Written by Kate Manley

Interacting with animals has been shown to lower cortisol (a stress related hormone), lower blood pressure and promote greater levels of empathy and compassion.

Aside from the companionship they provide, they become valued as part of the family, encouraging exercise and playfulness, easing loneliness and reducing anxiety.

As George Eliot put it “Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.”

Although we don’t own a pet, I am totally addicted to Instagram animals! Just liking a polar bear post, up pops all these cute images and videos taken by enthusiasts- now I find I am following crazy cat posts, panda bears, panthers, Labradors, even elephants! I’m sure many of you are the same!
So it is just a delight this month to feature some animals in Ashleigh Manley artworks along with some animal print fashions for you to wear.

1. Giraffe, elephant jungle tee shirt from Italy, 100% cotton.
2. White linen dress featuring cheetah print fabric belt with matching straw hat, cheetah print.
3. ‘Relax like a cat’ limited edition, hand-signed silkscreen print by Ashleigh Manley.
4. ‘Cow’ by Ashleigh Manley.
5. ‘On the prowl’ reproduction print.
6. Pull-along wooden animal toys: zebra, elephant and crocodile.
7. Grey and white bear cushion.