Alfred is an empathetic dog and a loyal companion, especially to Julia’s daughter – and his quirks just make him all the more loveable!

Alfred is a Weimararner. He gets really anxious if he is left alone and is a very much-loved part of our family. We have a daughter with autism and Alf is her companion and helper, who always seems to sense and know when he needs to be with her and when she needs him. He is also my husband’s personal trainer, getting him outdoors and exercising.

Alf has some strange habits

Alf has some strange habits – he likes to sleep across the arms of two sofas, or if he’s on the sofa then he sleeps with all four legs in the air! He loves the freedom to run around the Dorset meadows at the end of the lane that we live on and is a happy chap with our two cats and always greets them by licking them.

He is such a handsome boy that people always comment on him when he is out and about. He is playful and has a box of toys, his favourite being Gilbert the sloth! He has a favourite kennel, which is in Turnpike in Motcombe Dorset and all the kennel workers love him! He like to ride in my car in the front seat, especially in the Summer with the top down and the wind blowing in his ears!

After Keegan supported Julie through her own ill health, she knew he was the perfect candidate to become a qualified therapy dog

Keegan is a ten-year-old West Highland White Terrier. In 2017, I had to take ill health retirement after 38 years of working for the NHS. I felt worthless and on the scrap heap.

Later that year, I spoke to volunteers for Therapy Dogs Nationwide at a dog show. I just knew Keegan was the perfect therapy dog. When I was not well, he wouldn't leave my side. He always knows when I need an extra cuddle, and he sleeps with his head on mine.

Keegan has such a big heart and I wanted to share his love

Keegan has such a big heart and I wanted to share his love. I applied to get him assessed to be a therapy dog. Of course, he passed! Now, he goes into schools and helps reluctant readers and children with educational needs. Plus, he provides comfort to any child that may have gone through sad times or grief.

He also visits the children’s hospital and brings love and joy to both staff and patients. In fact, last year we got awarded a volunteer’s people’s medal for going above and beyond by supporting staff and patients during the pandemic. A lot of this was done via emails and videos because I got shielded.

Keegan makes me immensely proud and, by sharing his love, it makes me feel I am a worthwhile citizen again. He is simply the best friend ever!

Thanks to clever Lexi, Dominic knows when he’s going to have a diabetic episode

I have type 2 diabetes and Lexi has never been trained to know when I'm about to experience either hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia due to my diabetes, but over the first year we had her, my wife noticed she would come and lay down beside me when I was about to have one or the other.

She is my little life saver

So now, when Lexi comes over and lays down next to me, I know I'm about to have either a hypo or hyper, and my wife can test my blood sugar levels. She is my little life saver.

When Paul wanted to change his lifestyle for the better, Harry was there to lend a paw

I work in IT, which means I have a very sedate life.After I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes a few years ago, I was encouraged to increase my daily activity. To help with this, we decided to get a dog, and so Harry the English Springer Spaniel bounded into our lives.

He’s becoming a very friendly pup

Socialisation has been a challenge, as we live in a rural location so Harry doesn’t get to see a lot of people on a daily basis. However, he’s becoming a very friendly pup. He’s never happier than when he’s outside, either exploring in the woods or being my gardening assistant. He especially likes to carry branches to the compost heap or dig out old fenceposts. We really couldn’t imagine life without him.

Pebble came into Linda’s life exactly when she needed her, and she’s made every day a little brighter since

Pebble is my little furry rock. When I lost my husband to cancer, the loneliness was so hard to bear. So, after a lot of research and talking to friends, I decided to look for a puppy. I came across a litter of Beddlington Whippets – the mum was a first cross Beddlington Whippet and the dad was a full pedigree Whippet.

Pebble was one of nine in the litter – two others were smooth-haired like her, while the other six were rough-coated. I fell for her the first moment I saw her at six weeks old. When she was old enough to leave her mum, she came to live with me and has been my constant companion ever since.

I fell for her the first moment I saw her

She's fun, makes me laugh every day and gets me out of the house. I now have plenty of exercise and stop to chat to so many people who marvel at how fast she is. In the evenings we cuddle on the sofa, and she gets into some of the most unusual goofy positions.

We go away together in my campervan and have attended many fun dog shows, country fairs and other charity events – she’s so pretty, she’s done well in many of the shows. She does also have her quirks, like recently she became scared of a new water bowl! And she’s nosey, so she’s been known to walk into fences and walls because she’s turning to look behind her. She’s the very best dog in the world and always brings a smile to my face.

Even though she hasn’t been part of Maya’s family for long, Sunny has made every day brighter since her arrival

When Sunny was born, she was the only survivor of her litter, so she’s been both a blessing and a miracle to our family.

She’s a confident ball of energy who enjoys nothing more than digging, jumping over anything in sight and climbing trees (yes, she climbs trees). When she isn’t doing that, she’s exploring new sights and smells.

Sunny had her first experience on a beach in Whitby recently. Then a week later, it was her first time in knee-deep snow. She loves a visit to a café for a doggy ice cream or two, while she curiously watches her fellow dog pals.

Sunny has brought so much joy to our lives, and she gives us a reason to carry on when times get tough. We have big plans for our girl to live out a full life with us, and we’ll never stop adventuring.

She gives us a reason to carry on when times get tough