Ezra helped Katy through her post-natal depression and now he is a patient and gentle companion for her two-year-old son

Ezra is our whippet, our first dog and my first ever dog. He makes us laugh every day with his scattiness and crazy zooming and he gives the best cuddles. He also steals any bit of food available and he has the perfect pointed snout for sniffling the last of my tea, even when I think he's fast asleep.

Ezra was four years old when our little boy was born, two months before the pandemic started. At first, Ezzy was scared of the crying, but he soon came to be a doting big brother.

He’s always there for me

That crying felt like it didn't stop for 13 months though as our son had severe colic, and I spiralled into severe post-natal depression and anxiety. Ezra was, and still is, always there for me. He’s a constant calm support and he’s so patient and gentle with our now two-year-old little boy.

Ezra has really helped put a smile on my face every day, and he got me out of bed or out the house, even when I really didn't want to. I will love him always.

Sophie was told Mildred would never be affectionate, but she’s gone on to defy everyone’s expectations

We got our Mildred from a Rescue home in Chobam around 11 years ago. She didn't have the best start to life, as she was mistreated quite badly as a puppy. We were told by the trainer that she would never be able to give us cuddles or love, as her upbringing had made it hard for her to trust humans.

We decided to give Millie a chance, as we knew we could give her the love she deserved. The first year or two was difficult, as we tried to train her and gain her trust. But we pulled through, and now she’s the most loving, loyal and caring dog.

She’s the most loving, loyal and caring dog

She truly is part of the family, and she’s even become a part-time therapy dog to us. She knows when anyone is feeling down or upset and will cuddle right up to us. She has these eyes that look right into you. But we have to make sure we have a little treat for her after – especially cheese!

For a dog that was never expected to show love, it’s extremely hard to get her out of our beds! She truly is the best. It just goes to show, if you give dogs a chance and offer them the love they deserve, they’ll be forever grateful.

Ayda is always by Alyson’s side, whether she’s heading to work or healing from an injury

Ayda is an ex-racing Greyhound. During the first COVID lockdown, when there was no Greyhound racing, her trainer put her up for adoption with a local rescue. From the minute I saw her, I knew she was coming home with us.

From the minute I saw her, I knew she was coming home with us

She’s the most gentle dog. I take her to the care home where I work, and everyone loves her. I also volunteer for the small rescue who rehomed her. We stand outside supermarkets raising much-needed funds for them.

Ayda loves people and she’ll draw you in with her eyes, then she’ll lean on you with all her weight. Recently I broke my ankle, and I don't know how I would have coped without her. During the day, she was my only company – and a good listener, too. She means the world to me. She's my best friend and a truly amazing dog.

Deb’s dog Mac may look like an old man, but he’s got the spirit of a young pup

Mac is my confidant. I have health issues and have had to retire because of them, but Mac keeps me going, even on my darkest days. It’s almost as though he can sense when things are really bad, because he’ll always give me lots of cuddles to cheer me up.

Mac keeps me going

Balls are his favourite toy, so he has a rather large collection. He also has a few quirky habits, like how he hates walking on the tiled floor and will refuse to come in unless I put his bed down for him, or how much he barks at the postman. Mac always waits until you’ve finished your food before he eats his, just in case you give him any extras!

As he’s getting old, he has a few health issues now, but as soon as you throw a ball, he turns into a young pup again. He does look like an old man with his bushy eyebrows and podgy tummy, but that just makes him all the more adorable.

Flossie never leaves Hannah’s side, even on her wedding day and honeymoon!

My dog Flossie is my fur baby. She comes absolutely everywhere with me and my husband, including our wedding six months ago. Flossie was the guest of honour and made our day even more special.

We also took her on our honeymoon to the Lake District, where we had lots of fun adventures together, from climbing hills to riding a steam train.

She was the guest of honour at our wedding

Flossie’s favourite thing in the world is socks – she will sneak upstairs and have a good rummage through the washing pile until she finds one. She then proceeds to bury her sock treasure in any blanket or cushion she can find. If you leave a sock somewhere, it’s fair game!

Flossie recently celebrated her fourth birthday. The above photo is from her annual birthday photoshoot. There are more photos of Flossie in our phones than anything else – I’m sure all dog owners can relate!

Ever since rescuing Piper, life’s been all fun and games for owner Samantha and family

We rescued Piper from Bosnia. It took months of stress and heartache to get her and we really thought she was never going to get here.

Since she arrived the day before my birthday (perhaps that was fate) she has brought so much joy into our lives. She's so much fun, so cheeky and compassionate. We could never imagine life without her.

She's too clever for her own good, or ours more to the point!

She's too clever for her own good, or ours more to the point! She's learnt so much since she has been with us. She didn't know how to sit, but now she can sit pretty, as well as roll over and play dead. The list goes on and she absolutely loves training and learning.

"Find it" is her favourite game. Well, almost. I think her real favourite is playing victim and being chased around the house. We always know when she wants to play this – we get a slap from both paws on the backside, then it's game on. I may be very biased, but she's the most amazing puppy in the world!