After helping Sarah recover from the loss of her first pup, Yogi is now supporting his local community as well

Yogi Bear brings light and love into our lives. We had a puppy before him, who was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition – we looked after him until the end. Then Yogi healed our scars.

Yogi healed our scars

I soon realised he was incredibly sociable, and people loved him. I started taking him to the care home that backs onto our garden. Some of the patients never speak, but they can all say ‘Yogi’!

He also visits a local nursery, and the kids LOVE him. You always want to give back to the community, and Yogi is my faithful pup helping me do that. He’s my shadow, so kind and gentle. But if you drive an Amazon van, he suddenly thinks he’s a Doberman!

Madge has become Ruth’s constant companion as she travels all over the UK for her photography project

Madge is quite simply my heart and soul. We understand each other on a level that cannot be described, and she is my constant shadow and best friend.

I have a photography project where I travel around the UK photographing the UK’s rare breeds of ponies. Madge accompanied me on a major expedition to the Outer Hebrides and the Highlands of Scotland. It was just us, meeting wonderful people along the way, and she was that piece of home when it started to feel lonely.

We understand each other on a level that cannot be described

We even went to Snowdonia in Wales on our own, when I wanted to get away from the world and just be with her surrounded by the hills and wildlife.

We also love visiting the sea, where we are starting to paddle board. The first day, when I put the board in the water and went to get on (having never been on before), Madge was at my side with her paw on the board ready to join me. She soon jumped on when I set off and we learned to balance together – she pays close attention to my movements so she knows which way we are going.

Madge loves to be with her family. She always greets me with an excited wag and wants to be cuddled immediately. She loves to do tricks, especially if there is a play or treat involved after. She always knows when I need her to be with me, and she is able to help me relax and de-stress. She is simply perfect and what she means to me cannot be summarised in a paragraph.

Josie will always be grateful to Dash for helping to bring purpose to her days

I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression since my teenage years, and over lockdown, I was in a really bad place. My fiancé and I had talked about getting a dog since we met, and after buying our first home last year, we decided that the time was finally right – enter Dash.

He is such a blessing. I’ve never known a dog as affectionate as he is! He’s obsessed with giving us cuddles and kisses, and always seems to know when I’m struggling. He gives my days a structure and fills them with light.

He gives my days a structure and fills them with light

I get up in the morning because I know I have to feed him, and I look forward to playing with him on our daily walks, which bring me such joy. Getting out of the house and exercising in the fresh air is good for both of us. I was crippled by my anxiety before and wouldn’t even leave the house, but Dash has given me a purpose and now I look forward to exploring new places together.

Dash absolutely loves playing, especially fetch with his favourite ball, or a game of tug. He’s never happier than when the three of us are out in the garden together, and I love seeing his tail wag as he bunny hops through the grass.

Lockdown has been tough on Barbara, but Jester’s love and personality are just what she needs to get through.

Jester is just three months old but has already made a big difference to my life. I was widowed suddenly last year and I am classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, so found the first lockdown very hard. My daughter and family did all they could but obviously cannot be here 24/7.

He has already made a big difference to my life

This lockdown is hard, but I have a purpose: woken at 6.30am, puppy training, regular meals, games and enforced rest whilst he sleeps – usually on me, given the chance!

He may not be able to talk but he cocks his head and listens, probably thinking ‘is she going mad?!’ Help in the garden involves digging, pulling trailing plants, collecting and dispersing fallen apples.

Anita and her husband were finally able to get Molly once they retired, and they haven’t looked back!

Both my husband and I retired and decided we would get our longed-for fur baby now that we had time. Molly is an absolute joy. She loves everyone. Her best times are when any of our 13 grandchildren are around. She is in heaven playing games and giving lots of cuddles.

She is in heaven playing games and giving lots of cuddles

She is so loving and generates happiness! She loves being outdoors and greets everyone and everything with gusto. Her favourite outdoor time is chasing her ball. She always gets attention because she is so friendly.

Many people say she cheers them up as she so obviously loves life and loves being cuddled. She is very mischievous and funny and always keeps us on our toes. I never thought having a dog would be this rewarding.

Sandra will be forever grateful to her dog Maxi, who gave her daughter Ella a reason to smile again

Maxi became a member of our family when she was just six months old. We’d decided to get a dog as my daughter Ella was being bullied at school, and as an only child we knew she needed a new type of best friend. We found Maxi in a rescue centre. She was gentle and adorable with Ella from the moment they met, and so full of fun. The way Ella’s facelights up whenever she sees Maxi brings us endless joy.

She was gentle and adorable with Ella

Maxi loves food, especially roast chicken, but she also grazes the grass like a sheep. She is a dream off the lead, and although she’s friendly with all the other dogs and people she meets, she sees squirrels and are cats as her nemesis! She came into our lives at a perfect time, and we all love her to pieces. She helped Ella’s confidence to grow, and for that we will always be grateful.