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.

Merlin may not be an official assistance dog, but he goes above and beyond for Fiona every single day

Merlin is a very friendly and good-natured Black Labrador. He’s also extremely helpful, and likes to assist his Aunt Scatty (our neighbour) clean out the stable. He follows her up and down the paddock whenever she’s going to the trailer, keen to be of use in any way he can.

As my unofficial assistance dog, Merlin helps my husband Darren care for me. He fetches him when he thinks I need a hand and always looks after me when I fall. He loves to be there for me, picking up things when I drop them and carrying my stuff around the house.

Merlin is my companion and my best friend

My medical problems and disabilities mean that I spend a lot of time resting and confined to my bed. You can always find Merlin curled up on the end, keeping me company. Sometimes, he shares the role with Sammy the cat so he can have a break. Merlin is my companion and my best friend. Most importantly, he knows when I’m upset and always gives me extra kisses and cuddles to make me feel better.

Darren is diabetic, and so Merlin likes to look after him too. He’s quicker than we are to pick up on his low blood sugar, and always knows when Darren needs his medicine – often, he’s the one reminding me!

Merlin is very caring and affectionate, but he can also be a little scamp. He loves putting his cold nose in your ear and trying to give you a bath. He also likes to lend a paw whenever he can, and can often be found helping out with DIY jobs around the house. When he’s not assisting us in our day-to-day lives, Merlin enjoys running around outside and playing with his favourite toy, Bertie Bunny.

Buzz Lightyear has majorly improved Larissa’s quality of life, and she loves him to infinity and beyond.

I adopted Buzz Lightyear when he was a puppy. He has become an amazing therapy dog, who has helped improve my mental health. He has helped me with living on my own independently, and I couldn’t go a day without him by my side.

He has improved my life drastically

He loves a good run around, and if you throw a ball that’s his favourite thing to do. He loves the outside, and although it’s difficult for me to sometimes get about because of my MS, he relaxes my state of mind with that smile on his face.

He has improved my life drastically and I love him so much. I can live independently and do as I wish, as I know I have him to help me along the way. He is the best dog, always friendly, energetic, full of personality and there to cheer me up when I am not in a good place. I couldn’t wish for a better companion, I adore him. Whoever you are Buzz will always greet you with a smile — he is just one happy, loving dog.

Abby started out as a sick stray puppy who feared almost everything, but Jane has fought to help her bounce back

Abby is a rescue dog from Spain who was very thin, had a digestive problem and didn’t know how to play with a ball. She was also terrified of most things, including umbrellas, lunchboxes and motorbikes.

A year on, we’ve not only got her health under control with a special diet, but she’s confident, happy and makes us laugh (when she’s not chewing my swimming costume).

She’s a wonderful addition to our life

Abby is very sociable and loves to play in the park, although she doesn’t always bring the ball back to us! The customers in our shop adore her, too, and she really cheered us up after the death of our previous dog. She has such a lovely nature and is a wonderful addition to our life.

Thanks to owner Claire, Arlo is a small dog that will help make a big impact when he’s older

Arlo is a beautiful four-month-old pup who was part of a litter of 10. They thought mummy dog had finished after nine, but out popped the runt, Arlo!

But out popped the runt, Arlo!

I’m currently training him to be an assistance dog with help and support from our local charity, Ability Dogs 4 Young People.

Mark’s dog Dobby has many quirky habits that bring his family endless joy

Dobby is a Whippet and Italian greyhound cross who always makes us laugh. He enjoys stealing people’s socks, running very fast around Chesterracecourse and pinching our toast, but what he loves most is climbing intothe basket of warm washing after it has been tumble dried.

He enjoys stealing people’s socks

He has made a real difference to our family life during the pandemic. My daughter has always wanted a dog and he has provided her so much comfort over the last six months, helping her to get out and exercise and stay positive. He can be a little over enthusiastic at times, but that’s just part of his charm.