Tori’s mental health has only got better since Arlo came into her life, and she’s helped him overcome some of his own fears in return

Arlo came into my life in October 2019. He's the best little pooch. Before Arlo, I worked in a job that destroyed my mental health, and I had panic attacks most days. When I decided to quit to focus on myself, I thought ‘now would be a good time to get a furry friend'. It was the best decision!

Arlo has changed my life. He's helped my anxiety levels massively and he gives me purpose. He’s my best friend, my companion, my family and I love him dearly. If I'm sad, he's there, and if I'm happy, he's there. He puts the biggest smile on my face and his tail never stops wagging. He's definitely my soul mate.

If I'm sad, he's there, and If I'm happy, he's there

I like to think I've helped him to overcome some worries as well. As a young pup he was attacked by another dog which left him very scared and nervous around both dogs and humans. It's been a long process, but he's made so much progress and I'm so proud of him. He's so kind, even after what happened. I sometimes believe that dogs (and animals in general) are too good for this world. But we have each other, and for that I will forever be grateful.

Arlo’s favourite thing in this world is balls. He will do just about anything for a ball. He loves most toys, in fact. He's a very playful soul and often drops toys in your lap to let you know it's playtime. But nothing beats snuggle time. At any time of the day, Arlo is up for a good cuddle. He lights up the life of anyone who’s lucky enough to know him.

10 days was all it took for the ultimate friendship to blossom between Captain and his owner Danny

I looked after Captain for 10 days while my friend went on holiday, and within those 10 days we built such a great friendship, in the park playing ball, taking pictures.

He was more of a kitchen dog and stayed in the hallway at my friend’s, but I had him on my lap, sleeping next to me in my bed with loads of cuddles. When my friend came back and I had to give my new best friend back, I was in bits crying like a baby. That night I felt so lonely and sad. I missed the little man so much, the next day at work I had to ask how Captain was. “He’s OK but seems a tad sad,” they said.

Apparently he started to whine and howl a lot and would not get out of his bed – he was heartbroken. The following day my friend approached me and said “would you like to have Captain back for good?” Now at this time captain was 11 years old, but those 10 days changed his life. It was a dream come true: “yes yes yes I want him!”

I had to wait two days before I could collect him. The days dragged but Sunday finally came. I was so excited I couldn’t wait to get him, and when he saw me he came running and jumping at me. He could not wait to come back. He’s now 16 and won’t leave my side, cuddles me all the time, and he actually smiles in his sleep. He changed my life so much, he’s my best most loyal friend. He helps with my mental health and gives me a reason to make my life better!

He actually smiles in his sleep

When it comes to who’s in charge, Leigh is under no illusion that it’s her dog Chloe who rules the roost

Chloe lights up my day every day. When I come home from work she’s so happy to see me, it’s almost as though I’ve been gone for months. She’s a very clever dog, so we have to watch what we say around her – for example, she used to get so excited every time she heard us use the word ‘chicken’, we now have to refer to it as ‘cluck’!

A little ray of sunshine

One of her favourite things to do is chase the wildlife living in the garden – that is, when she isn’t playing with her extensive collection of toys. She adores her little stuffed bear, which she’s had since she was tiny. Chloe also loves to snuggle, so every night at around 7pm, she’ll sit and nudge her blanket until you move it onto the sofa for her to cosy up under!

I couldn’t imagine my life without my beautiful dog – she is truly a little ray of sunshine and joy. Even though she’s nearly nine years old now, she’s still a lively little puppy at heart.

Claude has been through a lot in his short life, so Charlotte always makes sure she gives him enough love to make up for it

Claude has a lovely spoilt life because he’s had so many illnesses since he was a pup, including parvovirus, reactions to injections, SRMA, IMPA, allergies, and various infections caused by the steroid treatment for his immune system illnesses. On top of that, he’s even had a dew claw injury and removal, and now IBS.

Despite all this, Claude is the happiest and loveliest dog, who always cheers us up and keeps us entertained. He’s a sock and underwear thief and such a character.

He also rules the roost, so he does what he wants, when he wants, whether that’s waking up in the morning, or spreading out on the sofa, beds and anywhere else. He also likes to help with gardening, hoovering and any cleaning!

He does what he wants, when he wants

Tracey loves her dog Chewy for all his adorable – and hilarious – quirks

Chewy came into my life a year ago, back when I really didn’t think I had the room for another pet. At the time, we already had two elderly dogs who have sadly now departed, and if it wasn’t for Chewy, I don’t know how I would have coped.

He is adorable and such a character

I fell in love with Chewy as soon as I saw him. He is adorable and such a character that it didn’t take long before my partner was smitten too. Chewy is very stubborn (apparently this is a common trait amongst bulldogs), and he sulks if you ask him to do something he doesn’t want to do, like go out for a walk when it’s raining. He has a thing about cardboard boxes and loves to tear them to shreds. He is very greedy and will go to any lengths to claim food, even if it’s not something he actually likes!

Chewy is big and solid but still believes he is a lap dog, so loves to curl up on my knee in the evening. He really is a wonderful addition to our family, and I couldn’t have asked for a better lockdown buddy.

It’s all aboard for Claire and her sailing buddy Fynn, who has a tendency to make his co-sailors a little seasick…

Fynn is our sailing buddy. As a Labrador, he delights in all forms of water!

He splashes through the waves

Since he was a puppy he has come on board with us on our dinghy, and has always enjoyed every moment of it. We love his company as he splashes through the waves, trying his hardest to catch flotsam and jetsam and make other water users smile.

His company is somewhat less enjoyable in our canoe due to his excited dashes from side to side in order to look over into the water. He is indeed a water dog through and through, and a sail would not be the same without him!