Mickey was unlucky with his previous owners, but he’s found his forever home with Annamaria

Mickey didn’t have a great start in life. Not only was he abandoned by his first owner and kept at the shelter for 18 months, but when he was eventually adopted, he was returned after a few days for being too boisterous.

Mickey is very lively

Since we adopted him 10 years ago, we’ve found that Mickey is very lively and loves playtime, snacks and spending time with his human and doggy friends. He also enjoys walking, bringing us his favourite toys at any given moment and foraging for berries (and has an acquired taste for only picking the ripe ones!).

Over the past six years, Rex has transformed from a crazy puppy into Emma’s top supporter

If you ever asked someone to describe the perfect dog, they would be describing my Rex. At six years old, he has sadly had multiple surgeries, including the recent removal of a fibrosarcoma from his mouth. Yet he is still the waggiest, most loving boy you could wish to meet.

Rex has dragged me through my darkest days. He’s loved me when I felt like the world didn't care, cuddled with me daily and very generously given us all endless sloppy kisses. He is an excellent big brother to two-year-old Elliott and is incredibly patient with him. He has adapted to his role so much better than I could have ever wished for.

He’s showing us the meaning of true unconditional love, in a way that only a dog can

Rex loves to come out on adventures and holidays with us, and he was even ring bearer at our wedding (although he was wearing a cone of shame with his suit). He was originally nicknamed ‘Shredder’ by my dad as a puppy due to his destructive habits, but his wild ways are no more. However, if there's food on the go, you can still guarantee he’s nearby, in true Labrador form.

To put it simply, Rex is just a joy to be around. He is a positive influence simply by being himself. He’s forever making us all smile and showing us the meaning of true unconditional love, in a way that only a dog can.

Whether she’s stealing tea towels or picking up things they drop, Zayat is always making Mandy and her family laugh with her cheeky antics

Zayat is such a character. She does so many funny things, and always makes us laugh. She’s also very clever, so if we drop anything, even if it’s tiny, she’ll find it, put it between her lips and look at us. Then we’ll ask her ‘what’ve you got?’, and she finally spits it out so we can see what it is.

We call her the phantom tea towel snatcher

We can hide anything, say ‘go find it’ and she would sniff it out. She often understands what we’re saying, so she knows people by name, and can read our body language. If we need cheering up, Zayat will always make us feel better.

She loves to take our socks off and our hats. We call her the phantom tea towel snatcher as she will steal the tea towel at any opportunity. We don't even realise she’s taken it as she does it so craftily, then she runs off with it so proudly. Life would be very dull without Zayat – she’s a one off!

Madge has become Ruth’s constant companion as she travels all over the UK for her photography project

Madge is quite simply my heart and soul. We understand each other on a level that cannot be described, and she is my constant shadow and best friend.

I have a photography project where I travel around the UK photographing the UK’s rare breeds of ponies. Madge accompanied me on a major expedition to the Outer Hebrides and the Highlands of Scotland. It was just us, meeting wonderful people along the way, and she was that piece of home when it started to feel lonely.

We understand each other on a level that cannot be described

We even went to Snowdonia in Wales on our own, when I wanted to get away from the world and just be with her surrounded by the hills and wildlife.

We also love visiting the sea, where we are starting to paddle board. The first day, when I put the board in the water and went to get on (having never been on before), Madge was at my side with her paw on the board ready to join me. She soon jumped on when I set off and we learned to balance together – she pays close attention to my movements so she knows which way we are going.

Madge loves to be with her family. She always greets me with an excited wag and wants to be cuddled immediately. She loves to do tricks, especially if there is a play or treat involved after. She always knows when I need her to be with me, and she is able to help me relax and de-stress. She is simply perfect and what she means to me cannot be summarised in a paragraph.

Pixie is the perfect companion for her owner Rebecca

Pixie is one of a kind.

She’s the best friend I could ask for

In fact, she’s more cat than dog. She loves nothing more than spending her days stretching out in the sunshine, relaxing or prowling around the garden. But, when it comes to bedtime, all she wants is a cuddle! She’s the best friend I could ask for.

Kelly wasn’t sure she was ready for another dog – that is, until Charlie bounded into her life.

Charlie came into our lives unexpectedly, after a text came through from a family member who knew how upset I was after losing my dog Bella. Lockdown was tough enough and without my sidekick, I was struggling.

Cute and cheeky Charlie

A change of circumstances meant Charlie faced the prospect of going back to the kennels, which was unideal seeing as he’d been through rescue centre twice already. He came for a visit one Friday night, just for a trial run – and he hasn't left since!

Initially we didn’t feel ready for another dog, but as soon as we saw him, we knew instantly that cute and cheeky Charlie was meant to be a part of our family. He’s so full of love and character, and such a happy dog.