Tracey loves her dog Chewy for all his adorable – and hilarious – quirks

Chewy came into my life a year ago, back when I really didn’t think I had the room for another pet. At the time, we already had two elderly dogs who have sadly now departed, and if it wasn’t for Chewy, I don’t know how I would have coped.

He is adorable and such a character

I fell in love with Chewy as soon as I saw him. He is adorable and such a character that it didn’t take long before my partner was smitten too. Chewy is very stubborn (apparently this is a common trait amongst bulldogs), and he sulks if you ask him to do something he doesn’t want to do, like go out for a walk when it’s raining. He has a thing about cardboard boxes and loves to tear them to shreds. He is very greedy and will go to any lengths to claim food, even if it’s not something he actually likes!

Chewy is big and solid but still believes he is a lap dog, so loves to curl up on my knee in the evening. He really is a wonderful addition to our family, and I couldn’t have asked for a better lockdown buddy.

Ever since Lulu joined the family, she’s been the best walking buddy Lucy could ask for

Lulu came into our lives 18 months ago, when she chose me at the rescue by placing her paws on my knee and looking up at me. My daughter and husband (who isn’t a dog person) fell in love with her, too, and she was one of my inspirations for setting up my own dog grooming business.

She’s improved my social life

She’s not only got my husband and I out walking each day, but she’s also improved my social life. I now stop to talk to other walkers, which is so helpful as we didn’t know anyone here when we moved.

Simona and her dog River love going on adventures together – so much so, Simona’s even written a book inspired by one of their trips!

River is my little adventure buddy and inspiration.

My goal is to enrich her life and we often embark on UK adventures together, exploring our surroundings and taking part in activities! She’s motivated me to be better and keeps me active on our daily walks and hikes.

She truly is my muse

I’ve even published a book inspired by one of our trips – written as though it’s from her point of view. This opened up my creativity and allowed me to face a challenge I thought would be impossible due to my dyslexia.

She’s also my personal photography model and we often go out to scenic places and have photoshoots. She truly is my muse. Without River, I believe my life would be quite boring and lack adventure. She’s opened up so many opportunities for me, which I will be forever grateful for.

When Monkey isn’t competing in shows with Diana, he’s spreading cheer to those who need it most

Named after his love for climbing trees, Monkey enriches my life as well as the lives of many others.

The change he makes to my life is remarkable

We volunteer with Therapy Dogs Nationwide where he brings joy to people in a dementia home, school and prison – all of which are places where the comfort of a dog can brighten difficult days.

The change he makes to my own life is remarkable, too. He loves agility, so we compete in shows. I’m a pensioner but it provides me with a great social life as well as a reason to stay fit and active!

At the end of a long day, Claire looks forward to coming home to her dog Teddy, who helps wash the stress away.

My lovely Teddy has been the best possible medicine for me over the Covid-19 crisis. I work as a complex care nurse, and he helps me to unwind after a busy and stressful shift. There’s nothing better than being greeted at the door by my big, happy, soft boy.

His happiness is contagious

We like to go out as soon as I get home from work and walk in the local valley, Teddy chasing the squirrels and splashing about it the local stream. His happiness is contagious and I can soon feel the stress of the day leaving my body.

Teddy is true to his name, he is so soft and gentle. He loves to play with all the dogs in our local park and is a bit of a local star in our village, everyone knows him (my husband and myself, don’t get a look in!).

Ever since Anna teamed up with her pride and joy Meg, they’ve helped each other so much

I got Meg when she was about a year old. She was in the worst state – filthy, horrifically skinny and terrified of everything, including me. I was suffering a lot with my mental health at the time. We literally saved each other.

We literally saved each other

She has since then been diagnosed with a serious medical condition called IMHA which can be controlled, but not cured. She is essentially on borrowed time, but I am determined to give her the best time possible, however long she’s with me. I owe her everything.

Thankfully she doesn’t know she’s poorly. She has turned into such a happy little pooch who is far more confident, although I have never been able to get rid of her fear of things that buzz!