Arthur came into Sandra’s life as she was recovering from a serious operation, and her health has only continued to improve since his arrival

Arthur is a very sweet but naughty pup. He came to help me get better following a liver and kidney transplant. He arrived at eight-weeks-old and he has taken over our lives. This huge, fluffy, goofball of a puppy came tumbling through the door and we have loved him since the minute he got here.

He’s totally crackers most of the time as he runs around chasing his own feet and tail. He loves everyone he meets instantly, whether it’s people we meet on walks, neighbours, delivery people, or dogs of every size and breed. He’s always a hit at puppy club as he’s too naughty and chases everyone when he should be sitting or waiting.

He’s totally crackers most of the time

He doesn’t like to go in his crate to rest because he might miss something, so he sits in protest and refuses to move. This is hilarious as I watch my other half try to persuade, beg, treat and nudge him in there.

Best of all, he gets me out of the house every day and I walk him in the countryside, on the Sussex downs, by the local duck pond, and in the fields and farms around our home.

My recovery has really rocketed since Arthur arrived and I can’t wait to show him more places and experiences as he gets older, and I get healthier. My doctors are delighted with my recovery, and we couldn’t be happier with Arthur.

Pamela has hours of fun with her dog Jarvis, who is always rearing to go and ready to play.

Jarvis is such a character, he always makes me smile!

He likes a lot of cuddles and kisses, and thinks he's very funny when he leaps onto the sofa and then bounces and gives you a kiss on the nose, even though I end up spilling a lot of tea! He will not get up to get a biscuit, but expects them to be brought to him.

Gives you a kiss on the nose

When he was a puppy we use to play a game called ‘put the puppy in the box’ – I would sit on the floor with a box and Jarvis would run and bark at me. I would say ‘put the puppy in the box’ and he would run off but he would keep coming back barking – he loved it!

He likes to go for walks and is always popular with people we meet – and he knows it! He loves it when people stop to give him a cuddle. He is our first dachshund and he has been amazing.

Kirsty didn’t anticipate how much work it would be to take care of Buster – but more importantly, she could never have dreamed of the positive influence he would bring into her life.

We got Buster from a breeder when he was just nine months old. The breeder didn’t warn us of how nervous Buster gets around new dogs and new situations. Being the first time I have looked after a dog on my own this was quite overwhelming but I didn’t want to give up on Buster as he has such a kind heart and so much love to give. He just needed the right guidance in certain situations.

Since we adopted Buster we have worked so hard with him and a trainer to start to get him more confident in these situations. I expected to work hard and I expected there to be highs and lows – but what I never expected was how much I would learn from Buster.

Has taught me patience and perseverance

Buster has taught me patience and perseverance in his training. He has taught me to accept flaws and love unconditionally. Most importantly, he has taught me to take everything one step at a time and to be happy and celebrate the small accomplishments.

Busters favourite thing to do is to play fetch and train with his toys. He is very toy-motivated and will do pretty much anything for a tennis ball! When he’s is at home, he spends his days sitting at the window watching the squirrels or on his back snoozing on the sofa. He absolutely loves human attention and is a sucker for a belly rub!

Buster really is a special dog. He was much more than I bargained for and requires lots of work, but I don’t think I could imagine a world without him anymore. We tackle problems together, and it’s so rewarding watching him overcome his fears.

Demelza can’t imagine her life without Barney, her adorable dog who goes everywhere with her

Barney is my best friend and brings me joy every single day. I love our daily walks, and since having children, they’ve become even more valuable. Not only does it get us all out enjoying the fresh air, but walking Barney helps me to escape from everything and simply be in the moment.

I always enjoy watching him when he goes swimming (he snorts like a pig while paddling), and when he’s hunting for sticks it’s as though he’s having the time of his life.

As though he’s having the time of his life

After each swim, I put Barney in the car, so he warms up, and I dry his ears. He goes into a happy trance, then it’s a treat and home. He’s such a loyal companion and always joins my son and I for nap time – they even sleep side by side!

Barney was my best dog at my wedding, and I take him everywhere he’s allowed, including shops and restaurants. I honestly can’t imagine life without Barney, he is always here for me, and his daily antics never fail to make me laugh.

Nicky’s dog Milly is a cherished member of the family

Milly is a loved, slightly bonkers, Flat-Coated Retriever.She is a valued member of our family and makes us all laugh every day.She has taken it upon herself to look after everyone and is both an assistance and a therapy dog.

Recently, both of my children have been unwell, and Milly looks after them so lovingly.She searches for them when she doesn’t know where they are and lies with them whenever they need some comfort.She even tells us when our daughter is having a seizure, if there is no one else in the room.Milly is incredibly tuned into the children and very gentle and caring, but at the same time she’s great fun and always ready to play.

She has taken it upon herself to look after everyone

She has many of her own special quirks, and likes to collect stones from the beach, sing along to the harmonica, look after her toy squirrel ‘babies’and always starts every morning with a few yoga poses – a downwards and backwards dog.After breakfast, she runs upstairs to get the children out of bed and give them a good wash.We would all be lost without her and are very grateful to have such a special pooch.

Nikki’s dogs Jasper and Teddie offer her endless love, laughter and affection

Jasper was our first ever rescue dog. He has so many little quirks and funny habits. He likes to sing – or howl – along to any music he hears. He also tries to eat any post that comes through the letterbox, and can bounce extremely high, like a kangaroo! This is funny because he has no sense of how tiny he actually is. Despite his size, he’s very confident and likes to protect our other dog, Teddie, whenever we’re all out on a walk together.

They’ve kept us going through lockdown

Teddie the Zuchon is boisterous and fast, but also very clumsy. He adores Jasper and spends most of his time either cuddling up to him or pestering the life out of him. Teddie likes to do tricks, such as throwing his toy up in the air and then catching it – though, he’s not always very good, and often Jasper manages to snatch it first.

Both dogs have brought so much love and hilarity into our lives. They’ve kept us going through lockdown, and definitely take care of us as much as we do them.