Over the many years since Cath rescued Daisy as a puppy, the pair have developed an unbreakable bond

Daisy was 15 months old when she came to me from the Border Collie Trust. She had clearly never had the opportunity to interact with other dogs or spend time in the outside world. We had to start with basics such as walking. Her paws were very soft like a puppy’s, so we had to take it very slowly. All the short, regular walks also helped me lose weight and brought down my high blood pressure.

Dog training classes followed, and this gave Daisy the opportunity to be with other dogs and learn how to interact with them. When we were completing our assessments, the assessor commented on the obvious bond that we have. He said she never took her eyes off me wherever I was, always looking for my next command.

She is always smiling and makes everyone around her smile

Daisy is extremely friendly with everyone she meets. She instinctively knows how to moderate her behaviour with different people. If it’s someone in a wheelchair, she is gentle, but if it's someone who wants to run around then she joins in. My dad has had two recent hospital stays and staff were more than happy for her to visit. She was quite happy to ‘share the love’ with other patients and staff.

Daisy loves nothing more than to dig, whether in water, mud, leaves or snow. Tennis balls are her specialist subject. We have them scattered everywhere in various states of disarray! My vets call Daisy ‘smiler’, and for very good reason. She is always smiling and makes everyone around her smile. It's difficult not to when you have such a happy, loving dog.

Albie likes to keep owner Cheryl on her toes, but that’s just part of his charm

Albie, aka the naughtiest dog in the world, shares his infectious happinesswith everyone. He is an adventurer and a born explorer. As soon as his nose starts sniffing, you know you are in for a journey!

He’s attended picnics, football matches and fitness classes

His past exploits have included running into the local supermarket for breakfast, trying to swim to France and joining in with the local paddleboarder and swimmers. He’s attended picnics, football matches and fitness classes, and once even tried to jump into a stranger’s car! He’s also a bit of a treasure hunter and finds all sorts of things on his walks.

Life is never dull with Albie around, and if you’re feeling sad, he’ll lift your spirits back up. I may have given him a home, but he’s brought me a purpose and endless happiness.

Debbie couldn’t be without her gorgeous dog and best friend Bella

Bella is a seven-year-old Corgi crossed with a Sheltie. I have Borderline Personality Disorder, which means my moods can change at any given time. Bella senses when I am very low and will jump up and put her paw on my arm to comfort me.

Put her paw on my arm to comfort me

As my Emotional Support Dog, Bella goes everywhere with me and even helps me in the shops. She’s really smart – she always knows when it is time for breakfast, and will come out of the bedroom and head to her foodmat in preparation.

She loves going out in the car and also enjoys her walks, especially in the long grass. Bella is very good with wild animals and won't ever chase them. Her favourite place is the beach, as she likes to feel the sand between her paws. I have so much love for her, and I know she loves me too. I simply can't imagine life without her.

Sam’s dog Indie is a bit of a mischief-maker, but that’s what makes her so adorable

Indie is a family dog. She absolutely loves our children, especially when they let her on the sofa for early morning cuddles.She also enjoys long walks in the woods when it’s dry and occasionally the beach too, although she isn’t a fan of the sea, or any water for that matter.

Often ends up licking people in the face

I wish I had kept a diary of everything Indie destroyed when she was a puppy. She was such a heavy chewer and sometimes you just couldn’t catch her in time.There was one infamous occasion when we were settingup my son’s new tent, and as we stood back to admire it, Indie put her jaws around the guide rope and brought the whole thing down!

Indie gets a lot of attention, which she loves, but she doesn’t quite know how to handle herself, and often ends up licking people in the face – she’s especially partial to those with beards. It’s always a challenge trying to keep from scaring away strangers in the park.

The joy that Lottie brought to Kerry’s life inspired her to start an online group to brighten other dog-lovers’ days too

Lottie has had such a positive impact on my life in every way. I was diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease and the doctor said I needed to try and live a happy, stress-free life. After a couple of years of researching dog breeds, we chose a Shih Tzu and here she is!

She’s changed the lives of our whole family massively. Personally, I’ve really benefited from the extra exercise and her calming influence. I have to take tablets each day but Lottie is definitely a pill I couldn’t live without! A dog is the best medicine.

She also brings such joy to our extended family with her love and attention. She greets everyone with a kiss and a cuddle, or rolls over for a tummy tickle! I can’t get out of bed in the morning without a Lottie cuddle – she doesn’t allow it. Lottie isn’t really one for tricks but chasing and fetching balls is one of her favourite things.

A dog is the best medicine

And she hasn’t just brought joy to us. I work in a school office and, after one particularly bad day during the pandemic, I came home, sat on the sofa with a cup of tea and Lottie next to me, and thought ‘I need something else to distract me from work.’

So, in January 2021, Barking Mad Cheshire came alive. It’s a group for dog lovers and businesses, and a year later I’ve got over 4,500 members. The joy and positivity that Lottie and the other dogs in the group have brought to so many people is unbelievable. I’ve received a number of messages saying how the group has helped people during sad times and got them through difficult days, especially during the pandemic.

Lottie is such a joy and I can’t imagine my life without her. She’s a loving, loyal little dog.

Judy will always be grateful for how much Jenna has helped her daughter, Hannah

Jenna is three years old now, though we’ve had her since she was a puppy. She is a beautiful Springer Spaniel. Her best friend is a Labrador called Max, who she loves to chase around. Jenna has many funny habits and is a massive counter-surfer. Once, when she was extra hungry because of the steroids she had to take, she managed to steal a steak pie, an entire cake and a chicken breast from the table!

Stay by her side

Jenna has helped my daughter, Hannah, to cope with her poor mental health. She seems to know when Hannah is having a bad day and will stay by her side or drop a ball into Hannah’s lap, so she has to throw it and play. This really helps to bring her out of a low mood. We all love Jenna so much, and I don’t know what we’d do without her.