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.

Skye’s impaired hearing doesn’t stop her from living her best life with Alison and her family

Skye is a Border Collie who was born deaf. As she was unable to work the sheep, she was handed over to a shelter as a puppy for rehoming. We have three other rescue Border Collies so we knew she would feel safe with us.

No one notices Skye is deaf – they just see a happy, healthy, loving dog

She was in Northern Ireland at the time, so the adoption agency arranged for her to travel to us in Wales. Sadly, Covid hit and we had to wait seven months until she could travel. But we were so excited when she finally arrived.

Skye is now part of our family, and she makes us laugh every day. Her birthday is 1st January, so it’s always a happy new year. She sleeps on the back of the sofa and regularly falls asleep on her nose. She also understands sign language and loves her twice daily walks through the woods, where she’s able to run free of the lead. No one notices Skye is deaf – they just see a happy, healthy, loving dog.

Millie is everything to Sharon – she gets her out the house, helps her feel safe and steals her socks for good measure

Millie has a very important job to do, which is making me go out on a walk every day. It doesn't matter if it’s raining and cold, or if I'm tired and in pain, Millie needs her walk, and it never fails to make me feel better. Her inbuilt home security system has also enabled me to feel safe and secure in my own home – she may be small, but her bark is mighty!

Welcoming Millie into my life has been the best decision I've ever made

Millie is the ultimate companion dog. She’s affectionate, loves snuggles and enjoys human company. Playing with her and teaching her new tricks keeps us both entertained. I am constantly amazed at how clever she is, and her intelligence means I am always learning new things about dog training.

Millie is also the best stealth sock and loo roll thief in the South West, so there’s never a dull moment with her around. Welcoming Millie into my life has been the best decision I've ever made.

Chester has helped Sarah-Louise and her husband to stay positive in challenging times

Chester is a two-year-old Pomsky. My husband is a doctor and I’m a nurse,and we decided to get Chester when I was having a particularly hard time at work.We had recently moved to Wales and taking Chester out for walks encouraged me to make new friends with other dog owners.

He melts our stress away

I really believe Chester’s constant happiness and endless love saved me from a dark place. After a long day at work, he’ll always greet us with so much excitement. Both my husband and I feel as though he melts our stress away. Our mental wellbeing has improved greatly since having Chester, and so has our fitness, as he loves to be outside and run around.

One of Chester’s favourite hobbies is helping out in the garden. I’ve started creating new boarders and as soon as I get my spade out, he gets his paws ready and digs wherever you’re digging. He’s truly wonderful.

Sprocket quickly became a treasured member of Carla’s family

Sprocket is our first dog. It took us a while to decide whether getting a dog was for us, but it was without a doubt the best decision we have ever made as a family. Sprocket is such a lovely boy – he's a working Cocker Spaniel so is full of energy and enthusiasm for life. He has a wonderful, sweet temperament and wouldn't hurt a fly. He loves his walks and taking him out in the countryside is an absolute joy.

He joins in with everything we do

As we’ve never had a dog before, we didn't realise just how much they become a part of your family. Sprocket plays a huge role in all our lives, and we couldn't bear to be without him. He joins in with everything we do,from kayaking to camping. He is very funny and has mad moments where he zooms around the house. He also likes to do his ‘happy howl’, which wethink is him telling us how much he’s enjoying life.

With Maki by her side, working from home could never be a chore for Meredith

Maki is a Romanian rescue who came over to the UK in January last year. Ifostered him for a few months and instantly fell in love. I knew I’d be working from home for a while, and Maki was a sweet boy who made me laugh and smile every day.

I can see it’s building his confidence

When he first arrived, he was scared of everything and always stuck very close by my side. Now he’s settled he goes to scent training classes, as it’s an activity he can do with little distraction and no other dogs around. He really loves this, and I can see it’s building his confidence.

Maki also has a very mischievous side, and his favourite thing to do is run upstairs and un-make my bed! He usually leaves one of his toys up there, which always gives him away. Having Maki by my side has massively boosted my mental health. He rescued me just as much as I rescued him.