We have a very special introduction to make this Monday morning!

We would like to introduce you all to our official new member of the ARDERE team!

Alex aka ARDERE Alex or our baby seal pup as we like to call him.

This little fur baby is responsible for office moral and keeping us all happy and healthy in the workplace, taking us all on daily walks and bringing us some cuddles if there’s ever some stressful moments in the office. Do you know how beneficial having a pet is for your wellbeing?

Besides all of the increased opportunities to get into the outdoors, breathe less polluted air, exercise and socialise, they can also help lower your blood pressure, improve your sleep quality as well as your mental health.

Dogs make the most lovable companions they teach us mindfulness and help to lower our stress levels. There is a reason why there is such a thing called ‘pet therapy’ and why some companies and charities bring in dogs for a few hours of ‘pet therapy’ each month. Playing with an animal increases levels of the stress–reducing hormone oxytocin and decreases production of the stress hormone cortisol.

Oxytocin is known as the ‘love’ or ‘cuddle’ hormone, this hormone tends to increase the most when giving birth (sends signals to the womb to contract), is involved in lactation after the child is born and also plays a part in social bonding and maternal behaviours, so it’s no wonder we feel so loving and relaxed around these creatures! Stress just goes out the window like you’re receiving one giant hug!

So how did Alex come to ARDERE HQ?

Alex came to ARDERE by a twist of fate. I was looking after him for a weekend through a dog app I signed up to for the first time and completely fell in love with his personality, cheeky, confident and oh so lovable soul. He would cry if I left the room and never wanted to leave me side, we completely bonded.

I felt so present with him and being present is one thing I struggle the most with (my brain is always in overdrive). We spent the entire weekend on walks, socialising, and I remember one special moment was just before his owners came to collect him I just sat on my balcony with him on my lap, stroking him for an entire hour, no phone, no music, no distractions and it was the most mindful activity and the most present I had been in ages, simply just enjoying his energy.

After handing him back I started looking at Pomeranians for sale online, fantasising about which I would choose, without the intention of actually getting one. None came close, I wanted the exact personality of the little pup I fell in love with! A few scrolls later I came across the cutest little pup that looked oh so familiar…

Suddenly I identified a familiar looking stuffed toy in the photograph. Then my eyes scanned to the age (5 months old) and central London location, the same as Alex! Quickly I picked up the phone and dialled the number on screen…”Can I ask is your dog called Alex?” .

It was him! It turns out they were having to sell him due to allergies. I picked up the phone and called my mum, hysterical that this little pup could be in my life forever. I felt like it was a sign that I found him the very next day online and felt so connected to him, and that I was in a place in my life that he would do me a lot of good, lower any anxiety and give me more structure and knew I would give him the best loving home. I quickly rang the owners back and said I would like to have him and I picked him up the very next day!

Ever since I met him he has become my little shadow following me everywhere I go. There is also no feeling quite like having a furry bundle of joy jump up at you with kisses when you walk through the door (especially after any stressful days). Now I have many years ahead with this gorgeous furry creature! So say hello to our new team member, and I’d like to ask you, do you believe in signs?