Last month joining the No Bite Is Right campaign, star of The Only Way is Essex, Lydia Bright has travelled around the country to talk to pet owners with the team, and has now chatted to Female First in a new and exclusive interview.
Read on to find out what she had to say about caring for pets, her own pooch Paddy, TOWIE and much more...
Tell us a little bit about the project you worked on with the No Bite Is Right campaign last month.
I really wanted to be part of this campaign. I am a dog owner and massive animal lover. I have been involved with a number of animal charities and campaigns over the years. But this one sounded like it needed my help more than ever, with the flea epidemic rising in areas and the increased chance of [them] being harmful to humans. This campaign is all about educating owners [about] the importance of preventative measures to fleas and parasites, along with making them aware of the potential damage if untreated. Overall, [it's about] trying to make UK pets lead a healthy and happy life.
How important a part of your life is your dog Paddy?
Paddy is so important and unfortunately he has had very bad health during his life. I know how down I am when he is ill and how upset I would be if he wasn't here. So I try to encourage all dog owners to seek professional advice and use the right precautionary procedures to help keep disease and illness at bay.
What advice do you have for new or struggling pet owners about caring for their pets?
My major bit is to insure your pets. Life insurance I would always recommend, it's a little bit more pricey but it's better to be covered in all circumstances.
You've recently confirmed you've moved in with Arg - how did that come about?
When we made the decision to get together, we had to ensure we were serious. There was no point [in] us dating and starting all over again, as we have been on and off for seven years! So we just went full steam ahead.
The pair of you have come so far with your relationship, what advice do you have to others who may be in similar situations to the ones you and Arg have been through?
When you meet someone at a young age, there will always be ups and downs. You are still growing as people and you want to achieve and experience things. I would say don't be scared to try again if it didn't work the first time, when you were young. Because you mature, grow and become adults.
Did you have a good time filming the TOWIE Marbella special this year?
Yes, I loved Marbella. The place is very close to my heart. I lived there when I was 17 and I have very fond memories. So I always enjoy going back and seeing old friends and revisiting my favourite places.
Finally, what's next for you in the coming weeks and months?
So, ongoing projects for me are my fashion label Lydia Rose Bright. I want to keep growing my brand, branching into new areas; footwear accessories and venturing overseas. Keep growing my fashion and beauty blog and building my numbers, along with building the online presence for my boutique, Bella Sorella, and hopefully opening a few more stores. I am so overwhelmed by how far all three of my businesses have come but [I am] excited for growing all of them in the future.
Lydia Bright is supporting No Bite Is Right to raise awareness of the dangers that ticks pose to pets and their owners. Find out if your pet and family could be at risk by following the conversation on www.facebook.co.uk/jungleforpets by following @JungleForPets on Twitter.
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