13 adorable animals celebrating Pride as Petgevity’s #PetsOfPride winner revealed
PinkNews readers have been sharing their #PetsOfPride, supported by Petgevity. (PinkNews)
PinkNews readers have been sharing their #PetsOfPride, supported by Petgevity. (PinkNews)
We’re well into Pride season and it looks like everyone’s been having fun, including the nation’s pets.
To celebrate Pride, PinkNews and Petgevity teamed up for the #PetsOfPride competition, where we asked LGBTQ+ pet owners to share pictures of their cats and dogs dressed to the nines for Pride. We also asked people to tell us why they love their pets – and the response has been as adorable as you’d expect.
The #PetsOfPride winner receives a Brighton Pride VIP weekend experience in August, including two Golden Circle tickets, accommodation and travel, plus a donation to an LGBTQ+ or animal charity of their choice.
But that’s not all, as the runners-up will have donations made on their behalf to an LGBTQ+ or animal charity of their choice too, courtesy of Petgevity.
Petgevity is one of the only pet insurance providers in the UK to cover pre-existing conditions (for those on the Petgevity Lifetime Plus plan and subject to acceptance), meaning it offers truly inclusive pet insurance. They also have no upper age limits, so no one feels like an underdog.
They understand what sup-paw-t pets can provide, especially for the LGBTQ+ community, with 91% of LGBTQ+ pet owners in the UK agreeing their pets have had a positive impact on their mental health – and the love the community has for its furry friends is one thing that stood out among all the #PetsOfPride entries.
Meet the winner and runners-up below, and remember to check out Petgevity for more information and get a quote for pet insurance here.
Winner – Pancho, 5, owned by Dani from Aylesbury
“Pancho was abandoned as a puppy in a construction site in Mexico. A friend saw him but couldn’t keep him because her dog was jealous and she knew how much I love animals,” says Dani. “I immediately fell in love and Pancho became my baby. He had to go through many surgeries to be able to breath properly and spent over a month having antibiotics due to severe gastrointestinal infections.
“When I accepted a job offer in the UK, my condition was that Pancho and his sister Cherry could come too!”
Dani continues: “Over time, Pancho became sensitive to my anxiety and depression episodes, changing from silly puppy to alert and protective mode and even massaging my chest immediately after my anxiety episodes started. I learned later that this is actually part of psychiatric assistance dogs’ training, but in his case he just felt it was the right way to help mummy. Pancho saved my life so many times!”
Dani concludes: “Today he lives like a royal family member, being pampered by my partner and I, and bugging his older sister Poppy who luckily is very patient! His favourite things are trains, buses, cucumber, carrot and broccoli and he hates the rain and cold weather.”
Runner-up – Skipper, 16, and Bam Bam, 16, owned by Kay from Sheerness
Skipper and Bam Bam are “my two best friends in the whole world” declares owner Kay. “These boys have made my life so much happier with their antics. My doggy soulmates, I adore them both.
“Skipper is the fashionable athlete, a good listener, is always ready for a game and loves a football, and gives the best cuddles. He makes me smile when I don’t feel I can but can take up most of the bed. Bam Bam, is the diva. Full of dirty looks, and not keen on most people. He doesn’t hide it either. Both are precious little beings.”
Skipper and Bam Bam’s chosen charity is Swale Pride.
Runner-up – Dana, 2, owned by Aj Ravensdottir
“Dana was trapped and rehabilitated by Friends of Ferals (Sheffield), recalls owner Aj. “She was a skinny girl who had been treated brutally and ended up living near a takeaway. She was terrified and very fierce. When she got trapped, no one could get near her, but eventually she let the lady who caught her get a little closer (in exchange for KFC!).
“Dana arrived a month after my previous cat passed and has been living with myself and my partner for just over a year now. Dana rescued me from my sorrow. She is as soft as a cuddly toy and is learning to play and trust. She has years ahead to recover. Black cats are special. They have their own songs and their own ways. Everyone should have a black cat. They say they are lucky. Well, she’s been lucky for me – and now for the charity!
Dana’s chosen charity is Friends of Ferals (Sheffield).
Runner-up – Betsy, 6 months, owned by Rebecca from south Wales
“This is Betsy our six month-old puppy celebrating pride with my wife and I along with all our community,” says Rebecca. “We hope everyone has a fantastic Pride – love will always win!”
Betsy’s chosen charity is Hope Rescue.
Runner-up – Rocket, 1, owned by Steven from Kent
“Rocket he is a cocker spaniel bursting with energy and love and a whirlwind of joy and chaos,” says Steve. “He came to his very first Pride this year and absolutely thrived meeting new people, soaking up the atmosphere, and spreading joy wherever he went. He brightens every single day. He’s my little mad ball of happiness!”
Steve continue: “Rocket loves everyone and everything, and his friendly, playful nature makes him a hit wherever we go. He’s more than just a pet, he’s my companion, my comfort, and my world. Sharing Pride with him was such a special moment, and I can’t wait for all the adventures ahead!”
Rocket’s chosen charity is Swale Pride.
Runner-up – Nala (aged 12), Hugo (5), and Bonnie (20 months), owned by Maddie from Sheerness
“Our three doggies are very spoiled and loved,” admits Maddie. “Our Labrador is an older girl at 12 and was a 25th wedding anniversary gift from our three children.
“Hugo was our first cocker spaniel. We re-homed him at 15 months old and fell in love with the breed so much that we bought Bonnie, a gorgeous girl born without a tail, into our home as a puppy.
“They love showing their love for their human brother, wearing their outfits with Pride.”
Nala, Hugo and Bonnie’s chosen charity is Swale Pride.
Runner-up – Nova, 5, owned by Nick from Truro
“Nova the potato… sorry, French bulldog has been in our lives since she was two weeks old when we met for the first time,” explains Nick. “Ever since then she’s been our best friend! She loves everyone… especially if you have a biscuit!
“Everywhere we go she brings a smile to people’s faces, but her favourite place is on the sofa, snuggled up on our laps. She is our sweet potato, and we can’t imagine life without her.”
Nova’s chosen charity is All Out.
Runner-up – Harley, 6, owned by Carolyn from York
“Mr H aka Harley is a very cheeky loveable chap who brings happiness to so many”, Carolyn tells PinkNews and Petgevity. He loves pride and attends every year, proudly sporting his pride bow tie.
Harley adores everyone and always gets lots of fuss and attention. He loves doing tricks and is very energetic. I love going on adventures with him as he is my best friend.”
Harley’s chosen charity is Oldham Cat Rescue.
Runner-up – Dusty, 4, owned by Olivia from Leicester
“Dusty is a cheeky, razor-sharp companion with a nose for adventure and discarded kebabs,” says Olivia.
“Fiercely loyal and always a step ahead, she’s got mischief in her heart and devotion in her eyes and is always ready to pose, always with Pride”.
Dusty’s chosen charity is Trade Sexual Health.
Runner-up – Stewie, 7, owned by Jake from Sheerness
“Stewie – aka Lord Stuart Pugglesworth who also moonlights in drag (like his daddy) as Lady Puggleton – has been in our lives almost seven years,” reveals Jake.
“We got him just after my partner and I got engaged and he’s been with us as we bought our first home, got married, and then moved homes.
“He loves his cuddles and jumps on our laps as soon as he can. His favourite treat is deer antlers.”
Stewie’s chosen charity is Swale Pride.
