Blaze the bulldog was exactly what Chloe and her family needed after the loss of their previous dog

Blaze is a one-year-old Olde Tyme English bulldog. He’s such a funny character and brings joy to the entire family. When we first got him, he couldn't walk and had no use of his back legs so, once he had the all-clear from the vets that it wasn't neurological, we had to teach him to walk.

Despite still having weakness in his legs, Blaze bombs around the house, constantly getting into mischief. He loves to steal socks and shoes, or anything he's not meant to have and hide behind the couch with it. He’s also friendly with our elderly hamster.

He bombs around the house, constantly getting into mischief

Blaze comes everywhere with us, and we’ve recently come back from Crail, Scotland where he was a fan favourite. He comes swimming with us down the beach, and even has doggy swimming lessons.

After we lost our old dog, Bruno, at the age of 13, our lives felt empty without a dog and the house felt quiet. We were all mourning the loss of our best friend. Blaze has definitely filled a hole in our hearts – and our beds. He loves to have a good snooze!

Ever is Chris’ constant companion, whether he’s relaxing at home or travelling around the world

I'm from Poland but I’ve lived in Edinburgh for the last 17 years with my family. We recently decided to get a Bernese Mountain Dog, and the last three years with Ever have been a gift.

At 51kg, he’s a big, gentle, cuddly bear. He's my travel companion so he’s been everywhere with me. The last time he travelled with me, we drove through five different countries, from the UK to Poland.

At 51kg, he’s a big, gentle, cuddly bear

Since he came home, I haven’t left him alone for more than five hours. He's my shadow, whether I’m in the toilet, the bath, the kitchen or the bedroom. Every time he finishes his food, he always lets us know he's done by walking into the room and waiting for us to congratulate him.

He loves long walks and all types of water, from lochs and rivers to wet grass. In the street, people stop just to pet him. He also loves kids, and they often think he’s a bear.

Josie will always be grateful to Dash for helping to bring purpose to her days

I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression since my teenage years, and over lockdown, I was in a really bad place. My fiancé and I had talked about getting a dog since we met, and after buying our first home last year, we decided that the time was finally right – enter Dash.

He is such a blessing. I’ve never known a dog as affectionate as he is! He’s obsessed with giving us cuddles and kisses, and always seems to know when I’m struggling. He gives my days a structure and fills them with light.

He gives my days a structure and fills them with light

I get up in the morning because I know I have to feed him, and I look forward to playing with him on our daily walks, which bring me such joy. Getting out of the house and exercising in the fresh air is good for both of us. I was crippled by my anxiety before and wouldn’t even leave the house, but Dash has given me a purpose and now I look forward to exploring new places together.

Dash absolutely loves playing, especially fetch with his favourite ball, or a game of tug. He’s never happier than when the three of us are out in the garden together, and I love seeing his tail wag as he bunny hops through the grass.

Laura didn’t know she needed Sasha in her life, but now the two of them are inseparable.

Sasha is my side-kick, my plus one, my absolute everything. I have grown up with Spaniels all my life, but when I lost my last boy Louis, I didn’t think I’d be able to ever get another one. Then, along came Sasha and she stole my heart from the moment I met her.

She stole my heart

She is the most sociable, friendly, loving dog I have ever known. It’s been just the two of us through lockdown and she has got me through it, getting me out and about on our walks every day and spending time in the garden with me.

Everyone needs a Sasha in their life.

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!

Through helping her dog Tara to come out of her shell, Sharon has learned how important it is to look after herself

Three years ago, I decided to adopt a rescue dog. Fate led me to a forlorn little puppy who had been saved from a life of cruelty – her name was Tara.

It was a bumpy start. She was totally terrified and barely moved, having been mute the whole 12-hour car journey home. But with time, a lot of patience and unconditional love from me and my two gentle cats, she started to come out of her shell. She took two weeks to bark and it was months before she could sleep on her own, but slowly, her confidence grew and her beautiful fun, cuddly character emerged. She still prefers other animals to humans, but if you give her the time to get to know you, gaining her love and affection is a feeling like no other.

Together, we’ll walk through life

Adopting Tara has changed my life. I have Type 1 diabetes, which brings with it a realm of challenges. By focusing on protecting this vulnerable little pup and working to make her happy, I was distracted from my own dark thoughts. Through her I met fantastic new people in my area and got out and about, spending my days walking in nature instead of hiding at home.

Now we are a team and together, we’ll walk through life, looking out for each other and helping each other to grow. We are both the perfect example of how much good comes from accepting imperfection, and celebrating differences.