With Thelma by her side, Debbie can accomplish anything

Thelma is the happiest, most caring canine. She's training to be my assistance dog and is doing amazingly. When I’m out, she alerts me if I’m having a panic attack.

I wouldn’t be where I am now without her

We've had her since she was a crazy puppy, back when she loved nothing more than bouncing off the sofa. With all her training, she's become muchcalmer, and always helps everyone we meet.

When we’re out, Thelma takes her working life very seriously, but she still has a silly side. She’s always zooming around the garden and is obsessed with food. I wouldn’t be where I am now without her. She’s my rock.

Rex brought joy back into Gemma’s life after her mental health suffered while she was in the Army

I got Rex at a very low point in my life. I was in the Army, based down south. I felt very alone and was struggling with my mental health and had a silly attempt at taking some pills.

I truly believe he saved my life

I realised the only thing that gave me any joy was the time I spent around dogs. So, I came across someone looking to rehome Rex and I considered whether I could be the person he needed. I believed I was, and it turns out he was exactly what I needed too.

I truly believe Rex saved my life. Four years on, I’m out of the Army and I have a fiancée who has two kids, so me and Rex are now part of their family.

Sharon has a soft spot for Mabel the mischief maker.

Mabel is a blonde bundle of fluffy fun, with a laid-back personality. She loves everyone and she thinks that everyone automatically loves her!

She thinks that everyone automatically loves her!

I love that she is a bit of a monkey, who totally doesn’t care if she has done something wrong. She just looks at you with her big brown eyes as if to say ‘what’s the problem?’

My favourite thing to do is cuddle her, as well as teaching her new tricks. Now she can high-five, beg, give a paw and roll over.

Ozzy has stuck Aimee through some of the very hardest times, bringing sunshine day after day

My husky Ozzy really is my soul dog – that dog you connect with on a different level. I feel he and I were meant to be together. I rescued him when he was three in 2010. He's seen me the through the loss of four babies, the loss of my dad and several rather awful relationships.

I feel he and I were meant to be together

His love is unwavering. I've lost count of the amount of times he's pressed his face into mine when I've cried into his fur. He's now almost 15 and has lots of lumps, arthritis and is deaf and going blind, but he still thinks he's a puppy and is absolutely giddy telling me he needs his tea or frolicking on the beach. After a car accident in 2012 and working long hours away from him and my other dogs, he inspired me to start my own dog walking business which is now into its 10th year of business.

Oz has been into schools with me to teach young ones about how to approach dogs and has also been to lots of events as he inspired me to be a part of several husky rescues and to take on foster dogs before setting up my own business. When Oz goes it is going to leave a huge hole in my life and heart, but I'm so thankful that the best years of his life I've got to share.

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.

Both Daniel and Coco have overcome hardship to be all smiles with each other

I am a serving police officer, and have been for the last five years. I recently suffered a breakup with a long-term partner and went through the torrid time of organising the separation and dividing assets. Once this was completed, I looked to adopt a stray puppy, a puppy that I could come home to and who would give a bit of companionship.

All she asks for in return is a bit of cuddling on the sofa and some attention

I found Coco online and couldn’t resist applying for her having heard how she was found hung up in a bag in a tree and just abandoned. I was successful with my application and this little bundle of fluff came into my life. She’s been so good with everything that’s been thrown at her – her training is going well, she walks on the lead nicely, she listens to commands, and all she asks for in return is a bit of cuddling on the sofa and some attention.

She is the same colours as the rugby team I play for, and is a firm club favourite whenever I play, finding herself on the sideline distracting people from the game. I’ve attached the photo that shows her favourite place in the house, a little sun trap that overlooks the street we live on, where I will always find her when she isn’t snoozing away on the sofa.