After helping Jacquelyn grieve the loss of her previous dog, Willow has become a very special part of her life

When I lost my last dog at 13 years old, I thought that my broken heart couldn’t be mended, but then Willow came along and filled it with love and joy.

Willow came along and filled my life with love and joy

She is bonkers but kind, gentle and loves everyone. She has helped many people and other dogs overcome their fear of big dogs, particularly German Shepherds. She’s a great ambassador for larger breeds, and she’s also my best friend.

Unfortunately, she thinks she’s a lap dog! She has no concept of personal space – but I wouldn’t change it for a second.

Ruby and her dog Tony are total opposites – and that makes them the perfect companions

Tony, a scruffy little Brussels Griffon pup, has completely changed my life since I brought him home four months ago. As a visibly physically disabled person, I was always aware of people looking at me when I was out and about, but now it's Tony who gets all the attention – which both he and I love!

He brings a smile to my face

He's given me a reason to get up and out in the morning. He brings a smile to my face every time I look at him, even when he appears with my shoes, socks or even my coat in his mouth, and I cannot imagine life without him.

He's a real 'Velcro' dog and I wouldn't have him anywhere other than right by my side – even when his chosen sleeping place at night is on my head!

Alfie never fails to amaze Alice with his unwavering positivity, despite all he’s been through

Alfie is a 13-year-old Jack Russell and Yorkshire Terrier cross. He’s a ball of energy and positivity despite facing some health challenges. After beating testicular cancer and managing a heart murmur with medication, he still loves to play with his toys and go for short walks.

He never fails to bring a smile to my face

He brings so much joy to my life and he’s a constant reminder of the power of perseverance and happiness, even in tough times. His playful and affectionate nature makes him a pleasure to be around, and he never fails to bring a smile to my face.

He may not be able to run as fast as he used to, but that doesn't stop him from living life to the full every day. Whether snuggling up for a nap, playing with his toys, or just enjoying a quiet stroll, he’s always by my side, spreading love and joy wherever he goes.

Roscoe the hilarious dog is a cherished member of Katrina’s family

We’ve had Roscoe since he was 10 weeks old. He is a bundle of fun and trouble all rolled into one! He’s chewed pretty much everything in my house, but every time I look into his big, brown eyes I can’t stay angry for long.

A bundle of fun and trouble all rolled into one

Throughout lockdown he has kept our family entertained by learning new tricks and just being his happy self. If you’re sad, he comes over and sits on your lap to cheer you up, even though he’s a huge Labrador!

Roscoe is a ball of energy and jumps from the chair to the sofa doing zoomies, knocking over anything and everything in his path. He loves his ball and also enjoys going for a swim. Our dog is a hugely important member of our family, and everyone who meets him wants to keep him.

Ayda is always by Alyson’s side, whether she’s heading to work or healing from an injury

Ayda is an ex-racing Greyhound. During the first COVID lockdown, when there was no Greyhound racing, her trainer put her up for adoption with a local rescue. From the minute I saw her, I knew she was coming home with us.

From the minute I saw her, I knew she was coming home with us

She’s the most gentle dog. I take her to the care home where I work, and everyone loves her. I also volunteer for the small rescue who rehomed her. We stand outside supermarkets raising much-needed funds for them.

Ayda loves people and she’ll draw you in with her eyes, then she’ll lean on you with all her weight. Recently I broke my ankle, and I don't know how I would have coped without her. During the day, she was my only company – and a good listener, too. She means the world to me. She's my best friend and a truly amazing dog.

Not only has Ferdie been a constant support for Clair for many years, but he’s also helped her foster a range of other animals

Ferdie is a very gentle whippet who has helped foster puppies, cats and guinea pigs over the years. He has always been so kind, especially to cats. When a new foster kitten or cat gets introduced to Ferdie, he lets them get used to him in their own time. He doesn’t mind whether they want to leap on him and hold onto his neck, or just cuddle him.

His best friend is Otto – an abused cat who finds people really scary. Otto isn’t good at sitting with other cats, but he loves Ferdie and they often sit in an arm chair together. Ferdie is also very gentle with my guinea pigs, and he’s even helped two puppies, who came from very challenging situations, as we got them ready for their forever home.

He’s helped foster puppies, cats and guinea pigs

In his spare time, Ferdie likes sleeping, sleeping and more sleeping. He can regularly be found buried under a sofa throw, no matter how hot it is. He’s a great companion for me, and if I’m upset, he starts whining because he knows I’m struggling. Then when I lose something, he’s always by my side trying to help me find it.

Ferdie is starting to slow down now and I’m having to deal with the realisation that he may not be here much longer. I don’t think I’ll ever meet another dog like him – he’s a dog in a million.