Bear is our chocolate Labrador, who is such a joy! He has been by my sidea lot this past year and lay quietly with me the whole time I was ill.
He’s a very active dog and is always chasing a ball around. One of his favourite games is to go upstairs and drop his ball, then run back down to chase it. Bear has so many funny quirks, like the way he barks at any animal on the television.
It’s a great adventure for him
His favourite place is our local countryside park. It’s a great adventure for him as he loves to jump into the water. Bear can’t even go past a big puddle without splashing around in it. His latest hilarious habit is pawing at his water bowl until it spills, then lying on the wet floor!
Charlie is the happiest little Jack Russell, who just loves life. He wakes up at 6:30am every day without fail and spreads such fun from the moment he opens his eyes in the morning.
He likes to dictate the routine by barking, which is his way of telling me to get a jiggle on and eat breakfast so he can get ready for his morning stroll and then settle in for his day.
He spreads such fun from the moment he opens his eyes
He always greets me on my return from work with a huge wagging tail and a happy yap, ready for his next stroll and his evening meal. We then move onto ball playing before settling down for a nice cuddle and telly before bed.
We’re always exhausted and ready for a bedtime snuggle, and he’s a happy boy, all prepped and ready for the next day. Utter joy!
Nala is a Pomeranian and Bischon Cross. She may be an adult now, but she still acts like a young puppy – she always has boundless energy and is super positive no matter what life throws at her. We walk her every day because she likes to be active, and usually we cover around 30 miles!
Nala has made my heart full
Having Nala has made my heart full. Not only does she keep me active, but I’m sure that her companionship has helped to improve my mental wellbeing. Looking after her does mean my days are very busy, but I wouldn’t change that for the world. It’s an honour to be her owner, and I’ll do anything I can to keep her healthy and happy, just as she does for me.
Dobby is a Whippet and Italian greyhound cross who always makes us laugh. He enjoys stealing people’s socks, running very fast around Chesterracecourse and pinching our toast, but what he loves most is climbing intothe basket of warm washing after it has been tumble dried.
He enjoys stealing people’s socks
He has made a real difference to our family life during the pandemic. My daughter has always wanted a dog and he has provided her so much comfort over the last six months, helping her to get out and exercise and stay positive. He can be a little over enthusiastic at times, but that’s just part of his charm.
Spirit came to me as a rescue dog. She was very troubled with behavioural issues, but that hasn’t stopped her from massively improving my life for the better.
I have suffered with depression, anxiety and panic attacks, but training and rehabilitating Spirit has given me something to focus on. It’s forced me to get up every morning on days when I’ve wanted to stay in bed and hide from the world. Together, we have built up a successful dog walking business and now I’ve gained qualifications, I can even help other people with their dogs.
Rehabilitating Spirit has given me something to focus on
As Spirit is getting older and her mobility is failing, we are now doing Mantrailing, which involves training dogs to find missing people. She’s shown me such love and devotion over the years,and I’d be lost without her.
My boy has had a hugely positive influence in my life. I’d already owned two dogs before I got him last November. I sadly lost one in January and getting Vali helped me to deal with my grief.
A hugely positive influence in my life
During these recent tough months, he’s been my reason to go out each day. I love photography and he’s inspired me to get back out into the world and pursue my passion, since he enjoys coming with me.
Vali is an amazing dog – he is very sweet-natured and a bit of a clown, so he keeps me smiling and laughing each day.