Barna’s natural instinct was to protect Emily, and now he is a fully trained medical assistance dog, helping to giving her back her independence

Nearly three years ago, we brought Barna, a Hungarian Vizsla puppy, into our lives to be a loving pet and companion, yet he has proven to be so much more than that. I live with a serious and complex neurological condition that causes me to collapse regularly. I myself have no awareness of these onsets, and would often be injured or be admitted into hospital, but all that changed when Barna was six months old.

Changed my life for the better

We discovered that Barna could detect the minute changes in the pheromones my body released in the lead-up to a collapse. He would ‘alert’ me via a series of behaviours, including intense staring, refusal to do as asked and a single bark. These are my five-minute warnings, which gives me a chance to make myself safe. Realising Barna’s potential to detect an oncoming episode, we contacted the charity Medical Detection Dogs.

Nearly a year and a half later, we were given the amazing news that Barna is now a fully accredited Medical Alert Assistance dog. As a family, we can’t put into words how much both the charity and Barna have changed my life for the better. He is the first Hungarian Vizsla to be accredited as a medical alert assistance dog (as far as the charity is aware) in the UK, so he is flying the flag for all other breeds that may not be conventionally thought of as great assistance dogs.

Whether he’s snoring, licking or running, Rocco brings love and laughter to Claire and her family

If you've ever wondered what it's like to have a tiny, snorting bundle of joy glued to your side, let me introduce you to Rocco, our French Bulldog. We rescued him during the pandemic over three years ago, and life hasn't been the same since – in the best way possible, of course.

Rocco is like a little furry therapist, minus the fees. He's got this knack for making even the dreariest days bright with his quirky habits and boundless affection. Take his snoring, for example. Some might find it annoying, but to me, it's like a white noise machine with a heartbeat. There's something oddly comforting about knowing he's snoozing away nearby, dreaming of fields and footballs.

Ah, the footballs. You should see him in action! For a dog with legs as short as his, Rocco can sprint across a field like he's auditioning for the next World Cup. He chases that ball with a passion that could put any professional footballer to shame. And when he's not being an athletic superstar, he's a world-class cuddler. Whether I'm watching TV, working on my laptop, or just sitting on the couch, Rocco is right there, either at my feet or attempting to lick my legs like they're a five-star meal.

If you ever need a reminder that love can transform, just spend a day with Rocco

Rocco's past wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. He wasn't treated well in his last home, which makes his love and trust even more special. He's come to adore his new family life with us – my husband Mark, our two boys Finlay and Ted, and his sausage dog brother, River. Yes, that's right, Rocco has a sausage dog brother. Together, they form the dynamic duo of cuteness and chaos.

One of Rocco's favourite activities is heading to the beach. Picture this: a French Bulldog running through the sand, ears flopping, tail wagging, pure joy on his face. It's a sight that never fails to make us laugh. And when we're all together, away in our caravan, Rocco's happiness reaches new heights. He loves being surrounded by his people, and his contentment is contagious.

In short, Rocco is more than just a pet; he's a positive influence, a constant companion, and a source of endless entertainment. From his snoring symphonies to his enthusiastic leg-licking, Rocco has brought immeasurable joy into our lives. And if you ever need a reminder that love can transform, just spend a day with Rocco. He'll show you how it's done, one wag and one snore at a time.

Rhian and his family fell for William as soon as they saw him, and now he makes the perfect addition to their happy family.

We visited Llys Nini RSPCA rescue centre back in the Summer holidays, and instantly fell in love with William the Corgi. We’re told that William and his brother Harry had been found wandering the streets of Swansea. He was extremely unkempt and malnourished.

He is thriving!

After lots of socialisation visits, William finally came to his forever home a few weeks later. As you can see, he is thriving! He’s now a healthy, happy little dog and entertains us every day. As we live near lots of beaches, he enjoys long beach walks (although he’s yet to get his paws wet in the sea!) and cosy evenings in front of the fire.

My daughter was diagnosed with a chronic condition in May and William never fails to cheer her up on her down days. They are the best of friends. William really is the best dog ever.

Darcy’s zest for life has helped Kiri to get back on her feet and feel her best again

When we first got Darcy, my family was in turmoil. My partner and I had both been made redundant and I was pregnant with our son. It felt as though we had lost everything, and I was feeling very low. Things got so bad that I even stopped leaving the house, and experienced high stress levels nearly every day.

She instantly became his loyal protector

With the very last of my redundancy pay, we decided to get Darcy – and that was the best decision we could have made. Looking after Darcy gave me the boost I truly needed to feel like myself again. She had to be taken for lots of walks, which helped me to leave the house for fresh air regularly. Looking after her also meant I had a loving companion to keep me company when my husband was out.

Darcy really did pull me out of my darkest hour, and when our son was born, she instantly became his loyal protector. Many said we were insane to have a dog and a baby together, but the pair of them have grown up with each other (they’re only six months apart in age) and have formed the strongest bond.

Now we’re in a better place, we’re able to spoil Darcy with everything she deserves – which is the world!

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!

Sweet and funny Marley has come leaps and bounds since he was first adopted into Jo’s family

Marley is a rescue dog that we adopted around 10 months ago. When we adopted him, he was very underweight, dirty, scared and had visible wounds and cuts.

He’s now the sweetest, most affectionate and loving dog who adores cuddles, tummy rubs, playing games and snuggling up on the sofa with us. He’s also very gentle with my two children and lets them play with him, pick him up and cuddle him. He sits so well for a groom and brush, too!

He’s honestly the best, most loving dog we could have ever wished to adopt

Marley was starved when he was younger, so now he absolutely loves his food. He goes crazy at dinner time – howling, barking and jumping up and down like a kangaroo waiting to be fed. He loves his treats and barks in the corner of the kitchen where they’re kept whenever he’s hungry. It’s hilarious.

Marley also has a cheeky habit of jumping onto our kitchen table to try and steal some food. We have even found him on the worktop occasionally!

He loves his walks, too, and always likes to sniff stuff and follow cats. He’s honestly the best, most loving dog we could have ever wished to adopt.