Not only has Alfie been an important part of Emily’s life since she was nine, but he’s also been an ongoing source of support for her grandad

We got Alfie as a rescue puppy when he was eight weeks old and I was nine years old. He has grown up with us through all the big life moments. He is such a caring and insightful little man who is always aware of how everyone is feeling. If someone is sad or unwell, he will sneak over with his waggy tail to be cuddled.

Alfie has had a massive impact on my grandad's quality of life

Most importantly, Alfie has had a massive impact on my grandad's quality of life. Alfie stays with my grandparents for some of the week due to my mum's work schedule. My grandad, who is in his 90s, keeps active by taking Alfie for walks on the days that they’re together.

They have such a lovely bond. My grandad even has a framed photograph of Alfie next to his bed, but none of the rest of the family! When they are together, Alfie follows him around everywhere until my grandad sits in his chair. Then Alfie will snuggle in between him and the arm of the chair and lay his paw on my grandad's knee while they both have a snooze.

Alexandra knew that getting a dog might help her, but she could never have predicted how much joy and companionship Freddie would offer

Freddie has saved me. I suffer with anxiety and panic attacks, which got particularly bad last year. I knew getting a dog wouldn’t ‘fix’ me but I also knew that for some people, having a dog can be a source of comfort.

It’s safe to say Freddie has been my saviour – he truly lights up my world every single day. He’s got such a big personality that everyone always comments on how ‘human’ he is.

Freddie has been my saviour

Freddie likes to chat, so he’ll howl at me whenever I talk to him. Every morning and every time I come home after being out, he makes this cute little growl – I’m sure it’s his way of telling me he loves me.

After Sam sadly lost his previous owner, Nicola made the decision to take him in and give him the best life possible

I met Sam the Sheltie when I was in care. His owner, a lady called Olive, had a terminal brain tumour. Sam was 12 then and Olive decided that she would give Sam to Dogs Trust for rehoming. When I heard this story, it broke my heart.

I promised I would give him the best life

Let me tell you a bit about the relationship between Olive and Sam. Olive never had children and always had dogs as her babies. Sam wouldn’t leave Olive’s side when she was ill. He knew something was wrong and he would always be at her feet. When Olive was unable to stand anymore and was confined to a bed, he would lay at the bottom of the bed with one paw touching her.

I just couldn’t bear Sam losing his mum, his everything, and then being locked in a cage, confused and scared. So, I made the decision to take Sam in and promised I would give him the best life. Here we are five years later, still loving a walk, and the other dogs always show us so much love.

Gemma’s career has progressed in leaps and bounds since Lola came into her life

Lola was our first dog and from the moment we brought her home she had such a positive impact on our lives. She is such a loving, kind soul who loves cuddles and anything that pops, including balloons and party poppers – but her absolute favourite is bubble wrap! She also loves being chased around the garden at 10pm because she won’t come inside!

She led me to find my dream job as a puppy supervisor

I started to research dog behaviour when she was having some issues with other dogs, and it has now led me to find my dream job as a puppy supervisor at a dog day-care. I have gained so much knowledge and experience because of her.

I now have four dogs and they have each led me onto something more to progress my career and involvement in the dog world. I have gained some incredible friends through my dogs, but it all started with my beautiful Lola. I will always be in her debt for the way she has impacted my life.

As long as Jennifer has Alfie by her side, she can get through anything

I got Alfie during the pandemic as I live alone and wanted some companionship. Because of all the lockdowns, I barely left the house and my mood was constantly low.

I had been saving for a dog for a while but with the prices jumping up I couldn't find any I could afford. I randomly found an advert for Alfie and managed to be the first person to get in contact – it was clearly meant to be. He has brought so much happiness into my life and is helping me to get out of the house and interacting with people again.

He has brought me so much happiness

Since getting Alfie, I have been focusing on his training, which has given me something to do while spending all this time at home. He has made such a massive difference to my mood and quality of life. I honestly don't know what I would do without him.

Luna has returned joy and exercise to the lives of Sasha and partner

We adopted Luna as a puppy from our local Dogs Trust in June 2021. She has completely changed our world for the better. My partner suffers with PTSD and having Luna in our lives has made the dark days bright. She gives us purpose, companionship, a reason to do more physical activity and of course, lots of laughter.

She’s made the dark days bright

Luna enjoys most things, but she especially loves swimming and playing football. On her walks she will always collect any plastic bottles she finds and carries them home to be put in the recycling bin.

She's so full of character and does a great job at an eye roll if you’re saying something uninteresting!