Poppy the cockapoo and her owner Victoria share such a special bond

Poppy is a puppy farm rescue dog with a lot of physical and behavioural issues. Although she’s a bit crackers, that’s what makes us best friends. She’s the best secret keeper, hill walker and sofa snuggler on cold winter days – I’m so grateful to have her in my life.

Poppy never judges me. She just listens and loves me unconditionally

From injuries, surgeries and sickness to friendships, relationships, new jobs, holidays, and adventures, we’ve been through so much together. Poppy never judges me. She just listens and loves me unconditionally, and I love her more than I ever realised was possible – I don’t know where I’d be without her.

Lucia makes every day brighter for Holly, whether she’s making her laugh or comforting her baby daughter

Lucia makes us laugh every day – she’s an entertainer with such a unique personality. She’s even learned to ring a bell! She’s cheeky but also so loving, greeting anyone she meets with a wholehearted cuddle.

We welcomed a daughter last year and Lucia loves her. She’ll lick the baby’s feet and try to comfort her when she’s crying. She loves all people and dogs and thoroughly enjoys going anywhere.

We are always having to stop on walks for Lucia’s meet and greets with the public. We really would be lost without her and she’s a very big part of our family.

She makes us laugh every day

Rescue dog Thor has shown Laura just how important compassion is

Thor is our larger-than-life bundle of joy. We rescued him when he was around six months old. He’s been through a lot, but the loyalty, trust and love that he gives us has changed the way I think and behave, and he even encourages me to be more compassionate towards others.

He’s also taught me to laugh more

Having Thor has made me realise that forgiveness can be comforting, and companionship is important. He’s also taught me to laugh more, especially when he plays chase with other dogs (not many can keep up with him!) and when he loses his beloved tennis balls in the sand at the beach.

He’s so funny in many ways, like how he knows exactly when it’s 8pm, which is his treat time. He always comes and puts his head and paw on your lap, looking up at you with those big eyes. It’s impossible to resist!

Even when Alyson’s illness stopped her from going outside, she was never truly alone thanks to Dru

Dru was a rescue dog. Like so many, she had a sad beginning and was frightened of the world around her. It took her a while to trust us, and she still will only eat if we are with her, so she feels safe.

In 2019, I became very unwell and Dru changed. She was a lot more cuddly and spent a lot of time with me, even though she usually prefers the men in the house. It turned out I was VERY ill. So, just before the world went into lockdown, I had to have a kidney removed and a course of treatment for cancer.

I believe angels don't have wings, they have a tail and a wet nose

I wasn’t allowed to go anywhere as I was so unwell and vulnerable, and no one else could come in. I spent so much time indoors, only seeing outside through windows. But Dru never left my side, except for her twice daily walks and the odd wee break, or to bark at anyone that seemed to come too near her mum. I suffered badly both physically and mentally but bit by bit I got stronger, largely thanks to my husband and my girl Dru.

When I was allowed out, I didn't want to leave as I'd been shut away for so long. One day Dru was getting ready for her walk with my husband, and he said, ‘should we take mum?’ Dru ran up to me and sat down unmoving, waiting for me. It was only a small walk, but it was as much a part of my recovery as any medication.

We all know how wonderful dogs are, but sometimes I believe angels don't have wings, they have a tail and a wet nose.

Raven’s dog Pixie might be getting older, but she’s still got the same zest for life she’s had since she was a puppy

Pixie is a feisty, scruffy little black Border Terrier Miniature Poodle cross. Her well-earned nickname as a puppy was Taz, after the Tasmanian Devil, as she was a whirlwind of destruction. Keeping her well plied with toys saved our own toys and furniture!

Pixie has only ever known love and comfort

She’s a very sweet little dog, who loves everybody, even the family cat. Despite being 15 years old, she’s still very agile and lively with no stiffness. She still loves her favourite toy – a squeaky, startled baked potato that she’s had since she was a puppy.

Pixie has only ever known love and comfort, and she’s a great snuggler at night. She’s family.

When things were tough, Max helped Emma to see the sunshine in every day

Max first came to us as an emergency foster from a shelter in Spain. We immediately fell in love with him and completed the adoption process soon after.

My physical and mental wellbeing started to improve

During lockdown, I was furloughed and then made redundant. Max got us out of the house as we walked to local beauty spots every day, and I found that both my physical and mental wellbeing started to improve. Now, we enjoy travelling further afield visiting National Trust sites, nature reserves and pretty places all over Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

We are so lucky to have found Max and welcomed him to our family. Being out in nature on walks has made a big difference to our lives – I’m hoping to start a blog featuring all our dog-friendly walks, so others can share in the joy of dog ownership and enjoying the great outdoors.