Cody has helped Helen to come out of a dark place feeling happier and more hopeful

I was only 20 when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which was a really tough period of my life. At the time, I told my parents how much I’d love to have a dog to keep me company, but I never thought they’d actually agree to get one.

After returning home from a trip one day, I went upstairs to chat to my mum and found the sweetest, most cuddly looking dog sat on her bed! That was the first time I met Cody and I haven’t looked back since.

I haven’t looked back since

At first, getting woken up at all hours of the night and having to share my bed with an ever-growing Rottweiler was a bit of a shock. But Cody truly saw me through the darkest time of my life and for that I’ll be forever grateful. He has helped me in ways I can’t even put into words.

Eight years later and our bond is still going strong. Now, he’s much bigger and manages to scare away most delivery drivers and all the postmen – but really, he’s a big softie at heart. All he wants is a belly rub and for you to hold is paw.

With her faithful best friend Molly by her side, Carole could never feel lonely

Molly is a beautiful Pembroke Corgi, and my best friend. I’m 80 years old and live alone. Without Molly, I think I’d really struggle. She always sticks close and never leaves me alone – I even have to leave the bathroom dooropen when I shower so she can make sure I’m ok!

She gives me so much love and comfort

She gives me so much love and comfort, so I’m never lonely. I think she understands me when I talk to her. When we’re out walking, she greets everyone and expects them to give her a stroke, even if they’re a total stranger. Having Molly has certainly helped me make some new friends.

Joanne is determined to make her dog Roo’s life as happy and fulfilling as possible

Roo is a rescue dog. We adopted him as we felt we could give him a wonderful life here on the Isle of Wight, with all the beaches, parks and the countryside close by.

When we first met Roo, he was hiding under a coffee table. He had sad little eyes and his nose was just poking out. I put my hand down and he sniffed it and licked me. At that stage, I didn’t know he only had two legs, but I did know that he would soon become part of my family.

Living the happy life all dogs should

We wanted to give him the very best life possible despite his injuries and disabilities, so I spent weeks researching what tools could help him to help. We ended up purchasing a purpose-made wheelchair from America. It took him a few weeks to get used to it, but now he’s so happy. Roo loves nothing more than running along the beach, chasing birds and playing with my two Huskies, living the happy life all dogs should.

My dog is strong, loving and loyal, and reminds me every day that life is what you make it.

From the moment Beth saw Teddy, she knew he was going to be part of her family

Teddy came into the vets where I work needing a home. My little girl had been desperate for a dog for so long, and I knew straight away he was theone for us.

I knew straight away he was the one for us

We brought him home just before the first lockdown and he is the best thing that could have happened to us. He became my daughter’s best friend and helped her get through a really tough time. He also gets us out for walks in all weathers, which has been amazing for our fitness. He is like a snuggly little bear, and we feel like the luckiest dog owners in the world.

Though Lesley-Anne is living with several health problems, her Cockapoo pup Binah always gives her a reason to smile

My Binah is a Cockapoo, a curly cuddle pup. She’s clever and quirky, and she loves meeting everyone and rambling everywhere. I have primary biliary cholangitis and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, so I ride a wheelchair and spend lots of time just resting. Binah always makes me smile.

We adore her, and she adores us

When we go out, she’s often the reason people want to speak with us. And when we’re at home, she brings her well-chewed toys to me to play fetch, catch and tug-of-war.

She seldom barks, though she occasionally gives a little squeak or baby ghost howl. She has the most beautiful eyes and big golden curls like Shirley Temple. She’s all love. We adore her, and she adores us.

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.