Though Nikka has lost her sight, Julie is constantly amazed by her fearless approach to life

Nikka is a 10-year-old yellow Labrador. We’ve had her in our family for three years, as her last owner passed away. She’s since developed cataracts and she’s now completely blind. My other Labrador, Bentley, also 10, is very protective of her, and they are great friends.

Despite her lack of sight, Nikka is so fearless. She has marvellous senses and is ball crazy. She listens for the bounce and then sets off to find it. Nothing stops her. If you let her off the lead, she sets off with no hesitation.

We have set words like ‘up’ for a step or pavement and ‘tree’. She has bad arthritis in her front paws, and they must be painful, but she never shows it.

Nikka knows that I’ll always be there for her, and she follows me everywhere. People are amazed at her resilience. She’s such a happy girl, with her tail always wagging. Both Nikka and Bentley are my world, but Nikka is my brave, loving girl.

People are amazed at her resilience

Jennifer’s daughter was really struggling after she had to leave school due to her autism – but that all changed when Willow came along

My daughter, now 15, has been home-schooled since she was 11. For a little context, she has autism, so secondary school really took a toll on her mental health. The constant overstimulation would leave her tired for days on end. Eventually she couldn't continue at the school, so we had to take her out.

About a year ago, things were getting quite bad. She was barely showering or cleaning herself, she wasn’t leaving the house due to rising anxiety, and she really wasn’t the happy little girl I know and love. She’s always had a connection with animals, and her love for them has been a coping mechanism, so we got her Willow.

We’re currently planning to get her trained to be an assistance dog for my daughter

To say this bettered her life is a massive understatement. Willow is a playful pooch. She’ll bring you a toy anytime to try to get you to play. She loves to play tug with anything. She likes it when we sit on the floor and throw dog biscuits for her to chase and eat. She also enjoys bringing us bones to hold while she chews them – it's often stinky, but it's how she bonds, and we love her for it! She also loves her cuddles, so she’ll curl up on our laps and sleep whenever possible.

Having the extra responsibility of this fluffball in my daughter’s life has helped tremendously. She now leaves the house to walk her, she comes out of her room more to spend time with Willow, and she’s even more confident talking to people with Willow nearby! We’re currently planning to get her trained to be an assistance dog for my daughter. She’s the little superhero we needed.

Alfred is an empathetic dog and a loyal companion, especially to Julia’s daughter – and his quirks just make him all the more loveable!

Alfred is a Weimararner. He gets really anxious if he is left alone and is a very much-loved part of our family. We have a daughter with autism and Alf is her companion and helper, who always seems to sense and know when he needs to be with her and when she needs him. He is also my husband’s personal trainer, getting him outdoors and exercising.

Alf has some strange habits

Alf has some strange habits – he likes to sleep across the arms of two sofas, or if he’s on the sofa then he sleeps with all four legs in the air! He loves the freedom to run around the Dorset meadows at the end of the lane that we live on and is a happy chap with our two cats and always greets them by licking them.

He is such a handsome boy that people always comment on him when he is out and about. He is playful and has a box of toys, his favourite being Gilbert the sloth! He has a favourite kennel, which is in Turnpike in Motcombe Dorset and all the kennel workers love him! He like to ride in my car in the front seat, especially in the Summer with the top down and the wind blowing in his ears!

Freddie loves to work and play, making him an all-round star in Charlotte’s eyes

This is my lovely boy, Freddie. He's a Labradoodle and I've had him since he was a puppy.

Freddie is a therapy dog and works mainly with further education students (16-25-year-olds). He has the best temperament you could hope for, and the students love seeing him! This week, he’s been very busy helping to calm those last-minute exam nerves.

He’s made an impact on so many people’s lives

When he's not working, he's just an amazing pet. He loves other animals and especially loves playing with other dogs (Labradors are his favourite). His guilty pleasure is finding something smelly to roll in and we frequently need a quick shower after a walk in the park!

He’s great company, so well behaved, and gets to go out on lots of nice day trips to visit dog-friendly places. He's made such an impact on so many people's lives – he really doesn't know how special he is!

Maximus has made his owner Louise so proud, by helping to care for her poorly sister and offering everyone never-ending affection.

Maximus is a 7-year-old German Shepherd, a gentle giant with a heart of gold.

We are so proud of him!

Over the lockdown period we have had to care for my sister, who is currently receiving chemotherapy for bowel cancer. I can honestly say that Maximus has been like a magnet to her. On chemotherapy days he waits for her to return, and then doesn’t leave her side once she’s home. He has amazed us all and we are so proud of him!

He is a delightful boy, and is obviously very sensitive to how people are feeling. We love him dearly.

Everyone needs someone to remind them that life is full of little joys, and that’s exactly what Vali does for Julia.

My boy has had a hugely positive influence in my life. I’d already owned two dogs before I got him last November. I sadly lost one in January and getting Vali helped me to deal with my grief.

A hugely positive influence in my life

During these recent tough months, he’s been my reason to go out each day. I love photography and he’s inspired me to get back out into the world and pursue my passion, since he enjoys coming with me.

Vali is an amazing dog – he is very sweet-natured and a bit of a clown, so he keeps me smiling and laughing each day.