With Graham by her side, Emma has the confidence to go out and experience new things, and now the pair are inseparable.

Since Graham has come into my life, he’s inspired me to get out and explore new places, as well as meet new people. I have never been a confident or particularly sociable person but having Graham by my side helps me to feel better and there isn’t anywhere I would go without him!

He’s come with me on a seven-mile-hike around the Peak District, travelled up to my hometown of Sheffield and even comes with me into cafes. Having him has pushed my partner and I to hire a camper van and travel around the Scottish Highlands. It’s always been a dream of mine, and now it’s even more special because he can come along with us!

Helps me to feel better

Graham is a very loving dog and is everyone’s best friend, even if he’s just met them. He is always up for a cuddle and loves giving people a ‘hug’ (where he puts his paw over your arm). I think meeting new people is one of his favourite things, along with food! He loves all food and will shamelessly do tricks for you in an attempt to get some – I haven’t found anything he won’t eat yet, even lettuce!

He’s also a pro at posing for the camera. Because of him photography is now a new hobby of mine, and of course he’s my favourite thing to take photos of. He is such a special dog and I honestly couldn’t imagine my life without him.

The past year has been incredibly difficult for Theresa, but Bella’s been there for her every step of the way

Bella came to us at a very stressful and distressing time. At the end of October 2022, my late mum had a stroke, which sped up her dementia. A couple of weeks later, our dear dog of eight years lay down one night and left us. Whilst reeling from all this, mum and I were determined to share our home with another rescue dog.

As my mum's health deteriorated, Bella never left her side

This was when sweet, gentle Bella came into our lives. She’s a Greyhound cross and the most caring dog. As my mum's health deteriorated, Bella never left her side until she went to bed at night. After that, she would come to me.

Even when mum became totally bed-bound, Bella would sit next to her, close enough for mum to stroke her. Since mum passed, she still enjoys lying in her bedroom and spending the evenings with me.

Heather has adopted many Miniature Schnauzer’s in her lifetime, but few live up to Bella Bear

We rescue female Miniature Schnauzer dogs from puppy farms. Over the past 20 years, we’ve rescued 16 – each with their own set of fears, neuroses, strange habits and physical problems after years in the most dreadful environments.

Two years ago, we suddenly lost a very young rescue who had a heart murmur. I looked online and saw that there was a nine-month-old Miniature Schnauzer in a rescue in Wales. On the hottest day of the year, we travelled 300 miles to get her and 300 miles to bring her home. Since that day she has delighted us with her youth, her love for everyone and her exuberance for life.

She is a true joy

She is always happy. She insists on cuddling and playing with the four much older dogs we have and they seem to forget their traumas and woes when they’re around her. She patrols the garden endlessly to ensure no pigeon, jackdaw, or rook lands. But she’ll give robins and blackbirds safe access. She insists on taking out a soft toy every time she goes into the garden. But she always leaves them there. She greets us with squeals of delight even if we’ve only been gone for five minutes. She sleeps between us on her own pillow, never moving, but pressing against my back as though to say ‘I’ve got you’. Everyone loves Bella Bear. Although we don’t seek a reward for rescuing these dogs, I believe she is our reward for looking after all our ‘damaged’ girls over the years. She is a true joy.

Iggy’s love of fun and games makes every day a joy for Thomas’s family

Iggy is a Beagle cross who loves other dogs but can be a little shy with new people. She’s a typical beagle, mischievous and noisy – if you talk to Iggy she talks back. Her favourite pastimes are sniffing, digging, zoomies, playing ball, smothering her cat brother with kisses and stealing anything that will fit in her mouth and running away as fast as she can.

Iggy adores her family and squeals with joy whenever any of us come home, even if we’ve only been gone for five minutes. She can’t just wag her tail, she wags with her whole body. Iggy is very goofy, playful and always on the go, but she also appreciates a good nap with her blanket. It’s amazing how she can go from flat out galloping to fast asleep in the blink of an eye.

Iggy is the baby of our family and her big doughy puppy dog eyes and huge floppy ears make it impossible to be annoyed with her even when she’s being cheeky. To us Iggy is perfect and we love her very much flaws and all.

She can’t just wag her tail, she wags with her whole body

Despite her difficult start in life, Minnie has continued to thrive ever since Debby rescued her from Romania

My little dog is such a brave star and quite deservedly has a big fan club of schoolchildren. They can't wait to gather round and fuss her when I go to our village school to collect my five-year-old grandson.

She sits like a little angel and patiently enjoys all the stroking and oohs and aahs from the boys and girls. One mum was thrilled when her little girl stroked Minnie as she usually has a terrible fear of dogs, so well done to Minnie for being so lovely!

Minnie learned to be brave as a tiny puppy as she was born at the side of a motorway and one of her siblings was actually killed by the traffic. Fortunately, Minnie and her mum were saved and taken to a rescue shelter in Romania, which was safe but rather bleak and cold.

She was born at the side of a motorway

I had been considering a rescue dog for a while and I just knew this little pup was the one for me. Once again, Minnie had to be brave as she spent three days travelling in a small crate from Romania to the UK in January. It must have been gruelling despite the love and care from the marvellous volunteers at the charity.

Since her ordeal, Minnie has blossomed into the sweet, cuddly, gentle, funny and friendly little darling that she is now. She is so funny when she is on her sock-stealing missions. She thinks she’s so clever but she just looks hilarious as she dashes away on her tiny little Queen Anne legs with a pair of socks flapping in her mouth!

She has also started spinning round and round at 100 miles an hour, trying to catch her bushy squirrel tail! And yes, she is a funny shape – a bit of a hairy sausage with stumpy legs and the fluffiest curly tail. But she is a bundle of love and the best little friend anyone could ever want.

After Bella was diagnosed with heart failure last year, Kelly has been treasuring every moment she spends with her

Bella, my dachshund, has brought immeasurable joy and positivity to my life through her quirky behaviours, love and companionship. She has a few endearing quirks, such as barking for food and nudging her bowl for water, which add structure to my day and strengthen our bond. Bella also enjoys sitting at the window and watching the world go by, which is calming and relaxing for both of us.

Despite Bella's positive impact on my life, we received the devastating news on Boxing Day that she had heart failure. It was heart-breaking to hear, especially after she had already undergone spinal surgery to treat intervertebral disc disease. However, we are doing everything possible to ensure Bella is comfortable and receiving the best care possible. Though it is a challenging time for our family, Bella's resilience and determination continue to inspire us.

Bella's positive impact on my life is immeasurable

Bella's spinal surgery and recovery was a long process that required patience and care, but the experience brought us closer together. Her resilience in the face of adversity was nothing short of remarkable, and her recovery has been a testament to the enduring bond between pets and their owners. Today, Bella is back to her playful and energetic self, and we are grateful for the veterinary care and support that helped her heal.

Bella's constant companionship, love and affection have provided me with a sense of purpose and responsibility. Her presence has also increased my physical activity and appreciation for nature. She inspires me to spend more time outside and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Despite the challenges we face with Bella's heart failure, we are cherishing the time we have left with her. She continues to provide us with love and companionship, and we are thankful for every moment we have together. Bella's positive impact on my life is immeasurable, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her as a companion and pet.