Victoria gave Ozzy a new home last year, and he’s making each and every day count

Ozzy was surrendered to the vet practice I worked in at 10 months old and needed to be given a second chance. I was hoping to get my first dog since moving out of my family home in summer 2023, but I agreed to take Ozzy on in August 2022 (a year earlier!) and have never looked back.

He is the most intelligent (although he does very often fall off the bed in the middle of the night!), friendly and loving dog I have ever met. He loves coming with me to look after my horse every morning and evening, goes on long walks to lots of different places, and he even went stand up paddle boarding with me the first weekend I had him.

His favourite place to go is the beach, he LOVES going for a swim, a long walk and then finishing with a doggy ice cream. His equal favourite place is in the bed, and at 3am every morning he creeps up from the end of the bed and cuddles up in between me and his dad underneath the duvet. I am new to the county I currently live in, so it has been great fun exploring the countryside with Oz by my side. Our little rescue pup has given us endless fun and I can’t wait for the years ahead with him.

He even went stand up paddle boarding with me the first weekend I had him

Alfie likes to keep his owner Jemima on her toes!

Alfie is a cheeky chappy who is only 12 weeks old. He adds so much value to my life. I’m a nurse, and after a tough day of treating Covid patients, he never fails to greet me at the door with a tail wag.

He adds so much value to my life

On my days off, I take Alfie on outings. Our most recent one was to a pet shop, where he walked out with a toy in his mouth. Luckily, I quickly realised and paid for it!

His love of water must be because he’s a cockapoo. He splashes his paws in his water bowl, digging to get to the bottom, and has recently taken his water obsession even further by climbing into the shower with me!

Ever since he was young, Bonz has spent many happy years roaming the countryside with Tina

Bonz came to us from The Dogs Trust when he was two years old. He’d already been returned twice as he had ‘behavioural problems’. We persuaded the dog psychologist that he would be fine with us, and after a few kennel visits, he was allowed to come home. We were his third rescue home, and he was our third rescue dog.

A very insecure Goldie at first, he cowered at traffic, didn’t trust people and stressed over so many things. But he quickly became the wonderful dog and companion he is today. He would come with me to look after horses and rabbits or walk miles up Welsh mountains and the Kentish downs.

He still looks amazing and has certainly enjoyed life

He learnt to swim after throwing himself in a deep stream where he managed to hook his paw over a branch on the far side of the bank. He was hanging on for dear life and no calling would make him come back, so we waded across and reassured him all was well. He could then swim anywhere!

Plaything fetch and carrying things in his mouth were among his favourite pastimes. The locals would all recognise the Goldie that walked along the lane with a pink Frisbee in his mouth. He would retrieve but wasn’t so keen on ‘drop’!

We may never know his story in those early puppy years, but now in his twilight, he still looks amazing and has certainly enjoyed life. He’s just struggling with his arthritis and the usual old age slowing him down. He has his daily painkillers to help him through, and still enjoys a small throw of his favourite ball and a gentle stroll. Of course, like most Goldies, Bonz enjoys his food and lots of treats. When the time comes, it’ll be hard, but we’ll always do what is right for our dear Bonz.

Through helping her dog Tara to come out of her shell, Sharon has learned how important it is to look after herself

Three years ago, I decided to adopt a rescue dog. Fate led me to a forlorn little puppy who had been saved from a life of cruelty – her name was Tara.

It was a bumpy start. She was totally terrified and barely moved, having been mute the whole 12-hour car journey home. But with time, a lot of patience and unconditional love from me and my two gentle cats, she started to come out of her shell. She took two weeks to bark and it was months before she could sleep on her own, but slowly, her confidence grew and her beautiful fun, cuddly character emerged. She still prefers other animals to humans, but if you give her the time to get to know you, gaining her love and affection is a feeling like no other.

Together, we’ll walk through life

Adopting Tara has changed my life. I have Type 1 diabetes, which brings with it a realm of challenges. By focusing on protecting this vulnerable little pup and working to make her happy, I was distracted from my own dark thoughts. Through her I met fantastic new people in my area and got out and about, spending my days walking in nature instead of hiding at home.

Now we are a team and together, we’ll walk through life, looking out for each other and helping each other to grow. We are both the perfect example of how much good comes from accepting imperfection, and celebrating differences.

Over the past six years, Rex has transformed from a crazy puppy into Emma’s top supporter

If you ever asked someone to describe the perfect dog, they would be describing my Rex. At six years old, he has sadly had multiple surgeries, including the recent removal of a fibrosarcoma from his mouth. Yet he is still the waggiest, most loving boy you could wish to meet.

Rex has dragged me through my darkest days. He’s loved me when I felt like the world didn't care, cuddled with me daily and very generously given us all endless sloppy kisses. He is an excellent big brother to two-year-old Elliott and is incredibly patient with him. He has adapted to his role so much better than I could have ever wished for.

He’s showing us the meaning of true unconditional love, in a way that only a dog can

Rex loves to come out on adventures and holidays with us, and he was even ring bearer at our wedding (although he was wearing a cone of shame with his suit). He was originally nicknamed ‘Shredder’ by my dad as a puppy due to his destructive habits, but his wild ways are no more. However, if there's food on the go, you can still guarantee he’s nearby, in true Labrador form.

To put it simply, Rex is just a joy to be around. He is a positive influence simply by being himself. He’s forever making us all smile and showing us the meaning of true unconditional love, in a way that only a dog can.

Jasper might be a whirlwind of energy, but he was exactly what Ann needed when she got him last year

I recently lost my mum to cancer, and then shortly after I lost my Labrador at 12½ years old. I felt completely lost, so I bought Jasper from a game keeper. He’s a full working black Labrador and he’s completely bonkers. He’s a little rascal who’s full of fun and loves nothing more than to run and swim.

He’s put the smile back on my face after two difficult years

He has been a great companion for me, especially as I have also had a major spinal op and walking is the best exercise for me. He’s put the smile back on my face after two difficult years – we have so much fun together. If I’m having a bad day with my back, he snuggles up to me and rests his head on my shoulder as if to say, “It’s OK mum, I’m here.”

He’s just such an amazing dog. He has the best temperament and is really comical. I never thought I would find another dog as good as my last one, but Jasper is shaping up nicely. He’s really helped me a lot over the past year.