Four years after their first meeting, Keiba finally managed to rescue Dovah from her negligent owner and welcome her into the family

Dovah inspires me to live every day to its fullest. When she was six, I was asked to foster her for one month by her current owner who was going out of the country to study. I met Dovah once and her absolute love for life and instant desire to sit on my lap made me happily agree to help out.

One month quickly turned into six with little to no contact from her owner. By this point, myself and the cats living in the house had bonded deeply with Dovah. We were offered the chance to adopt her by the uninterested owner and, after we ecstatically agreed, the owner went back on her word and came and collected our sweet Dovah. She lived in a flat and Dovah was left for long hours daily, or sent to different dog sitters.

Dovah inspires me to live every day to its fullest

Eventually, after two years, I got the message I had always hoped for – Dovah was finally being rehomed. Right away I went to get her. By this time, we also had a second dog called Kleo. Although the cats came running to Dovah as soon as they saw her, she had returned to us with a whole host of behavioural issues. Adding to that, Kleo was in pain while waiting for surgery on her cruciate ligaments. Unfortunately, the girls would fight and we all had to work very hard to make things work out.

Fast forward to just days before Dovah’s 10th birthday and, after several surgeries for mammary cancer, she is fully bonded with Kleo in her forever home.

Despite this journey, every day Dovah gets up full of life. She loves harder, making you dedicate time in your day to cuddles and opening your heart to her. She runs out on the hill with more love for the outdoors than any dog or person I have ever met. She inspires me to live in the moment and keep my chin up.

Raising Rocket has been an extremely fulfilling experience for owner Carly

I have adopted three dogs in my life, but Rocket is the first I’ve had since she was a puppy.Bringing her up has been one of my greatest achievements.I've never felt as though I'm particularly good at anything, but I'm so proud of this little bundle of fluff.She is my go-anywhere, do-anything dog and I wouldn't change a thing about her.

She is so willing to learn

Rocket loves sports and adventures, especially long walks on the South Downs. She is also very caring and works as a therapy dog with Canine Concern, as well as being a brilliant cousin to my nieces, who absolutely adore her. Rocket is always willing to learn, whether it be new tricks or even activities such as paddle boarding.

My other dogs have grown strong and confident and that brings me so much joy, but Rocket is special because she’s helped me to feel as thoughI’ve achieved great things.

Amy couldn’t be without her dog Bailey, who’s stuck by her side through it all

Bailey is amazing. I have severe mental health issues and last year I underwent some treatment at a hospital. Although this meant Bailey and I had to spend a prolonged period of time apart, he came to visit me regularly. Whenever he came, he’d bounce around and brighten not only my day, but all of my fellow patients’ too.

He came to visit me all the time

When at home, Bailey and I walk for miles, which really helps improve my mental health. He always greets everyone we meet with a huge smile and a waggy tail, and they fall head over heels for him. If I’m going through a low episode, Bailey cuddles me close to let me know he’s there.

Since being out of hospital, my mobility has been limited but Bailey is still just as attentive. He’s so loving, and truly is the best friend anyone could wish for.

Dexter has perked up Elaine’s home life with his cheeky grin and outdoor escapades.

After losing my previous Labrador after 13 and a half years, life was far too quiet. Enter Dexter to shake it up again – a loveable, cheeky, friendly puppy who’s now seven months old now. He's very loyal, loves to please and will do anything for a hot dog sausage. He loves to play ball, chase the birds, collect sticks and run in the fields. Then its home for a bath and some chill out time on his sun lounger. With Dexter, life is now rich again and far from quiet!

With Dexter, life is rich again and far from quiet!

Lisa never planned to get another dog, but when Mishka bounded into her life, she simply couldn’t deny her

‘No,’ I said, ‘I don't want another dog.’ It was too upsetting when my beautiful rescue, Murphy, had died a couple of years before. But my friend (a dog sitter) was conveniently and unavoidably going away for the weekend, so asked if I could look after one for a couple of days.

I already knew that the owner wanted to rehome the puppy. He was working 12 hours a day, and she had stopped eating or drinking and needed to be put on a drip by the vet.

We’re having a wonderful journey through life together

When I picked up the black ball of soft puppy fluff, she nuzzled into my shoulder and subsequently my heart, and we’re having a wonderful journey through life together.

She is exceptionally loving and affectionate, maddeningly barky and full of energy and delight. She passed her assessment to become a PAT Therapy dog and loves to visit patients and residents in care homes to soak up as much fuss as is doggily possible.

London the dog was the most meaningful gift Verity could have ever received, and she is forever grateful for him

My mum bought London for me in the summer of 2017. I went all the way to Germany to collect him. She was so happy with our new puppy – he was sweet and gentle with all our other dogs. Mum knew that I would enjoy showing him off at dogs shows, talking him for long walks and grooming him.

She also knew that she wouldn’t be with me for much longer. By November, she had passed and I was devastated. But having London gave me the strength to carry on. Just as she’d hoped, I went out for walks and took him to dog shows – he gave me a reason to keep going, day in, day out.

Gave me the strength to carry on

London was patient with my tears, staying by my side throughout everything. Now, slowly and gently, he guides me through life. From the moment I get up in the morning to the moment I arrive home from work, he’s always there for me. Recently, he became a father to a wonderful puppy called Aster, who has been like a shining light of hope for the whole family this year.

My dog London truly is the gift that keeps on giving. He enhances my existence every day, and I couldn’t be without him.