From snake attacks to jumping into oncoming traffic, one in three dog-owners have put themselves in harm’s way to save their four-legged friend, a new survey found.
In a new poll, Americans say they’ve pulled off some daring rescues—climbing scaffolding at construction sites and diving into frozen pools—to save their dogs.
One dog owner reported getting in between their hound and another angry canine, while another took an electric shock from exposed wiring before their pup got too close.
In advance of National Love Your Pet Day on February 20, a study of 2,000 American dog-owners examined all the ways respondents show their love for their pooch and found that 72% said they would gladly put themselves in harm’s way to save their dog.
It’s no surprise since nearly four in five (78%) consider them a full-fledged member of the family.
For some it could be the most important relationship in the household. Of those respondents married or in a relationship (79%) over half (53%) admitted to kissing their doggie more than their partner.
The survey commissioned by JustFoodForDogs and conducted by OnePoll revealed that three in five adults surveyed (61%) concluded they prefer their dog to some people they know.
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Forty-seven percent said they knew the names of the dogs in their neighborhood but not their owners.
All this quality time with Fido had some respondents saying they have been accused of spoiling their dog (70%), but they don’t care.
65 percent think of spoiling their pooch as a form of self-care—and 63% reported they are better about scheduling their dog’s vet appointments than their own doctor visits.
Results also explored the little ways respondents show their affection for their dog. Half of the group let their dog sleep in bed with them and have no problem with them lounging on the couch. One in three (34%) even let their four-legged friend follow them into the bathroom while using the toilet or showering.
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Howling Holidays
A third of respondents (34%) said they’ve cooked a Thanksgiving meal just for fido—and don’t want to leave them out of the other major holidays either.
Forty-seven percent have dressed up their pup for Halloween and included their dog in the holiday photoshoot (also 47%). A quarter of these dogs have their own Christmas stocking, too.
One in four (28%) bought their dog a Valentine’s Day gift to show their love and 37% have thrown them a birthday party.
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Over half have cooked meals specifically for their dog and seven in ten want their pooch to eat just as well if not better than they do.
“The survey results reflect what we see every day: people view their pets as members of their family,” said Shawn Buckley, Founder of JustFoodForDogs. “Our pets bring us so much joy, and while they ask for little in return, we only want the best for them and cooking a nutritionally-balanced meal from fresh whole food demonstrates just that.”
TOP ACTS OF LOVE FOR A DOG
Let them sleep in bed with owner 49%
Get up on the couch 46%
Make them their own dinner with human food 46%
Let them sit on owner’s lap 44%
Let them into the bathroom while owner uses toilet or showers 34%
Purchased custom decorations that look like their dog 31%
Made Christmas/holiday cards that feature the dog 28%
Let them take up more room on the bed/couch than owner 26%
Share water with the dog 13%
TOP METHODS TO CELEBRATE WITH A DOG
Dressed up dog in a Halloween costume 47%
Included dog in holiday photoshoots 47%
Thrown their dog a birthday party 37%
Made dog a Thanksgiving dinner 34%
Bought their dog a Valentine’s day gift 28%
Dog has their own Christmas stocking 27%
SHARE With Your Own Story of Love on Social Media for Love Your Pets Day…