Lockdown Pets: celebrate your four-legged friends

Before lockdown many people seeking a four-legged friend were unable to take on the responsibility because of other commitments.

Being forced to stay at home has allowed thousands to welcome a new member to the family or to fully appreciate their best friend.

The Evening News is seeking your help as we launch a celebration of Lockdown Pets who have helped us through the darkest moments of the Covid-19 crisis.

If reports are accurate, thousands have become new pet owners as the nation struggles through tough times.

Being forced to stay at home has allowed thousands to welcome a new member to the family or to fully appreciate their best friend.

And from a late-night cuddle to a much-needed excuse to get out of the house, our pets have taken on a heightened importance for many people in recent weeks.

So whether it is a faithful old pooch, or a fresh addition to the family, we want to hear your stories and see your photos of life on lockdown with your pets.

New dog owner and mother-of-three, Gina Hendry, talked about welcoming a new puppy – Coco – into her family.

Political journalist Ms Hendry said: “The dog was a great decision and she has brought us back together as a family again.

“She has really brought out the playfulness in all of us and, after having three children, she can’t really do that much more damage than they have over the years.

Coco has been great for boosting the family’s mood during lockdown, particularly Sam, 11, Charlotte, 13 and Jack, 16 as they miss meeting up with their friends.

Ms Hendry said: “It’s been brilliant because she’s even given the kids a big mood boost, I think.

“My oldest two were getting a bit down with not being able to see their friends and things so having her has given them something else to focus on besides me nagging at them to do their schoolwork, so it’s really helped lighten their mood.

“We’re all going to be at home for the foreseeable future so it would be possible to train the dog and for all of us to have the enjoyment of her rather than it being another stressful thing to add to the mix of the hectic family household.

She added: “We’re lucky enough to have a garden where she can go in and out and we’ve been lucky with the weather as well, so it’s been great for her to be in the garden.”

Sharon Comrie, Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre Superintendent, said: “Before getting a dog, you have to really think about it and say to yourself ‘If everything was normal and the family was back to work, the children back to school, would we be buying a dog at this time?’

“If the answer is truthfully no, then don’t get a dog but if you can truthfully answer yes and know that care would be there, then yes, it’s a good time.”

Evening News Editor, Euan McGrory said: “Normally our pets are at the end of the family roll call, but for so many people in these days of anxiety they have been our bedrock.

“We have been quick to praise the more obvious heroes in these pages recently but, as the well-worn phrase goes, not all heroes wear capes. Now is the time to big up the cats and dogs, the rabbits and the snakes who have helped us through.”

PLEASE SEND YOUR LOCKDOWN PETS PICTURES TO: [email protected]

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