After the pandemic left Jade feeling isolated and alone, Fergal was exactly what she needed to get back out and enjoy life

By no exaggeration, Fergal has changed my life. I desperately wanted a dog for a bit of companionship. After all the lockdowns and craziness of 2020, I had really lost my way. The days moulded into one and I had nothing to look forward to.

Then Fergal came along, and my life has never felt so full. He comes everywhere with me, like my little sidekick who gives me a confidence boost when I need it. His lust for life is contagious. He makes me laugh every day, and the best part is how much of a social life he has opened up for me.

I truly underestimated how wonderful having a dog would be

I'd never have the confidence to strike up a conversation with just anyone, but with Fergal it's easy. He's always (obviously) the ice breaker. I've met so many wonderful people at his training group, out hiking or whenever he does his wiggly bum dance in front of someone to get attention. He is the most dramatic dog you'll ever wish to meet in the best way possible.

Walks are never quiet these days. He is well known in my area. Even our local lollipop lady carries a special treat for him every morning. He bumps noses with the local horses every day, can clear an entire field of sheep poo in less than 10 minutes, and if he hears the ice cream van jingle, he won’t move from the front door until you take him to get his 99 cone.

I truly underestimated how wonderful having a dog would be. I adore him. He is my best friend.

Owner Paul has always enjoyed listening to Percy’s musical talents, and clearly he is not the only one!

Percy is a singer. He has several favourite tunes, but his go-to is A Kind of Magic by Queen. No matter where he is, he can't control himself, if he hears this song he must sing to it!

Singing at the top of his voice

A couple of years ago, we were on holiday in the south of France, and found a pub we liked to go to every evening. One night, Queen came on the jukebox and Percy was away, singing, or more correctly, howling, at the top of his voice – much to the amusement of the guests.

The bar owner cottoned on to this, so every evening at the same time he would turn on the jukebox and Percy would do his thing. One night, there was a Karaoke competition. Needless to say, Percy took center stage – which was an upside down beer barrel with a microphone placed in front of it – and started singing at the top of his voice. He attracted quite a crowd and won by a mile, and afterwards became somewhat of a local celebrity!

Life hasn’t always been kind to Natasha, but Bruiser’s always there to comfort her when she’s having a hard time

We got Bruiser from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in Windsor when he was just 13 weeks old. No one was quite sure what this little puppy had been through, but it must have been traumatic, as he was very timid. We knew as soon as we met him that he’d be coming home with us.

Bruiser is a very quirky dog as we don’t actually know what his breed is. We believe he’s a Lurcher cross, but we’re not sure what he’s crossed with! He has the long legs of a Lurcher, the ears of a Deerhound, the markings and colourings of a Jack Russell, and the stocky build of maybe a Staffy. He also runs as fast as a Whippet and has the temperament of a Labrador or Retriever.

He’s an oddball, just like our family!

He's definitely very unique, which we find quite amusing to be honest. He’s an oddball, just like our family! Bruiser has such a huge positive impact on all of us – he makes us laugh, gets us out for walks in the fresh air and takes us on adventures in new places.

Bruiser has also had a really positive impact on me, personally. I’ve always struggled with my mental health, throughout childhood and into adulthood. Bruiser has helped to calm me down when I am upset or stressed, and he always gives me something to live for and look forward to. There’s nothing better than his cuddles and his love.

Six years ago, I was diagnosed with a very rare illness and, although some people don’t believe it, I really feel that Bruiser can sense when I’m going to be unwell. He becomes very protective over the house and doesn’t leave my side until I feel better. He’s not a service dog so he can’t fetch medicines, but just having him with me makes me feel so much better.

Cleaning just got a whole lot easier now that Lucie has Bruno in her life!

Bruno was a rescue dog from a family who couldn't give him the love and time he needed. He was born with only one eye – he doesn't let that hold him back though, and he can run as fast as any other dog. He's wary of strangers and new environments, but once he gains your trust, he's the sweetest, most lovable dog I know.

He loves to play games like hide-and-seek and chase. And he loves to learn new tricks, too. He loves to crunch on all fruits and vegetables. As soon as hears the vegetable drawer in the fridge open, he dashes to get a treat!

He's the sweetest, most lovable dog I know

The most amazing thing about him is that if you spill or drop something edible in the kitchen, you just need to shout "clean up team". No matter where he is in the house or garden, he will come dashing in to find you and will lick it up immediately. If he can't see it straight away, just point and he will find it.

He is the most amazing dog I have ever met and my family and I would be lost without him.

Laura’s dog Milo is so kind and gentle, you can’t help but adore him

I adopted Milo from an elderly lady who could no longer care for him, but prior to that I used to be his walker. He’s now a happy part of our family, alongside our other two dogs and our two cats, who he adores playing with.

He’s now a happy part of our family

Milo has a calm and caring nature and will always jump onto your lap for snuggles. In fact, he’s so gentle he’s regularly invited to the local primary school to be a reading buddy for the children. He gets to spend some quiet time with them and their books and helps them to stay relaxed.

Our dog has brought so much love and affection into our lives. We just couldn’t be without him!

With her appreciation for the finer things in life, Emily’s dog Indi is about as elegant as they come – until food’s involved

Indi is a Weimaraner who we rescued from a dogs’ home four years ago. It immediately became clear that she was a real lady, as she showed a preference for soft carpet and a tendency to sit with her front paws crossed.

We still can’t comprehend how she ended up in a home

She was initially incredibly wary of people and other dogs, but over the years she’s become increasingly social and now loves nothing better than a pack walk. She comes everywhere with us and adores the hospitality of local restaurants and pubs.

Her favourite is doggy tapas (her tastes are quite upmarket). But while she appears a true lady, she has the eating habits of an absolute pig and takes an ‘eat now and ask questions later’ approach.

Indi has brought an incredible amount of joy to our lives, and we still can’t comprehend how she ended up in a home. She is one in a million.