On 1 August Battersea’s oldest residents were the VIPs (very important pooches) at a heartwarming celebration hosted by Mars marking DOGust – the universal birthday for shelter dogs.
The paw-ty saw spritely Sue, Battersea’s 9-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, mark her special day surrounded by decorations, treats, friends, tail wags, and fellow senior pup Gioia, a 10-year-old Maltese, who brought an extra touch of senior sparkle as the two enjoyed the celebrations side by side.
The celebration was a joyful reminder of all the love senior pets can give. Each year, many older pets arrive and stay at UK shelters, often overlooked in favour of puppies and kittens. In fact, a recent Mars Global Pet Parent Study of more than 20,000 people revealed that only 16% of dogs and cats acquired globally are over the age of one.
This year, Mars – the team behind iconic pet food brands like PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA® and DREAMIES™ – celebrates 90 years in the pet care industry, championing its purpose to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. And what better way to mark the occasion than shining a spotlight on the senior pets who are also enjoying their golden years.
Great things come with age, as highlighted in new research commissioned by Mars that reveals UK adults are most likely to associate senior dogs with loyalty (50%) and a loving nature (41%). Meanwhile, a third believe senior dogs to be gentle (33%) and trusting (32%).
In fact, four fifths (80%) of UK adults who have sadly lost a pet believe that the emotional bond with their pet grew stronger over time, while another 64% believe that their pet understood them better as they aged – with almost half (47%) considering adopting a senior pet.
Speaking about the celebrations, Nick Foster, general manager for Mars Pet Nutrition UK, Ireland and Nordics said: “For 90 years, we’ve championed the wellbeing of pets, from dogs and cats to horses and even fish! As we reflect on nine decades of wagging tails and nourished bellies, and mark DOGust, it felt only natural to work with our long-term partners at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. We’re proud to feed all the dogs and cats in Battersea’s care and together, on Mars’ 90th anniversary in pet care, we’re shining a light on our shared mission: helping pets of all ages find their forever homes, and celebrating the joy, companionship and wellbeing they bring to people’s lives.”
With Global data from the Mars State of Pet Homelessness Project revealing that nearly 1 in 3 dogs and cats are homeless, Mars is continuing its works with Battersea, and shelters across the world, to raise awareness and end pet homelessness, for dogs and cats of all ages!
Jay McGuinness, Rehoming and Welfare Manager at Battersea said: “Senior dogs, despite their age, still have a lot of love and affection to give, and Battersea works to find them suitable homes for their twilight years. That’s why we are delighted to be celebrating Mars 90th anniversary as a pet care company by honouring these golden oldies and raising awareness of just how wonderful older pets can be, and all the love they have to give.
Our partnership with Mars, now in its 17th year, has been instrumental – not only providing the animals in our care with the nutrition and care they need, but also through shared initiatives that help more pets find the loving homes they deserve.”
Dr Tammie King, Animal Behaviour Scientist at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, part of the Petcare business at Mars, added: “Senior pets are often overlooked but make excellent companions. They just need a few adjustments to thrive – tailored nutrition, regular vet check-ups, gentle exercise, and above all, lots of care and understanding. They have so much to give!”
As an expert in pet behaviour and welfare, and Human-Animal Interactions (HAI), Mars’ Dr Tammie King shared her top five tips for helping senior pets thrive – making sure their golden years are the best ones yet!
