Celebrating World Animal Day 2024: Honouring Our Furry Friends

October 04, 2024

World Animal Day, celebrated annually on October 4th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about animal welfare and promoting love and respect for all animals. It’s a global movement that brings together individuals, communities and organisations to make the world a better place for our furry, feathered and scaly friends.

In honour of World Animal Day 2024, we want to shine a spotlight on some very special members of our team: the pets that fill our lives with joy, comfort and unconditional love. These loyal companions remind us daily why protecting and caring for animals is so important.

The Importance of World Animal Day

World Animal Day aims to improve the welfare of animals worldwide. Whether it's advocating for endangered species, supporting shelters, or promoting responsible pet ownership, every action counts. This day encourages us all to take a step back and think about how we interact with the animal world and how we can contribute to ensuring their safety, health and well-being.

Meet The Pets Behind PGR

As part of our World Animal Day celebration, we’re excited to introduce some of the cherished pets of our employees. They may not come into the office, but they certainly inspire us every day! Let’s meet a few of them:

Cookie the Working Cocker Spaniel Mix

Pet Parent: Nathan, Digital Merchandiser Age: 4 Favourite Snack: Chewy sticks, but they must be venison-flavoured! Favourite Toy: Squeaky pheasant, she is on her second one as she loved the first one so much (first one is now missing its tail...) Favourite Thing To Do: Chasing squirrels, but only so she can be friends with them. Not sure the squirrels understand this...

Georgy the Shih Tzu

Pet Parent: Jacqui, Assistant Financial Records Manager Age: 10 Favourite Snack: Pedigree Rodeo Chicken & Bacon Dog Treats, although he is happy with any dog treat or biscuit! Favourite Toy: He loves a cuddly toy to play with, but they only last about an hour till he's killed them and pulled all the stuffing out! He hates squeaky toys, so they get ignored! Favourite Thing To Do: He loves to go out for a walk and see other dogs, but he is more interested in their owners as they usually give him a stroke. The trouble is he barks (a very high-pitched bark) when they stop giving him attention!

Meggy the Scottish Fold

Pet Parent: Carl, Group Marketing Manager Age: 4 Favourite Snack: Chicken Licki-Lick Favourite Toy: Laser pointer (mouse attachment) Favourite Things to Do: Sleeping, zoomies, playing in cardboard boxes and sitting by the window. Fun Fact: She is extremely nosey and always wants to know what’s going in and be involved.

Buster the Miniature Schnauzer

Pet Parent: Jay, Group Systems Support Age: 7 Favourite Toy: A warthog teddy which is about half his size Favourite Things To Do: Buster enjoys barking at the neighbour’s door closing, barking at the delivery driver delivering goods 10 houses down and barking at the birds sitting on the garden fence. He essentially just enjoys barking… Fun Fact: He believes each and every teddy on the planet is meant for him. If he sees a teddy, he is going to nab it and run off with it. Hence, the collection he has amassed.

Cooper (but he prefers Coops) the Cockerpoo

Pet Parent: Phil, Group Assistant IT Manager Age: 5 Favourite Snack: Pig ears to chew on and Mini Markies (but he stashes them next to his bed for midnight snack sessions) Favourite Toy: TV remotes and KitKat wrappers Favourite Things To Do: He loves being the neighbourhood watch as he stares through the living room window at anyone in case they’re up to something and also loves to pester the Sainsbury’s delivery driver. Fun Fact: He is a trained therapy dog that they also take into schools and hospitals… Adorable!

And lastly, we have Lunar, who has a sad story but a happy ending!

Lunar's Story

In August, someone had sadly dumped a kitten in a box outside the gates of the Romford PGR branch. Luckily, Dan (the Assistant Branch Manager) decided to take the little fluffy thing home. Unfortunately, one of Dan’s cats died a few weeks prior and his other cat had lost his partner in crime, so it seemed like the perfect fit for Dan’s home.

Well done, Dan!

How You Can Celebrate World Animal Day

Whether you’re a pet parent or just an animal lover, there are plenty of ways to join the World Animal Day celebration:

· Adopt, Don’t Shop: Consider adopting a pet from a shelter instead of buying from breeders. Give a homeless animal the chance to experience love and care.

· Volunteer at a Shelter: Spend time helping local animal shelters or rescue groups. Your time can make a big difference in the lives of animals in need.

· Donate to Animal Welfare Organisations: If you’re unable to adopt or volunteer, a financial contribution can go a long way in supporting animal welfare causes.

· Educate Others: Share information on social media about animal rights, responsible pet ownership, or endangered species.

Final Thoughts

World Animal Day is about much more than just appreciating our pets. It’s a time to think about the role all animals play in our lives and how we can improve their lives in return. Whether it’s by offering love and care to our pets at home or advocating for wildlife protection, each of us has a part to play.

We hope you enjoy meeting the pets that bring joy to our team and we encourage you to get involved in making a difference for animals this World Animal Day. Let’s make the world a kinder, safer place for all living beings!