Whether Pickle’s chasing, cuddling or finishing ice creams, owner Stephanie finds she’s always a pleasure to be around

We’ve had Pickle since she was two years old, when another family decided they no longer wanted her.

Our youngest daughter had been suffering from mental health issues for several years and persuaded us that a therapy dog would really help her move forward in a positive way.

She brings great joy to our lives

In actual fact, Pickle has been a blessing to the entire family. From daily dog walks, chasing squirrels and learning new tricks, to constant cuddles, making us smile and finishing our ice creams, she brings great joy to our lives.

Pickle has saved our family and helped us navigate difficult times. We cannot imagine life without our gorgeous furry friend, and we love her to the moon and back.

Pablo gave his owner, Traci, a reason to smile when she was feeling low

Pablo originally lived in Gran Canaria. He came over to England in November 2019 and went to live with a foster mum in Sheffield through a charity called Pet Pals GC. Around this time, our beloved border collie, Barney, had been diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma and we were told he wouldn’t make it to Christmas. We sadly lost Barney in December and our hearts were truly shattered.

I was sad, but I also I knew I had the room in my heart to look after another dog. We’ve always had big dogs, but I had recently been diagnosed with arthritis in my spine and knees, so I felt a smaller breed would better fit the bill. I came across Pablo while browsing animal charities online and arranged to go and visit him in Sheffield the following week.

As soon as I met him, I could feel my heart melting

As soon as I met him, I could feel my heart mending a little bit, as he sat straight on my lap and covered me in kisses. A couple of weeks after taking Pablo home, we went into lockdown. We’d go out for walks every day around the golf course, where Pablo loves playing in the sand bunkers.

He makes us laugh and smile every single day. I still miss my Barney boy, but my heart is now full of love again thanks to our little Spanish street dog.

When Dawn adopted her rescue dog Katsi, Rapha was great at helping her adjust to life in a happy home

My Rapha is a very well-behaved Cockapoo. He’s also my therapist who has helped me through the toughest times!

Fifteen months ago, I decided to rescue my other dog, Katsi. She’d been chained up and had three pups with her, who are all also in good homes now. I saw the advert on Facebook but wasn’t interested in the pups, as Rapha was already six and it’s a big age gap! I knew he would be better with an adult dog, and long story short, he welcomed her with open paws, even though she was terrified at first. Now, they’re besties and share my bed with mutual respect for each other.

Rapha is kind even though he’s been attacked several times. The last time was nasty, as both dogs were on lead and the other owner got dragged over to us – she couldn’t stop her very large dog! Now, he’s understandably cautious of other dogs when he’s on his lead, so he growls a little. Off lead, there’s no problem. He’s just a friendly, loving little boy who loves life.

He’s just a friendly, loving little boy who loves life

I love walking and so do Rapha and Katsi. We often go on walking holidays together. Rapha loves a café or pub on our walks. He’ll drag me in if he thinks it’s time for a snack. At home, when I’ve been out, he runs up to greet me with a shoe, toy or even his bed in his mouth as a gift and he wiggles so much. He’ll panic if he can’t find something to give me!

He’s loving, caring, and a loyal best friend to both me and Katsi. He’s definitely shown her how to be a pet and how to play. We’re working on trust still, but we’re getting there. She trusts him, me and a handful of other people. She also looks to him for guidance as he’s a great role model.

He doesn’t like to wear a coat when it’s wet and will sit and refuse to move until it’s removed. In lockdown, my daughter started making dog accessories to fill the time, and he was the model! He really is a first-class dog in every way.

Not only has Alfie been an important part of Emily’s life since she was nine, but he’s also been an ongoing source of support for her grandad

We got Alfie as a rescue puppy when he was eight weeks old and I was nine years old. He has grown up with us through all the big life moments. He is such a caring and insightful little man who is always aware of how everyone is feeling. If someone is sad or unwell, he will sneak over with his waggy tail to be cuddled.

Alfie has had a massive impact on my grandad's quality of life

Most importantly, Alfie has had a massive impact on my grandad's quality of life. Alfie stays with my grandparents for some of the week due to my mum's work schedule. My grandad, who is in his 90s, keeps active by taking Alfie for walks on the days that they’re together.

They have such a lovely bond. My grandad even has a framed photograph of Alfie next to his bed, but none of the rest of the family! When they are together, Alfie follows him around everywhere until my grandad sits in his chair. Then Alfie will snuggle in between him and the arm of the chair and lay his paw on my grandad's knee while they both have a snooze.

Ella has grown up to be a friendly and funny dog – offering lots of love and support to owner Ros and her family throughout tough times

Well, what can I say? Getting Ella three years ago was one of the best things we’ve ever done.

I guess we were a little sad, having just come through chemotherapy and a breast cancer diagnosis that had come out of the blue. At the same time, we were just emerging from Covid-19, too.

From the moment Ella joined our family, she was a ray of joy! From a fluffy, bitey puppy to the energetic, healthy dog she has become, she’s been a constant companion to the children and to us.

If one of the children is upset, she throws herself at their side to give them comfort

She gives us so much love and you can hear her tail thumping as soon as we enter the room. She’s so funny when she attacks her carrot – tossing it high in the air, snarling and barking at it. Ella’s also obsessed with looking out the upstairs window so she can shout (or rather, bark) when one of her dog friends walks by.

She seems to understand so much. For example, if one of the children is upset, she throws herself at their side to give them comfort. She’s brought so much happiness into our lives and we would never be without her.

Peanut the Pomeranian suffered from health issues due to his tiny size, but that hasn’t stopped him from keeping Julii on her toes with his antics

Peanut is a Pomeranian who was imported in early 2019, and seized at Dover as he was suspected of being underage and was very poorly, weighing just 0.7kg.

He went to Dogs Trust and received veterinary care, but his importer decided not to claim him, so he was put up for adoption. We went to meet him and decided to adopt him. But two days before I was due to collect him, he collapsed and was found having a seizure in his kennel.

He likes to practice Parkour whenever he sees a chance

He then spent several weeks at vets across Kent where he was tested for everything and finally diagnosed with Toy Dog hypoglycaemia. We fostered him and eventually signed the adoption papers in April 2019.

Peanut is tiny. He weighs 2.6kg, has a massive coat and likes to practice Parkour whenever he sees a chance. He’s already had to go to the emergency vets following a fall from a windowsill and a coffee table (twice!).

He is cheeky and a proper handful to train. He flies at the TV if they dare to put an animal on it and he is very high maintenance. But he is also very loving, he likes to be read a story (he tends to join in with his own comments!) and he has a wicked sense of humour. I can’t imagine life without him.