Weston Homes PETS AT HOME competition have been announced.
First Place: Galina and Garfield
Galina won with her exotic British Longhair, Garfield, a cat to be admired – and he knows it, with his handsome burnished red and white fur that needs a brush every morning. Galina said, ‘He definitely lives in HIS apartment, but he allows me to share it. ‘He sleeps in his bed on the 6th floor at The Venue in Hayes, but he also has two other beds on window sills so he can keep a daily eye on what’s going on.
‘I wanted a cat when I moved in and after a lot of research, I found him and instantly fell in love.
I love theatre and opera and Garfield is definitely a drama king. He can stretch out, sometimes upside down and be very funny but he is very grand, and lazy. If I sit down, he will come and sit with me but go when he has had enough.’
He will not eat any dried food and so he gets the best fresh meat – that suits him.
‘When I came to England from Russia eight years ago, I rented a flat but I wanted to buy because I could not have a pet while I was renting.
‘When I saw my Weston Homes apartment, I loved it so much I made an offer immediately, and when I moved in, I went in search of a cat. I had had a longhaired cat with deep red fur when I was a child and Garfield reminded me of him.
‘He is now 1 year, two months. He allows me to live here too but I know who is in charge as he has his toys in all the rooms. We are very happy together.’
Second Place: Daisy and Otto
Daisy at Springfield Park, Maidstone lives with Otto a red fox Labrador. They won second prize.
Otto is a very handsome boy with a thorough bred air about him and no slouch. He is a working line Labrador who is being trained as a gundog and will be out on shoots picking up game in the next shoot season.
Daisy said, ‘He is my best friend. He comes running with me while I train for a half marathon, and when I go hiking, and cycling. He is loyal and keeps me safe.
‘We had dogs throughout my childhood, he is like family to me.
‘His prize is perfect timing. I need two new whistles.’
Third Prize: Lauren and Rosie
Lauren lives at The Venue, Hayes, with the very affectionate Rosie, a cappuccino-coloured cat – all luxurious creamy grey fur with a soft grey tail, ears to stroke and huge pale aquamarine eyes.
Rosie has a sweet gentle nature and prefers a calm atmosphere. She can take endless stroking and grooming, and because of her easy-going nature she is perfect for apartment living and – as her prize-winning picture shows, she’s very good at hugging.
*Residents wishing to have a pet in their home must apply to the managing agent for a pet licence. All requests are subject to the managing agent’s approval and discretion.
