Life hasn’t been easy for Karen, but Mia has been the best possible companion to get her through even the toughest days

Some people would say Mia is 'just a dog', but she came into my life at a time when I really needed lifting up. My life changed drastically when I became seriously ill when she was five months old, and I am still recuperating six years later.

Mia brings me so much happiness and has been my only company for years. Her cuddles, wagging tail and happy licks have helped me through the hardest times. She has given me purpose – a reason to get out of bed and carry on.

Her unconditional love makes every day brighter

A simple glance at her, even when she's sleeping, causes her to wag her tail and make me smile. She loves and accepts the 'real' me, even though her life has not been what I planned for her, but what I can manage to do with her.

Her biggest love is water and muddy puddles, the smellier the better. Even the muddy spaniel days are fun! I am so proud of her. She's well behaved and a joy to be around. To me, she's not 'just a dog', she's family – the one mainstay in my life.

Mia’s the epitome of joyfulness, though crazy at times, and she’s my furever friend! Her unconditional love makes every day brighter. Here's to celebrating the bond that makes life so special.

With Graham by her side, Emma has the confidence to go out and experience new things, and now the pair are inseparable.

Since Graham has come into my life, he’s inspired me to get out and explore new places, as well as meet new people. I have never been a confident or particularly sociable person but having Graham by my side helps me to feel better and there isn’t anywhere I would go without him!

He’s come with me on a seven-mile-hike around the Peak District, travelled up to my hometown of Sheffield and even comes with me into cafes. Having him has pushed my partner and I to hire a camper van and travel around the Scottish Highlands. It’s always been a dream of mine, and now it’s even more special because he can come along with us!

Helps me to feel better

Graham is a very loving dog and is everyone’s best friend, even if he’s just met them. He is always up for a cuddle and loves giving people a ‘hug’ (where he puts his paw over your arm). I think meeting new people is one of his favourite things, along with food! He loves all food and will shamelessly do tricks for you in an attempt to get some – I haven’t found anything he won’t eat yet, even lettuce!

He’s also a pro at posing for the camera. Because of him photography is now a new hobby of mine, and of course he’s my favourite thing to take photos of. He is such a special dog and I honestly couldn’t imagine my life without him.

Roni and the rest of his litter had a difficult start in life, but this hasn’t stopped him from being from the most kind and loving dog to his adopted owner, Ruthy

Geronimo or ‘Roni’ as we call him, was one of seven puppies. He has five brothers and one sister. Unfortunately, the litter was rejected by the mother, so the puppies ended up at Last Hope Animal Rescue.

He’s brought so much to us in such a short amount of time

From there, he and his brother Charlie were fostered by a wonderful woman in Salisbury. She adopted his brother, and we were then lucky enough to adopt Roni!

The whole neighbourhood have met him and have loved welcoming him. He’s brought so much to us in such a short amount of time. After several difficult years of loss (our previous dog, my father, my nanny and my best friend), my neighbours have said, “He’s put a smile back on your face. You look like your old self again!”.

Jessie the cockapoo has brought endless laughs, cuddles and happy wiggles to Kirsty’s family

Jessie is our first dog and she really has changed our lives for the better. She’s a three-year-old cockapoo and she has a real ability to make us smile no matter what. She always greets us with enthusiasm and pure joy, and her energetic wiggles and happy spins are always bound to make us beam!

She makes us smile no matter what

She loves adventure and exploring, and she has a real zest for life. She’s been such a positive influence, getting us out and about in the great outdoors. We love nothing more than a walk in the woods with Jessie. She has been described as ‘a cocker spaniel in cockapoo clothing’ so her nose is often on the ground, following the trail of something exciting.

But above all, the best thing about Jessie is her cuddles. I’ve never known such a cuddly dog and she loves to be as close to you as possible – personal space isn’t a thing to Jessie! But we don’t mind because we know her time here won’t be forever, so we will happily embrace all the cuddles, wiggles, spins, happiness and love every day.

Despite everything he’s been through, Bailey will always be able to make owner Serena laugh

Bailey is the most amazing little best friend. He is a very cheeky chap and very quirky indeed. He has the craziest fun personality.

He has defied the odds and been a little hero

He has a heart murmur, has had 18 teeth pulled in one op and only last year decided to swallow a fisherman's hook, bait and line. But he has defied all odds and been the little hero throughout. He is also very talented and has a party piece of ringing the service bell for a treat. He makes us laugh, makes us smile but most of all he is full of endless love.

Peanut never fails to bring a smile to Bella’s face, filling her home with love and a little bit of mischief

Ever since Peanut came into my life, every day has become an adventure. At just four months old, this little Frenchie already knows how to keep me on my toes with his sassy personality and hilarious antics.

His mischievousness makes me smile

Whether he’s chasing his own tail or stubbornly refusing to move until he gets his favourite treat, Peanut fills my home with laughter and love. His playful mischievousness makes me smile, even on the toughest days.

Peanut truly has this special ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.