Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes has unveiled a unique tie-up with the Stroke Association in Scotland that celebrates the calming role pets play people’s lives. The partnership was announced at the company's new Stirling store at Unit 3 on the Burghmuir Retail Park.

Thanks to the generosity of Stroke Association pet lovers in Scotland, customers were able to stroke some of the most loving pets in a jointly branded vehicle.

Dubbed Jollyes’ ‘fur-th emergency service’, its Stroke Squad’ van has been kitted out after hearing of the beneficial role pets have played in many of the Stoke Association members’ lives in the last few years. 

Helping give the store its send-off was Bonzo a four-months old Tibetan Terrier and its owner Stephanie Serafini pictured at the opening with Jollyes Stirling manager Angela Rennie. 

Also attending the official ribbon cutting was members of the local Clackmannanshire Stroke Association and its engagement officer Jolene Lornie. 

They brought pets cared for by members of the Stroke Association in and around Stirling who celebrated the life-enhancing bonds they have between them.  

Kerry Midgley Jollyes regional manager, said: “We’ve been blown away by the reaction of customers to our opening this morning – we’re delighted to open our third store in Scotland and we look forward to showing Stirling why we’re called The Pet People.” 

Jollyes’ Stirling store is a flagship location for the retailer.  As well as selling a wide range of pet food and accessories, the 6,100 square feet store will also feature its high-quality dedicated dog grooming salon – The Spa – and offer small pets and birds.   

New manager Angela Rennie has hands-on experience with pets as “dog mum” to husky-collie cross Blue and border collie Mollie. 

Jollyes has more than 70 stores across the UK and Stirling will be its third store in Scotland, complementing its popular outlets in Clydebank and Perth. Over the coming months it will more than double its presence in Scotland with new stores at Glenrothes, Edinburgh and Robroyston. 

After making its debut at Stirling, Jollyes’ fur-th emergency service vehicle will tour the UK offering those in need of pet companionship, the opportunity to benefit from its Stroke Squad.