Brit canines have superpowers to save lots of lives and sense hazard, pet homeowners declare
Britain’s dog owners reckon their pet has super-powers with 39% saying their dog has protected them from danger and one in 10 believing their pet has saved their life., a new study suggests.
Our amazing pooches have super-powers, say Brit pet owners(Image: Getty)
Millions of Britain’s dog owners believe their pet has superpowers to detect danger and sense when something is wrong, a new study suggests.
And two fifths (39%) of them say their dog has protected them from danger while one in 10 believe their pet has saved their life. With some 15 million domestic dogs in the UK, a vast proportion of owners believe their pet knows when they’re sad (52%), stressed (44%), unwell (44%), lonely (39%) or frightened (25%).
Eight in 10 owners (80%) say their dog has sensed when something was wrong before they did and the same number (80%) would trust their pet to protect them from danger.
More than a third (37%) of owners say their dog has alerted them to something about their wellbeing that they were unaware of while two in 10 (22%) say their pooch woke them up when something was wrong.
The research comes as luxury dog food maker Burns teams up with Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer to launch The Burns Bravery Awards to celebrate the UK’s heroic hounds.
Karen will be hosting the awards bash in London this November, and is now calling on the nation to nominate Britain’s Bravest Dog.
From Search & Rescue and assistance dogs to rescue dogs, working dogs and beloved family companions, the campaign is inviting people to come forward with deserving dogs.
Karen said: “Dogs ask for very little, yet give us so much. They rescue us, support us, comfort us and, sometimes, even save our lives.
“I’m proud to support the Burns Bravery Awards and celebrate the incredible dogs – and the people behind them – whose stories deserve to be recognised.”
Burns already proudly fuels Britain’s Mountain Search and Rescue dogs, helping them save lives in some of the UK’s toughest conditions.
Karen Hauer to launch The Burns Bravery Awards to celebrate the UK’s heroic hounds(Image: Mike Marsland/Getty Images for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home)
Beyond acts of derring do, the study also highlights how pooches are far more than our protectors – they provide comfort, companionship and are a confidant.
The survey suggests millions dog sat with their owners when they were upset (45%, feeling ill (39%) or comforted them through grief (34%). Three-quarters (75%) of owners say it’s their dog – more than any other family member – who they turn to when they’ve had a bad day.
More than half (56%) of pooch parents regularly talk to their pet about their problems with three quarters (76%) sharing secrets they would not disclose to others.
And, nearly every one of the 2,000 owners quizzed in the survey, agreed that having a dog improves their mental wellbeing (98%).
The Burns Bravery Awards reflects Burns Pet Nutrition’s long-standing belief that every dog deserves exceptional nutrition.
Founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns more than 30 years ago, the company has always championed simple, natural recipes designed to help dogs thrive.
Harriet Dancaster, spokesperson for Burns Pet Nutrition, said: “Every day, dogs quietlychange lives through their courage, loyalty and companionship.
Following a public voting period, winners will be announced at the inaugural Burns Bravery Awards later this year, hosted by Karen Hauer.
“This research shows just how deeply people value the instincts, support and protection their dogs provide.
“The Burns Bravery Awards is our way of recognising those extraordinary dogs while shining a spotlight on the incredible work of Britain’s Mountain Search & Rescue dogs, who we’ve proudly fuelled for many years.
“We hope the campaign inspires people across the UK to celebrate the dogs that make a difference in their own lives.”
Nominations are now open, with dog owners across the UK invited to share why their dog deserves to be recognised through the Burns Bravery Awards.
Following a public voting period, winners will be announced at the inaugural Burns Bravery Awards later this year, hosted by Karen Hauer.
How the Burns Bravery Awards work:
Nominate your dog – Tell us what makes your dog extraordinary. The moments that mean the most are often found in the smallest details, so tell their story in your own words.
Look out for their story – Nominated dogs will be shared on Burns’ social media channels, giving the nation a chance to meet some truly remarkable four-legged heroes.
Vote on social – When voting opens, head to Burns’ social channels and show your support for the dog whose story moves you most.
