It's a dog's life

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.