When my partner died in 2015, my friends clubbed together to save enough money to cover the adoption fees for Albert.
Gaz and I had always dreamed of owning a black pug called Albert, so when he passed away, my friends knew that having a dog would be the only thing that could help me through. I saved him and he saved me.
He’s been by my side through the best and worst times of my life
I love Albert endlessly. He is the most devoted, loyal dog in the world. He knows when I’m sad and he’s happy when I’m happy.
I don’t know what I would ever do without me. He’s nine years old now and has been by my side through the worst and best times of my life.
Marley is a rescue dog that we adopted around 10 months ago. When we adopted him, he was very underweight, dirty, scared and had visible wounds and cuts.
He’s now the sweetest, most affectionate and loving dog who adores cuddles, tummy rubs, playing games and snuggling up on the sofa with us. He’s also very gentle with my two children and lets them play with him, pick him up and cuddle him. He sits so well for a groom and brush, too!
He’s honestly the best, most loving dog we could have ever wished to adopt
Marley was starved when he was younger, so now he absolutely loves his food. He goes crazy at dinner time – howling, barking and jumping up and down like a kangaroo waiting to be fed. He loves his treats and barks in the corner of the kitchen where they’re kept whenever he’s hungry. It’s hilarious.
Marley also has a cheeky habit of jumping onto our kitchen table to try and steal some food. We have even found him on the worktop occasionally!
He loves his walks, too, and always likes to sniff stuff and follow cats. He’s honestly the best, most loving dog we could have ever wished to adopt.
Loki came to me as a five-month-old pup. Sadly, he needed one of his front legs removing following an accident. Having only three legs has never slowed him down, and his enthusiasm for life is infectious. He has walked up mountains with me, gone camping in Scotland and assisted me in the running of my B&B. Currently, he’s supervising the new patio area we’re creating, which I’m sure he’ll love to sunbathe in!
I sometimes see Loki roll his eyes at Thor
Loki may be small, but he has a large personality and an even bigger heart. He loves our other dog, Thor. They’re so funny together, and I’m sure I sometimes see Loki roll his eyes at Thor when he’s being silly. It’s so adorable to see them snuggled up or enjoying a game of tug and war.
My dogs are my whole world, and I’m so glad Loki found me when he needed my help.
For my whole life, I wanted a dog but, despite my protests, my parents never gave in. When I went to visit Daisy, the first thing she did was climb onto me and steal my keys. The breeder and I spent ages trying to get them off her but, being the cheeky madam she is, she was not giving in! In that moment I knew the little monster was mine.
I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t fallen for her charm
Daisy is the most loving dog, although she does have an independent streak. She absolutely loves other people – I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t fallen for her charm. When I worked in a girl’s boarding house with children from across the world, she was a lot better at soothing them when they were sad than I was.
Daisy has no dramatic story. She doesn’t know many tricks and she isn’t the most obedient (unless very good treats are on offer!) but I love her to pieces and can’t imagine life without her.
McLaren is a Canine Partner Assistance Dog, so not only is he a great companion, but he is a brilliant help to me in my everyday life. He picks up dropped items, lends me a paw when I’m doing the washing and even gives me more confidence when we go out and about.
He’s such a cheeky chap
Everyone loves McLaren, he’s such a great ice breaker. He’s a cheeky chap, and loves to clown around and make you laugh. He also has a penchant for gloves and socks, and will happily steal them and parade round the house, hoping to be bribed with treats for their safe return!
I’ve been shielding since March and I haven’t been able to go out to the shops or see friends or family, so having McLaren with me has had a huge positive impact on my wellbeing. He cheers me up if I’m feeling lonely, is always up for an adventure and loves playing games of hide and seek or dancing to music. He is my hero.
Alfred is adored by our whole family, but he’s a real support dog to our eldest daughter Jessamy, who is a young adult with Autism. He seems to intuitively sense how she’s feeling, and always responds accordingly. He’s always so fun and loves to play with her – he even acts as her personal trainer, getting her to enjoy spending time outdoors.
He seems to intuitively sense how she’s feeling
He loves to sit on sofas and chairs and when we are at the table for a family meal, he thinks that he too should be given a seat, just so he can sit with us! We couldn’t ask for a more loyal and loving companion.