Man’s best friend

Man's best friend




Studies have found that having a pet makes life less stressful, so Medianett decided to look into the advantages of having a pet and who from the industry is benefitting from them….

Studies have found that having a pet makes life less stressful, so Medianett decided to look into the advantages of having a pet and who from the industry is benefitting from them.

According to Austin Humane Society, the cute bundles of joy we know of as pets can reduce serious problems such as stress and depression, as well as reducing blood pressure.

A 2002 study conducted at the State University of New York found that people who had their pets with them when partaking in a stressful task hit much lower levels of stress than those without.

Professionals within the finance industry can be hit with an inevitable a surge of stress – especially those working within short-term loans such as bridging -  where deals have to be finalised at closer deadlines. Medianett investigates how a selection of figures from the sector use their pets to lead less stressful lives.

Neil Molyneux, has a 10 year old Labrador and a 14 month old Pug (who could both easily have their own successful instagram account, just based on adorableness). Neil admitted that 99 per cent of the time they make his life less stressful.


Two of a kind

He added: “They love you unconditionally, are always there when you come home from work and do not demand a lending decision at 7pm in the evening!  


(L) Marcus and (R) Maverick, have selfies down to a tee.

Stephen Burns from Adapt Finance has a four year old English Cocker Spaniel called Pacha, who “sometimes” makes his life less stressful. He added “It depends if [she’s] been chewing slippers!” However, he did admit that a dog is well and truly a “man’s best friend”.


Pacha looking happy with herself

Pets can come in all shapes and sizes, where Kevin Cooke from Finsec would definitely state that ‘size doesn’t matter’, as his pet, Bob Cooke, is a palm-sized long-haired hamster.

Kevin said that Bob is a Syrian hamster who is “the same colour as Doc Marten’s dog”, adding “I think he looks like a rodent terrier.”


Bob showing off his new hairdo

Kevin also agrees that his pet makes his life less stressful, adding “They don’t answer back, some bite but this one is very placid like his owner!”


Bob making sure we got his ‘good angle’

Although from seeing the benefits of an animal so small, no wonder Kevin may be looking for an even larger companion. “My daughters would like a dog but I think Anteaters are fantastic. They are probably not suited to living in a house though, we are all gold card holders of the Zoo in Stanway Colchester so we can go as often as we like. My younger daughter sponsored their Red River Hog (like a Wart Hog) they are quite cute as well, in a weird way.”

One of the main reasons why pets are so good at calming us down, is that they can listen to our problems at any time – even if it means for a treat in return.

Mark Fry from Colonial Second Charge Loans (CSC Loans) said that his nine year old family dog, a black miniature schnauzer, who was named ‘Dickie’ after the main character in one of his children’s favourite films – ‘Dickie Roberts former child star’, is always around whenever he has any problems.

“Dickie is always keen to offer an ear to air any troubles over a cup of tea”, Mark added.


Agony aunt Dickie solves industry professional problems

Mark may also be looking to get a Giant Schnauzer, although “the longer legs might mean longer walks!” He said.

However, pets are not all sunshine and roses. Neil Molyneux stated that there are times when his dogs can drive him up the wall. He added: “My lab is fantastic, a real gentleman. My pug, not so much! His nickname is ‘the terrorist’.  If he were human he’d be a 12 year old boy stood on a street corner smoking, with his jeans down his backside shrugging his shoulders saying ‘whatever’!


The cutest terrorist we have ever seen. Ever.

Neil added: “Thankfully 99 per cent of the time they are fantastic.”

The response from Andrew Hosford of Voltaire Bridging showed that research can have its anomalies.

“This is my bloody pet. Clearly makes my life more stressful” he exclaimed.


Clearly a prime duvet hogger

Perhaps to help more deals cross the line without the stress, ‘dress down Fridays’ could be changed to ‘furry friend Fridays’ – we know whose offices we would be visiting!  

During our snooping around, Medianett posed the question to some of the pet owners: If you pet could say anything about you, what would it be? Comment and take a guess on who said what?

“Whatever I tell it to say, or no more treats!” -

“Stop making me wear bandanas round my neck.  I look like an idiot!”  

“Same as my wife, buy me a bigger house this one’s too small and it’s drafty too.”


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