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.

Elissa’s dog Wookie may be small but, she’s bursting with energy!

Our little Yorkie, Wookie, is the light of our lives. Neither of us had ever had a small dog before, and she has been amazing since the day she came home. Wookie is bold, intelligent, and will walk miles whatever the weather. Even as a tiny, eight-week-old ball of fluff, she immediately wanted to play with our three big cats.

Wookie is truly indefatigable

She will happily wade through the mud or jump into cold water for a swim.Once, she tried to climb a tree to go after a squirrel, and she’s even chased a Muntjac deer – although what she thought would happen if she caught it, I don't know!

Wookie truly is indefatigable. I remember when we went to Mortimer Forest for the day. We walked 11 miles, and when we got home Wookie immediately picked up her ball and wanted to play!

She fills our hearts with happiness every day, and there is nothing better than rambling through the woods with her, watching her sniff, explore andrummage through the hedgerows. It was such a joy to be able to include her in our wedding, back in 2001. She was our ring bearer, and she stole the hearts of everyone there.

When Tina first laid eyes on Teddy Bear, she knew he would be a friend for life. From Canada to the UK, they’re always there for each other.

While living in Canada in 2014, we visited an event called Bark in the Park and came across Teddy Bear who was offered for adoption. He melted my heart and as my husband worked away from home, knew he would be the perfect company for my son and I. He came home with us that day and we have never regretted it for a moment.

He joined our family and immediately became boss. His nickname was ‘Houdini’ as he managed to escape out of four crates – let's just say it was his way of telling us he hated to be penned in.

In 2016 we decided to move back to the UK and flew Teddy back on the same flight with us. We could never have left him behind.

He melted my heart

He's a big dog, German Shepherd and Husky cross. It took him some time to adjust to the new urban lifestyle as he missed the snow, but with lots of fuss from family he soon became a member of their family too. Teddy loves being outside so we taught him to ring a bell with his nose when he wants to go out – and yes, he rings them all the time!

His favourite thing to do is play ball. He’s a very clever pooch and loves to talk when he wants attention and cuddles. He also loves to be bushed and will just sit there all day wanting to be petted, brushed or massaged.

He also has a quirky one ear up and one ear down so always looks cute. As my husband works away Monday to Friday Teddy has become my main companion. My working life revolves around Teddy to ensure he is not left alone too long. He is my youngest baby and my best friend.

At the grand old age of 10, Joey has shown owner Julie that he’s strong, resilient and a real fighter

A few months ago, Joey collapsed and lost the use of his back legs. The vet said it was a stroke and that it was time to say goodbye.

His determination and zest for life is a lesson and a tonic

Joey, however, had other plans. After a few days, he began to move his back legs again. Then, after a week, he was weight bearing, which is quite a task for a 36kg Greyhound. Now, he can freely run and play.

His determination and zest for life is a lesson and a tonic for me every single day. He brings such happiness to our lives.

Rescue pup Holly has come a long way since meeting owner Jill – and the best is yet to come

We were devastated by the loss of our previous dog last December, but in February we spotted Holly on a RSPCA website.

At seven months old she had never lived in a home and was very nervous. She was challenging at first, but very loving.

Holly has won over plenty of new friends

Holly has changed our lives, giving us a reason to get up in the morning and exercise regularly.

She’s energetic and fun-loving, but still a little shy when it comes to meeting new people and is occasionally spooked by new experiences.

Holly has won over plenty of new friends in the village, as they’ve witnessed her grow from a timid pup to a lovely, confident dog. We are looking forward to sharing many happy years with her!

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.