Is this the country's most spoilt dog?

March 11, 2011 - PRLog -- Albert is no ordinary dog. His pampered lifestyle has caught the eye of leading pet insurer;
http://www.helpucover.co.uk who is asking the nation "Is Albert this country's most spoilt dog?" Albert is a six year old pug from North London, owned by Shilpa Patel, 48.

Each morning Albert is coaxed gently awake to his breakfast of Goat's milk and Weetabix served in a fine white porcelain bowl, decorated with his own beautiful face. After breakfast, Albert is washed and receives a fine spray of organic baby cologne, flown to him from his 'aunt' in Miami. Nothing except pure organic products touches Albert's skin or passes his lips.

Once dressed in his Hurrta Coat, Cashmere scarf and Gold (22 carat) charm necklace, Albert travels to work with his 'Mother', Mrs Patel. Staff feed him handmade 'Yorkshire pudding and beef' flavour organic biscuits from Harrods and walk him in London's Hyde Park. Twice a week Albert visits the Hydrotherapy Centre where he enjoys swimming, treadmill exercise followed by massage and bath.

After a hard day at the office, Albert travels home to dinner of organic chicken and carrots, with wholemeal rice or fillet of organic cod with broccoli (all freshly cooked of course). Then to bed, (king size) where he lies tucked up under his French cotton cellular blanket, in the middle of Egyptian cotton sheets while his owner lays on the edge, listening to his monumental snoring.

Ms Patel says "My family and friends think I am a mad eccentric when it comes to Albert, and the answer to that is, yes, I certainly am."

Eric Jackson, veterinary surgeon with over thirty years experience says "Whilst this is an amusing story it also carries a serious message. Albert is in danger of losing his identity. It is important to realise that dogs are dogs and not child substitutes. To ensure a good quality of life we should unselfishly consider the animal welfare needs of our pet and not impose our own values. Pampered pets are unlikely to register disapproval of their treatment. We should always consider the possible physical and psychological damage before imposing a wholly inappropriate feeding and care routines on our pets. Always remember that dogs deserve a dog's life!"

Helpucover.co.uk has launched a pet forum http://www.helpucover.co.uk/petstress - all dog owners are invited to send in their dog stories, hints or tips for coping with a stressed or eccentric dog. Anyone who contacts the forum is entered into a prize draw to win a year's supply of pet food *.

Helpucover also want to hear from anyone who knows of a more spoilt dog than Albert (if there is one).

Ends



For media enquiries, please contact:

helpucover.co.uk (Cardif Pinnacle)
Barbara Russell

Sarah Potter helpucover.co.uk (Cardif Pinnacle)


PFMA's White Paper entitled: Pet Obesity: The Reality in 2009
*Pet obesity - the reality in 2009
**Pet obesity - the reality in 2009
*** Maximum value £500 - Terms and Conditions apply


Notes to Editors

About helpucover.co.uk

**www.helpucover.co.uk is a trading style of Pinnacle Insurance plc - one of the UK's leading insurers. "Pinnacle Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority".

About Cardif Pinnacle
Cardif Pinnacle (a trading style of Pinnacle Insurance plc) is the UK insurance unit of BNP Paribas Assurance, which is the life and property & casualty arm of BNP Paribas. BNP Paribas Assurance counts over 8,000 employees, 74% of them outside France. BNP Paribas Assurance had gross written premiums of Euro 20.7 billion in 2009. It generated 41% of its 2009 gross written premiums outside France. BNP Paribas Assurance is the world leader in creditor insurance and the fourth-largest life insurance company in France. BNP Paribas Assurance is actively committed to exemplary Corporate Social Responsibility. It has adopted a Socially Responsible Investment program, encourages diversity throughout the enterprise (earning the "Equality at Work" label in France) and supports local economic development in the markets where it operates. BNP Paribas Assurance is equally committed to environmental responsibility, deploying an action plan to achieve a 10-percent reduction in the company's carbon emissions.

Formed in 1971 and currently employing circa 750 staff in the UK, Cardif Pinnacle has established itself as a leading provider of Protection solutions. Cardif Pinnacle acquired Warranty Direct and Direct Life and Pension Services in 2008, specialists in the provision of warranty and life insurance products.

With an emphasis on quality of service for clients and customers, Cardif Pinnacle is a preferred partner to more than 250 of the UK's leading Banks, Building Societies, Finance Houses and Intermediaries.

www.cardifpinnacle.co.uk

www.helpucover.co.uk

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