Sian was so convinced Sonny was the one for her that she travelled 1,000 miles to bring him home

Sonny is such a character, I'm not sure where to begin. We did a 1,000-mile round trip to get him! After leaving Shetland, the most northerly island in Scotland, we travelled 14 hours overnight on a ferry and then drove all the way from Aberdeen to Herefordshire on the Welsh/English border.

We did a 1,000-mile round trip to get him!

After picking him up, we spent a night in Blackpool and drove all the way back up, staying at dog-friendly services by Kendall and getting back on the boat for another night to get him home. All in the heat of 2017 summer – it was 34°C on the day we picked him up!

I could have gotten a dog closer to home, but I knew he was the one. I'd previously worked with his owner (a veterinary surgeon) and his mother was the best Labrador I'd ever met – well-behaved, loving and smiled on command!

Katie rescued Selma from Romania, and it’s changed both of their lives for the better

I rescued selma from Romania when she was seven months but everyone in my life will agree that it’s her that did the saving. I was in a really bad place in my life mentally and physically and this little angel on four legs got me up and out every day.

She gives me cuddles and makes me laugh constantly. She was the best decision I could have made for my mental health and continues to be an absolute ray of sunshine in my life. She wakes me up in the morning by literally jumping on me repeatedly and makes the strangest little pigeon noise whenever she wants a walk or food or even just attention.

She wakes me up in the morning by literally jumping on me repeatedly

She is a rascal and cheeky but the little cuddly sheep gets away with it. You know when she’s upset as her curly tail unfurls down to the floor and her very cute ears (one up, one down!) go flat. She’s got zero idea of personal space and loves to intently smell everyone’s mouths to know what they’ve been up to. She’s nothing but a positive influence in my life. The greatest gift that I can’t believe is mine.

Michelle’s dog Bix may have been an unexpected addition to the family, but now he’s what makes their house a home

We met Bix in the summer of 2019. As we’d recently lost our beloved dog Hamish, we were too upset to consider adopting another. But, on a trip to the Dog’s Trust to donate some of our items, we saw Bix and fell in love straight away – it was meant to be, and 9 days later he became an official part of our family.

At first he was very timid around us, but now his cheeky character has started to shine through and he is an absolute joy to be around. His funny antics make us laugh every day, and he really does have a beautiful personality.

His cheeky character has started to shine

He loves nothing more than being at home, and upon return to the house will immediately start rolling or running around out of sheer excitement. We tried to tell him he wasn’t allowed to sit on the furniture, but he didn’t listen, and always manages to relax on the sofa and watch TV with us in the evening. He even demands his own pillow to lie on!

Recently, we’ve been video calling my parents every day. Bix insists he makes an appearance on each time, so as soon as he hears their voices he’ll dash into the room and jump in front of the phone screen to say hello.

Arthur came into Sandra’s life as she was recovering from a serious operation, and her health has only continued to improve since his arrival

Arthur is a very sweet but naughty pup. He came to help me get better following a liver and kidney transplant. He arrived at eight-weeks-old and he has taken over our lives. This huge, fluffy, goofball of a puppy came tumbling through the door and we have loved him since the minute he got here.

He’s totally crackers most of the time as he runs around chasing his own feet and tail. He loves everyone he meets instantly, whether it’s people we meet on walks, neighbours, delivery people, or dogs of every size and breed. He’s always a hit at puppy club as he’s too naughty and chases everyone when he should be sitting or waiting.

He’s totally crackers most of the time

He doesn’t like to go in his crate to rest because he might miss something, so he sits in protest and refuses to move. This is hilarious as I watch my other half try to persuade, beg, treat and nudge him in there.

Best of all, he gets me out of the house every day and I walk him in the countryside, on the Sussex downs, by the local duck pond, and in the fields and farms around our home.

My recovery has really rocketed since Arthur arrived and I can’t wait to show him more places and experiences as he gets older, and I get healthier. My doctors are delighted with my recovery, and we couldn’t be happier with Arthur.

At a stressful time in her life, Paula knew she could rely on her dog Oscar to help her feel better

Five years ago, I was the victim of an armed robbery attack at my workplace. I was left badly shaken and very frightened. As soon as I was brought home from the police station, Oscar came to me and sat with me, and when I went to change from my uniform he followed me closely.

He’d stay close by my side

Not long after the incident, my dad had to go and visit my mum in hospital, which meant leaving me home alone. Oscar lay beside me the couch for the entire time dad was away. And, for the whole week I was off work Oscar followed me around the house, sitting in the bathroom doorway and sleeping right beside me every night. Even when we were out on a walk, he’d stay close by my side if someone came towards us.

Throughout the months it took me to recover Oscar was there – and for that I’ll be forever grateful.