Despite being adamant he didn’t want a dog, Gordon fell in love with Arthur at first sight

Although other people’s dogs didn’t bother me, I never planned to have my own. But my daughter wanted a dachshund, so I agreed to get one after a job change.

When my wife and daughter brought Arthur home as an eight-week-old pup, they immediately fell in love. With eyes to die for and a charming and bubbly personality, it took me just a few minutes to feel the exact same way about him.

We can’t imagine ever being without him

I was shocked at my sudden transformation. From sleeping inside my fleece to joining me on my motorcycle, Arthur came with me everywhere. He even started sleeping with us in bed! And the rest is history.

Five years on, Arthur still sleeps in my fleece and is as beautiful and stubborn as ever. We also have five dachshunds now, so he sparked a complete change in our lifestyle – and I love every second of it. We can’t imagine ever being without him.

Daisy is Amii’s best friend, and she has helped to lift her out of a dark place and is always showing her how to enjoy the small things in life.

Daisy came into my life when I was really struggling. I had lost my dad a few years prior and had only just started grieving properly. Daisy acted as a support dog for me every single day, especially on days where I was heavily contemplating no long being around.

I trust her judgement

She gives me the motivation to get up in the mornings rather than just sleep through the day. Waking up to her, all excited to see me, reminds me that it isn’t all about me, as she needs me.

She’s been a very positive influence when it comes to meeting new people as well, as I feel she has a really good sense of character, and so I trust her judgement. She has been my best friend in the whole world for three years now, and I couldn’t be more grateful to my little girl for showing me that there is more to life.

Madelaine’s adorable dog Noden is always inspiring her with his zest for life!

Our handsome boy was less than a year old when he was picked up by the animal rescue in Aya Nikalaus, Cyprus. He had a badly broken leg and horrendous eye and ear infections. His healing took some months when my daughter fostered him alongside her dogs and family.

He believes every person and creature wants to be his friend – even wild boar!

When they returned to the UK, we hurried to collect him, and he became my reason for getting out of bed each morning. I was suffering terrible fatigue after debilitating, but successful, treatment for an aggressive cancer. You could say he rescued me, as much as we rescued him...

To see his happiness and joy with life now, you’d never know he suffered as a pup. Everything is his favourite thing. He believes every person and creature wants to be his friend – even the wild boar! He never shows any aggression, even when chased by aforementioned wild boar! He’s a shining example of mindfulness in action.

Laura couldn’t wait to get her first dog, and as soon as she saw Buddy she knew it was meant to be.

Earlier this year my partner and I moved into our own home, and I couldn’t wait to rescue a furry friend to join us. I am a massive dog lover and was never allowed one as a child. We searched local dog homes for months to no avail, the dogs were always reserved. I was then informed about a charity which rescues street dogs from Cyprus. The first picture I saw on their Facebook page was Buddy! It was love at first sight – his eyes just capture your heart.

His eyes just capture your heart

When he arrived in the UK he was very nervous, but such a sweetie who just wanted to be loved. A few months down the line and I couldn’t imagine life without him! He is my best friend, making each day brighter. You would never know he had a hard start to life. He’s so friendly and gentle (he’s never even barked) and makes friends wherever he goes! He also loves going on adventures, especially the beach.

Carmen has been Wendy’s saviour during lockdown, but she hasn’t got the hang of video calls just yet...

Carmen is my Canine Partner, who’s been with me for just over a year now. She’s a beautiful Golden Retriever with the longest fluffy tail.

My dog helps me with tasks around the house. If I stop breathing at night, she wakes my husband by jumping on the bed, and is even trained to use an emergency phone to call an ambulance.

She is extremely caring but also has a wild side

She is extremely caring but also has a wild side and goes crazy on the beach. I think she’s trying to dig her way to Australia! The way she runs and plays, it’s hard to believe she’s the same calm girl that helps me through every day.

Carmen used to be a school reading dog, which she loved. She always looked as though she understood every word the children were saying. Now the reading classes take place over a video call, and Carmen always tries to get behind my laptop to see if the children are actually there behind the screen.

I don’t know how I’d have coped with lockdown without Carmen by my side. She is my angel and I love her to bits.

Belle has become a very important part of Amee’s life, all while helping dozens of others, too

Belle has been an absolute star over the last two years. She’s stayed with me when I’ve been extremely unwell in hospital and supported me through a rough pregnancy and birth. Plus, she was the first assistance dog to join the labour ward in my local hospital!

I couldn’t be prouder of her

She is so special to me, and I wouldn’t be able to get through each day without her guidance.

Belle not only helps me, but she also volunteers on an intensive care and general ward at the hospital, as well as a primary school for therapy dog sessions. She loves absolutely everyone and everything, so there’s nothing that phases her. I couldn’t be prouder of her beautiful temperament and willingness to work.