Today, we went on a dog walk, but it wasn’t just any stroll through the park! As supporters and volunteers of The Cinnamon Trust, we participated in the “Big Walk,” a nationwide event aimed at raising awareness and funds for this heartfelt cause. That’s me in the photo, in the middle, with my little red dog and another I walk as a volunteer for The Cinnamon Trust.
The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity that plays a crucial role by helping elderly and terminally ill pet owners who cannot fully look after for their pets for whatever reason. The charity ensures their beloved pets get the care they need, which includes taking dogs out for daily walks. This is a lifeline for many pet owners who might otherwise face having their precious companions homed elsewhere.
But the benefits of volunteering with The Cinnamon Trust extend far beyond the assistance provided to others. Engaging in this volunteer work offers a multitude of rewards that science shows are beneficial for physical, psychological, social and general wellbeing. Here is a brief overview of just some of them.
Benefits of Volunteering:
Volunteering offers much more than just a chance to help. There is evidence that It greatly improves your and wellbeing, making you happier, more confident, and healthier. Plus, volunteering regularly has even been shown to help you live longer! These benefits show just how rewarding volunteering can be, not only does it help others, but it also enriches your life.
Benefits of Walking:
Recent research strongly supports the benefits of regular walking for enhancing health, particularly for reducing the risk of heart disease. Even gentle, consistent walks can provide significant cardiovascular benefits. Beyond boosting heart health, walking regularly is an effective way to decrease anxiety, relieve stress, and manage your weight. And, if that wasn’t enough, walking can improve cholesterol levels, help regulate blood pressure, and slow down the progression of osteoporosis.
Benefits of Being in Nature:
Spending time in nature isn’t just relaxing; it’s also incredibly good for your general health. Studies show that being outdoors can boost your mental well-being, reduce stress, and help you feel happier and more positive. Walking can in a park helps to lessen mental exhaustion, improve your focus, and even decrease feelings of anger. Essentially, getting active outside is one of the best things you can do for both your body and your mind.
Benefits of Being in the Company of a Dog:
Interacting with a dog, even just once for a short time, can make a big difference in how you feel. A study found that people who spent a little time with a dog felt less anxious and more positive compared to those who didn’t. The effects were strong, showing just how powerful a quick petting session with a dog can be for boosting your mood.
Benefits of pet ownership without full responsibility
You might be someone who loves dogs but due to work commitments you can’t have one on a full-time basis. As a Cinnamon Trust volunteer you can manage your time and enjoy the company of a dog when you are able, while knowing that you are helping someone keep their beloved pet at home.
Social aspects
Sometimes it’s difficult to meet new people and start friendships and while you might be unlikely to go up to a stranger and start a conversation, having a dog with you makes it much easier. Dog walkers, are much more likely to say hello to each other and/or the dog and research shows it can be a great antidote to loneliness. The social interactions sparked by simply being out and about with dog offer valuable opportunities for connection and community-building. Plus many friendships have been formed between volunteers and the pet owners they help.
So, if you are considering a volunteer opportunity, think about The Cinnamon Trust. It’s not just a chance to help others but a way to enrich your own life with health, happiness, and furry friends. To learn more and get involved, visit The Cinnamon Trust website and discover how you can contribute to this meaningful cause.
References
Brymer Eric, DavidsKeith, & MallabonLiz. (2014). Understanding the psychological health and well-being benefits of physical activity in nature: an ecological dynamics analysis. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2013.0110
Crossman, M. K., Kazdin, A. E., & Knudson, K. (2015). Brief Unstructured Interaction with a Dog Reduces Distress. Anthrozoös, 28(4), 649–659. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2015.1070008
Duvall Antonacopoulos, N. M., & Pychyl, T. A. (2014). An Examination of the Possible Benefits for Well-Being Arising from the Social Interactions that Occur while Dog Walking. Society & Animals, 22(5), 459–480. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685306-12341338
Rippe, J. M., Ward, A., Porcari, J. P., & Freedson, P. S. (1988). Walking for Health and Fitness. JAMA, 259(18), 2720–2724. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1988.03720180046031
Wilson, J. (2000). Volunteering. Annual Review of Sociology, 26(1), 215–240. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.soc.26.1.215
A lovely testimonial from my Cinnamon Trust dog’s ‘mum’.
When I lost my 16-year-old whippet in 2021, I was utterly heartbroken.
After a year of feeling lonely and sad, a little black whippet popped into
view, and without a second thought, she came home with me. People
said, “Aren’t you rather old to be getting a puppy?” I was 79, but
walking without a dog seemed so pointless. I spent the next 18 months
teaching Delphi good manners and recall, quite challenging in the New
Forest with all the wildlife and animals! We became close and
contented companions, and I think she makes me laugh every single
day.
Then came the disaster. On a walk with my friends in October, their
large dog playing chase with mine, I was bowled over and broke my
tibial plateau, a complicated and painful break. Fortunately, Delphi was
taken in by my friends and spent ten weeks with them whilst I was in
hospital (four weeks) and then home to recuperate. Those few weeks
at home without her were unbearable, and on Christmas Eve she came
home. I had a patchwork of friends and helpers to take her for walks,
but this was not really sustainable in the long term. But for my mental
health I needed my Delphi home.
I had heard of the Cinnamon Trust and contacted them to see if they
could help with walks. After two assessments (she passed with flying
colours and we became friends with Jo and her dog) we were paired
with two fantastic dog walkers, Sandie and Lesley, and I got my life
back. Delphi quickly grew to love and trust her new friends and greets
them joyfully when they come to take her for her walk. And for me, they
have become very dear friends.
Slowly I began to go for short walks again, painfully and hesitantly, and
then came the moment when I could drive and take Delphi for a short
walk myself. I was amazed at how sensitive she was, and is, to my
slower and less secure pace, and we have lovely, leisurely walks
together now.
But my two lovely Cinnamon ladies still take her out for walks, longer
and more active ones, and the Cinnamon Trust continues to be a lifeline
for me. I cannot express adequately just how significant they have
been in my recovery, and I am deeply grateful for this wonderful charity
and the generous, caring people who volunteer for them. You are all
stars!