Australians love pets, with one in every three households owning a pet, and the undivided love and affection is the number one reason for getting a pet – who wouldn’t want to share our everyday lives with a furry, fun-loving, non-judgemental friend. Whether they’re bouncing around full of excitement, snoozing in the sun, chasing a ball or even a bird in the sky, taking us for walk, or simply cuddling on the couch, they have a magical ability to put a smile on our face and even teach us a thing or two!
With the curve balls that 2020 has thrown at us, these fabulous furry friends have been a welcome distraction and have been on hand to help boost our spirits. Here are some of the ways our pets are keeping us happy and how we are making them happy in return.
Love is a doing word
Dogs don’t just feel love, they show it with full body enthusiasm or a long lingering eye contact that penetrates your soul. They lift us up when we are feeling down and they celebrate with us when we are rejoicing. They treat old friends and new with trust and enthusiasm. Dogs never withhold their affection, and being loyal to the end they love us unconditionally, every day of the week, faults and all!
Creating a healthy habit: exercise
Looking for an exercise buddy? Look no further than our eager to please four legged friends. Research has shown that dogs motivate owners to exercise more often, and for longer periods, so a daily walk or run will likely become a new healthy habit. Not only is it great physically but also for our wellbeing as exercise releases a very important chemical called endorphin. This helps to trigger a positive feeling in the body which boosts happiness. So, next time you get off the couch and take your dog for a walk along the Newenham linear trail, remember you are actively boosting both yours and your dog’s health and happiness.
Pause for comfort
If you’re having a bad day, pets will always be there to provide comfort. They feel warm and soft, keep our feet warm before we fall asleep at night, and take up most of our personal space on the couch for cuddles in front of the TV. Our pets give us comfort both emotionally and physically, and like humans, dogs thrive on physical contact so pause during your day for an afternoon nap on the couch or a lie in the grass together to deepen your connection you both may crave. A simple hug from our pet could be all we need to brighten our day and add a sense of comfort to our daily life.
Skilled companions
If you are an empty-nester or looking for someone to talk too, a cat or dog is the perfect companion. They are usually the first to greet you at the door after a long day at work, will follow you around the house as a way of checking in on you and of course will give absolute unconditional love. Whether you are watering the plants, reading a book or cooking in the kitchen, pets will always be there by your side and they’re listening skills are gold!
Responsibility and self-worth
We may not know it straight away but pets give us a sense of purpose. Without us who is going to feed them, wash them or play with them? Young or old, if you have a pet you have a responsibility to look after them and maintain their happiness, ensuring they are living their best life. It’s simple, we need them and they need us and there is nothing better than seeing them wag their tail or purr loudly because we know we have succeeded in making them happy which, in turn, makes us feel over the moon.
Great entertainers
When we have some spare time, yes, we can watch Netflix, do some baking, or even do a little online shopping, but there is no better entertainment than your pet. Their curiosity fascinates us and our first instinct is to get the camera out to start recording and share their zoomies or fascination for the smallest things to the rest of the world. You never know, your pet may be the next Instagram or YouTube star. Just being their friendly self or dressed up in cute little costumes, they are a constant source of joy, you’ll never get bored of watching their questionable antics.
At Newenham, we understand that pets are a cherished part of any family and that’s why we have created a place and a community where you and your pets will enjoy wide open spaces, explore nature and have plenty of room to roam – a place where people and pets can flourish.
Newenham’s linear park is a great example of this and provides residents with an easy 2km stroll to the town centre of Mount Barker, providing easy access to a range of retail and dining options. Make sure you also read our top dog-friendly spots in the Adelaide Hills that includes walks, parks plus a range of wineries and cafes.
If you and your furry friend are interested in joining our tight-knit community, simply contact our Sales Team on 0429 107 497 or book a personal tour of Newenham at a time that suits you.
Our Sales and Information Centre is located at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker – check the website for open hours.
Come and see for yourself why you and your pets will love living at Newenham.
