With Mary’s help, Basil has gone from a scared rescue pup to a happily settled pooch who’s full of mischief

I had been thinking about fostering a dog for some time and thought that a rescue was the way to go, as the rescue centres were absolutely full to the hilt with dogs in need of loving homes. At the time, l was suffering from depression and thought looking after a dog would be a motivation to get up in the mornings.

I saw on social media that there was a puppy in Bosnia that a rescue centre was looking to bring to the UK, and l made an application to foster him. I was successful and Basil came into my life on 24 March 2022, aged just eight months old.

I've never regretted adopting him, even if none of my slippers, socks and shoes are safe!

At first, it was difficult – he was scared of every household appliance, he didn't want to be indoors (day or night), he would not sleep at all, and he didn't know how to play. However, after a couple of weeks, he settled down and his friendly, cheeky, mischievous and inquisitive side began to shine through.

After fostering Basil for a month, l decided to adopt him – how could I ever let this beautiful soul go? I've never regretted my decision, even if none of my slippers, socks and shoes are safe from him! He is addicted to tummy tickles and loves to boop me on the nose to tell me he loves me.

Poor Basil has just had a double operation, so he is slowly recovering and getting lots of rest, TLC and treats (it is costing me a fortune in chicken). We are planning lots of long walks and maybe a trip to the seaside when he is well enough to travel. There are so many adventures to look forward to, and we will no doubt enjoy them together.

Whether she’s demanding cuddles or knocking things over, Willa always makes Gillian and her family laugh with her silly personality

Willa is a daft German Shorthaired Pointer. She loves to walk and scent chase. You hardly see her on a walk but one whistle and she's back in a second – unless something requires her urgent attention!

In the house, she’s a massive lap dog. She wants cuddles and covers even when it's 28° outside. She runs a tight ship too: breakfast at 8am prompt, lunchtime snack at 12 exactly, dinner at 5pm and supper at 9pm on the button. We joke that she is a dictator. This is her life and you’re privileged to be a part of it, thank you very much!

She always makes us laugh with her silly antics

She always makes us laugh with her silly antics. Her nickname is doof-dog because she 'doofs' things with her nose and knocks them over. When you’re in the bath. the deodorant often ends up in with you! She also has a weird obsession with metal and likes to chew coins. She won’t eat them; she’ll just faff about with them in her mouth.

Willa has always been a goof and that's why we love her so much. There is never a dull moment.

Alison knows her strong-willed dog Ziggy is one of a kind – but that’s what makes her so loveable!

Our Ziggy is a real character. She’s extremely friendly with everyone but like most dogs, she has no concept of ownership and is very proud of the fact that she can carry two tennis balls in her mouth at once. This would be funny, but usually, the tennis balls belong to other dogs, and she’s stolen them without any remorse!

She’s stolen them without any remorse!

It’s now getting so embarrassing that we’ve had t-shirts and neck ties printed for her. They read ‘Tennis ball thief’, and the idea is to give other dog owners a heads-up, as Ziggy tends to steal a ball or two and then head off into the distance as fast as she possibly can. I usually have to take the owner’s number so we can return their pet’s favourite ball at a later date.

The goal for 2021? To finally break the habit of a lifetime and stop that thieving Madam in her tracks!

Sophie helps her owner Anna to stay positive and appreciate the small joys in life

My dog Sophie is always happy and endlessly excited by the simple things. She reminds me how important it is to find the good in each and every day.

All my life, I’ve suffered from panic attacks, and my beautiful dog Sophie has helped me to deal with these enormously. I’m also an insomniac, and when I’m struggling to sleep, I really appreciate the comfort of her warm, fluffy body curled up by my side.

We love to walk together, which helps to keep me fit, and we often meet with friends and fellow dog lovers which can be really uplifting. Poor Sophie has an autoimmune problem, so her medication has meant she’s become a little stocky with age. But this doesn’t stop here from bounding around, attempting ridiculous jumps and just generally enjoying the great outdoors.

The joy she brings me every day

Sophie is very funny and has many little quirks, and she loves to pinch socks and clothes. On one occasion, she actually ran into my neighbour’s open patio door and came out with a pair of his underpants hanging from her mouth! She looked terribly pleased with herself, though I didn’t share that sentiment. Fortunately, the neighbour was also a dog person and found it funny too.

My beloved mother recently passed away, and having Sophie by my side gave me the courage I needed to care for her and the strength to keep going. Like many others, I’ve found that having a furry friend through lockdown has been immensely helpful. I thank Sophie for the joy she brings me every day, and hope that in return, I can give her a very happy and fulfilling life.

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.

Owner Samantha speaks of how life is better and brighter with Koa in it!

Koa is my heart dog.

He’s never unhappy – always wagging his tail and smiling. In fact, he makes even the saddest days bright.

He makes even the saddest days bright

He’s definitely a mummy’s boy and follows me everywhere I go, while also being independent, majestic and incredibly goofy.