While the collective noun for a group of dogs is a “kennel”, at Stockland’s Vision by Halcyon (QLD) its canine members are definitely more of a family.
More than a third of homeowners living in the Hope Island community own a dog (around half of these are in the group photo) and it is community manager Trish Gearie they all make a beeline for.
“I’m very popular because they all know I have treats in the community office,” Trish laughed. “I come out of my office to say hello and have a pat or a cuddle and they know they will get a present from me.”
Pet ownership is encouraged at Halcyon Communities as we recognise that having a furry friend can help with physical and mental health.
According to the RSPCA, research has shown that owning a pet can have a number of physical health benefits including:
• Increased cardiovascular health (lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides and in men, lower cholesterol).
• Increased physical activity. Dogs especially help us get out and enjoy the outdoors while getting some regular exercise. They are great motivators and personal trainers, never wanting to miss a training session no matter the weather.
• Fewer visits to the doctor. Studies have also been conducted into the mental health benefits of having a pet and found:
• Pet owners report less depression and appear to cope with grief, stress and loss better than non-pet owners.
• Pets enhance social connectedness and social skills and are great conversation starters!
• Pets are also great caregivers. They keep us company when we’re sick or feeling down.
To read more about studies on the benefits of pet ownership, go to https://kb.rspca.org.au/ knowledge-base/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-pet-ownership/
