Sarah loves Chester for many reasons, from his joyful nature to his adorable love for singing

Chester is more than just a pet; he's a constant source of joy and positivity in my life. His gentle nature and boundless energy bring warmth to every room he enters. No matter how tough a day has been, his wagging tail and eager eyes are enough to lift my spirits.

Perhaps one of the quirkiest and most delightful things about him is his love for music, particularly when I play the harmonica. The moment he hears the first note, he can’t help but join in, singing along with the tune. His ‘singing’ is a mix of howls and soft barks, perfectly timed with the melody. It’s as if he’s pouring his heart into the song, adding his own unique voice to the music.

His ‘singing’ is a mix of howls and soft barks, perfectly timed with the melody

Chester’s presence is incredibly calming. On stressful days, just sitting next to him and stroking his fur is enough to bring me a sense of peace and grounding. He seems to instinctively know when I need comfort, often resting his head on my lap and looking up with those understanding eyes.

In many ways, he is a role model. His capacity to love unconditionally, his zest for life, and his ability to find joy in the simplest things are qualities I strive to emulate. He has taught me the value of patience, the importance of living in the moment, and the power of a positive outlook.

With Holly and Toby’s help, William has gone from never wanting to leave the house to taking them out every day on his mobility scooter

I never really wanted a dog, but my wife insisted. “It will get you out and about”, she said. I had started to become a home bird because my diabetes affected my feet and the pain was terrible. It definitely didn’t do anything to inspire me to go out.

First we got Holly, a beautiful Westie pup who was no trouble at all. Then came Toby – he was only seven months old, but we were his third owners. It soon became obvious that he had never been socialised. So, that gave me a good reason to get out of the house.

At 80 years of age, I now have a great time out and about

At 80 years of age, I now have a great time out and about. Holly likes to sit on my knee and use the horn of my mobility scooter, whereas Toby loves to walk beside me. I have met so many new people and they always stop to talk to me and pet the dogs.

Life has now become a great adventure with my two furbabies. They have helped me so much. Without them, I would never have left the house. But now I’m often seen exploring the roads on a daily basis with my companions at my side.

Amy and her dog Alfie have both faced their own difficulties in life, but now they can always rely on each other for support

My dog Alfie (aka Alfred, Alfie Moo, Moose or Moosey) is my best friend. I was approached by a rescue service who desperately needed an urgent foster for him. After a month, I knew we had the most amazing bond, so I adopted him.

At the time I was getting my life back together after a tricky couple of years and Alfie became such a massive part of that journey. When the country went into lockdown and I was living away from my family, I was so glad to have him with me!

I feel so honoured that I can give him a loving home

He's still a nervous dog, but he's so clever and I feel so honoured that I can give him a loving home. He never lets me lie in, and he insists on walkies first thing in the morning, even on a day off! That is unless it’s raining, when he quickly turns back round for home.

He's grown to trust and love my parents and partner. He's also the biggest cheese fiend and can smell it from a mile away. While he doesn't like the car, he always enjoys our adventures out and about.

I'm proud I get to come home to Moose every day. I don't know what he went through before he came to me (and I don't want to know), but he's an inspiration!

Rags loves to play and meet new people, and keeps constantly keeps Kathryn on her toes!

Since we got Rags, she’s been through the mill a bit, but you would never know it due to her zest for life!

She’s the most beautiful and sociable dog

She’s the most beautiful and sociable dog – we can’t walk five yards without someone wanting to fuss her. Her favourite things to do are zoomies in the garden (and if I am feeling brave, the local forest) and digging sand on the beach.

She loves being fussed over by members of the public and having play dates with her doggy friends in the village.

Ever since he was young, Bonz has spent many happy years roaming the countryside with Tina

Bonz came to us from The Dogs Trust when he was two years old. He’d already been returned twice as he had ‘behavioural problems’. We persuaded the dog psychologist that he would be fine with us, and after a few kennel visits, he was allowed to come home. We were his third rescue home, and he was our third rescue dog.

A very insecure Goldie at first, he cowered at traffic, didn’t trust people and stressed over so many things. But he quickly became the wonderful dog and companion he is today. He would come with me to look after horses and rabbits or walk miles up Welsh mountains and the Kentish downs.

He still looks amazing and has certainly enjoyed life

He learnt to swim after throwing himself in a deep stream where he managed to hook his paw over a branch on the far side of the bank. He was hanging on for dear life and no calling would make him come back, so we waded across and reassured him all was well. He could then swim anywhere!

Plaything fetch and carrying things in his mouth were among his favourite pastimes. The locals would all recognise the Goldie that walked along the lane with a pink Frisbee in his mouth. He would retrieve but wasn’t so keen on ‘drop’!

We may never know his story in those early puppy years, but now in his twilight, he still looks amazing and has certainly enjoyed life. He’s just struggling with his arthritis and the usual old age slowing him down. He has his daily painkillers to help him through, and still enjoys a small throw of his favourite ball and a gentle stroll. Of course, like most Goldies, Bonz enjoys his food and lots of treats. When the time comes, it’ll be hard, but we’ll always do what is right for our dear Bonz.

Pickle has helped Haelee through a tough time, bringing laughter into her life and even into her office!

Pickle was the last one in her litter, but even if we had an option we would always have gone for her. She is absolutely the one!

She has never left my side

She has brought a life to the family and she makes home ‘home’. She recently has helped me to go through the loss of my dad. She has never left my side and has always been the bouncy social butterfly jumpy Pickle.

We can also take her to the office, where she is helping me to get through this difficult time with my colleagues. I cannot love her enough!