Jollyes, the Pet People, teams up with Stroke Association in Scotland to launch a ‘fur-th’ emergency service

New flagship Stirling store to open on Saturday 11 June at 10.00am

Jollyes, the nationwide pet retailer, today announced a unique tie-up with the Stroke Association in Scotland that will celebrate the calming role pets play people’s lives.

Making its debut at its new Stirling store at Unit 3 on the Burghmuir Retail Park will be a jointly branded vehicle where, thanks to the generosity of Stroke Association pet lovers in Scotland, customers can come and stoke some of the most loving pets in and around Stirling.

Dubbed Jollyes’ ‘fur-th emergency service’, its Stroke Squad’ van has been kitted out after hearing of the beneficial role pets have played in many of the Stoke Association members’ lives in the last few years.

For example, Stuart Allison is one of the Scottish members who relies on the love and support of his pet. Stuart suffered a stroke 2 years ago and believes that his chocolate spaniel, Mara, saved his life.

When he was lying on the floor, she refused to leave his side and kept licking his face until he woke up and got his wife to phone for help.

Since coming home both Mara and his other dog Pepper have brought him so much happiness and although he cannot walk for long, the dogs still love chasing balls on walks.

The health benefits of owning a pet have been widely recognised. They can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialise. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.

What’s more pets can help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship – all benefits recognised by the Stroke Association. A recent survey for AXA Insurance referenced a leading academic study – the Kardiozive Brno 2030 paper that drew particular attention to the heart and mental health benefits of looking after a dog or a cat.

The formal opening of Jollyes’ latest flagship store will take place at 10.00am on Saturday 11 June when Central FM presenter Wolfy will be joined by manager Angela Rennie and Jolene Lornie from the Stoke Association in Scotland to formally open the store.

They’ll be joined by other pets cared for by members of the Stroke Association in and around Stirling who want to celebrate the life-enhancing bonds they have between them and share their animals love with other customers.

Kerry Midgley Jollyes regional manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our third store in Scotland, and because we’re proud to call ourselves ‘The Pet People’, what better way to do so than celebrating the amazing ways in which pets help look after us.

“We can’t wait to open our doors and support the pet-lovers of Stirling.”

Jolene Lornie, engagement officer for the Stoke Association in Scotland said:

“The Stroke Association Scotland are passionate about rebuilding the lives of stroke survivors. We are committed to partnering with local communities and to ensure every stroke survivor have access to support and rehabilitation for as long as they need it.

“Pets can be such a source of comfort and pleasure and can really assist in the recovery and rehabilitation after stroke”.

Jollyes’ Stirling store will be a flagship location for the retailer. As well as selling a wide range of pet food and accessories, the 6,100 square feet store will also feature its high-quality dedicated dog grooming salon – The Spa – and offer small pets and birds.

New manager Angela Rennie has hands-on experience with pets as “dog mum” to husky-collie cross Blue and border collie Mollie.

Jollyes has more than 70 stores across the UK and Stirling will be its third store in Scotland, complementing its popular outlets in Clydebank and Perth. Over the coming months it will more than double its presence in Scotland with new stores at Glenrothes, Edinburgh and Robroyston.

After making its debut at Stirling, Jollyes’ fur-th emergency service vehicle will tour the UK offering those in need of pet companionship, the opportunity to benefit from its Stroke Squad.

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About Jollyes

From modest beginnings in Enfield as a single store in 1971, Jollyes has now grown into one of the leading pet food superstores with almost 70 locations across the UK alongside a market-leading position in Northern Ireland.

From Perth to Plymouth, Newry to Norwich, at Jollyes customers can find anything for their pet, from pet food, pet toys and an array of pet accessories.

Customers are actively encouraged to bring their pets into store, while customers shop because Jollyes people are passionate about pets.

Potty about puppies and crazy for cats, no matter what the animal, store colleagues are always on hand to help with anything from product advice, to picking the perfect pet and accessories.

Many stores also run community clinics offering vaccinations and other advice from trained vets. And if one of Jollyes stores isn’t close by, there’s helpful advice on Jollyes website where you can ask the expert.

Jollyes was recently named Pet Retail Chain of the Year at the Pet Industry Federation Awards.