An award-winning Berkshire-based pet accessory business owned by Sarah Jones, is raising awareness of anxious dogs by launching its own Dogs in Yellow Day (#dogsinyellow) awareness campaign on Sunday, March 20.
Sarah is an owner of her own ‘anxious dog’, Cocker Spaniel Bella, who became the inspiration for her yellow pet accessory business.
“Bella was attacked by another dog when she was a puppy and this is where her fear of dogs started, it left her terrified,” said Sarah.
“She would react to other dogs if they came too close, either growling or lunging because she was scared. It prompted pitiful looks from people who passed by, as if you were stupid to own such a vicious or aggressive dog.
“It felt so infuriating to watch people tut, and drag their dog away once they have managed to grab their collars.
“People just don't realise what some of these anxious dogs have been through. So I wanted to find a way that dogs such as Bella could be understood and as result, My Anxious Dog was born. Through compassionate awareness-raising, we will reach more unknowing dog owners and spread the understanding far and wide.
“When you see a dog wearing yellow it means that they need some space, and then the world feels much less frightening.”
There are many reasons why a dog could become anxious. These include:
- Recovering from an illness or operation
- Female dogs in season
- Older dogs
- A nervous, unpredictable or unsociable dog
- Dogs in training
- They may have a new family who aren’t yet sure of the dogs character and behaviour with other dogs or people
It is hoped that dogs wearing yellow will become a recognised symbol and bring awareness for dogs that need some compassion and space while on walks.
Sarah has developed a snazzy range of yellow pet accessories to alert people to anxious dogs and these include harnesses, leads, lead covers, dog jumpers, raincoats, collars, stickers, posters, information packs, poo bag holders and safety lights. She has also developed a range of fashionable clothing for humans including vests, T’ shirts and hoodies with the Anxious Dog message printed on them.
My Anxious Dog recently won Best Pet Related Business at the Animal Star Awards which was set up by Mary Burgess in 2016 to give recognition to animals and humans alike who do extraordinary things for one another. They take nominations from the public for the people or organisations that they think deserve recognition. Once the nominations close, they are sent to a panel of judges, each an industry expert in their field, to determine category winners.
The Best Pet Related Business category was judged by Anna Webb author, behaviour expert and broadcaster at BBC London's The Barking Hour and Podcast A Dog's Life. With almost 300 nominees in this category Sarah was absolutely thrilled to be a winner this year.
Each winner was given a beautiful star shaped trophy made by Gaudio Awards who design and manufacture the awards for BBC MasterChef.
For further information on My Anxious Pet visit: www.bellascollars.co.uk
Email: sarahbeckleyjones@gmail.com
Tel: 07740 723524
