Flo was an isolation puppy from the Dogs Trust. She came into our lives at just the right time. Both my mum and I are frontline workers caring for the local community. And my dad recently had his right leg amputated after a long battle with cancer. We live in a small secluded village and we were worried about how my dad would cope with being housebound while we were both at work.
In came Flo, with her unusual beagle colours and regal attitude. She fits right in with our older dog Flash and has already become the boss of the house. She’s more interested in snuggling up to my dad on the sofa than playing in the garden. And every Thursday at 9pm she sits on the spot for the clapping for our carers. We all think she believes this round of applause is for her – she even pops a paw up when it’s over!
She came into our lives at just the right time
She loves her home comforts and drags her blanket with her everywhere she goes. She’s always ready for nap o’clock. But most of all she loves tummy rubs. She is now 14 weeks’ old and celebrating her fourth week with the family who love and spoil her far too much already.
When I asked the family what their favourite thing about Flo was everyone was in agreement: it was her love of carrying a stick on every walk, especially when they’re three times the size of her and too heavy to carry.
It’s Flo’s world really, we just live in it.
Waffle unexpectedly bounded into our lives after meeting her with Foxhound Welfare UK at Dogs Unleashed last September 2021. She has boundless energy and loves taking part in Canicross runs and hikes. She loves to sing in the evening and always likes a snuggle.
She keeps us on our toes all the time
She is an escape artist so keeps us on our toes all the time. She even took herself for an unscheduled run on Christmas morning, followed by my husband wearing his slippers. She's certainly made herself feel at home and we couldn't imagine life without her now (even when she does empty the kitchen bins).
Tony, a scruffy little Brussels Griffon pup, has completely changed my life since I brought him home four months ago. As a visibly physically disabled person, I was always aware of people looking at me when I was out and about, but now it's Tony who gets all the attention – which both he and I love!
He brings a smile to my face
He's given me a reason to get up and out in the morning. He brings a smile to my face every time I look at him, even when he appears with my shoes, socks or even my coat in his mouth, and I cannot imagine life without him.
He's a real 'Velcro' dog and I wouldn't have him anywhere other than right by my side – even when his chosen sleeping place at night is on my head!
Four years ago in September, I suddenly lost my dad to cancer. We didn’t know he had it until a few days before he passed away. I was very close to him and often helped with his shopping, cleaning and gardening. Losing him was a really big shock and it left me in quite a dark place.
He’s always by my side when I’m feeling low
After this happened, my husband suggested that we get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as I’ve been wanting one for years. So, on my birthday in December, we got Fudge! He’s been amazing and he’s always by my side when I’m feeling low. We named him Fudge because when my dad was ill, all he wanted to eat was original fudge! When trying to think of a name for him, it was the perfect choice to remember him by.
We’ve had Pickle since she was two years old, when another family decided they no longer wanted her.
Our youngest daughter had been suffering from mental health issues for several years and persuaded us that a therapy dog would really help her move forward in a positive way.
She brings great joy to our lives
In actual fact, Pickle has been a blessing to the entire family. From daily dog walks, chasing squirrels and learning new tricks, to constant cuddles, making us smile and finishing our ice creams, she brings great joy to our lives.
Pickle has saved our family and helped us navigate difficult times. We cannot imagine life without our gorgeous furry friend, and we love her to the moon and back.
Brody is the most loving dog. He brought my partner and I closer togetherwhen we took him on his daily walks during lockdown. He is patient, caring and playful, and he always looks after our new-born son, laying with him when he cries, or staying at our feet when we feed him.
He always looks after our new-born son
He also has a great sense of humour and a very playful character. For instance, he likes to survey the neighbourhood as though he’s a watchdog, he barks at his treats and spends hours playing with his ball. Brody is a truly special dog.